Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

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Hi y’all. Sorry, this is more a super basic question (not fully a rehab or rescue question). Do you have steps you always do when you get a secondhand bag (leather or fabric)? Thinking about standard cleaning and sanitizing especially when the bag doesn’t look visibly dirty. New to the vintage bag journey and got a couple bags off Poshmark that look pretty decent and don’t need “fixing” but was curious from a general cleanliness side. Thanks in advance!
In addition to what @Narnanz does, I always at least damp wipe cloth linings. Even if they aren't visibly dirty, there still is dust and lint. If the lining pulls out, I might actually wash with soapy water. With all leather bags, even if you aren't going to wash them, you can still damp wipe the interior. Most conditioners also clean so I'll use that on the outside. I've never used saddle soap.
 
Wiping down with white Vinager helps to prevent and treat mold. Keep them separate from other bags until you are sure.
I always give them a clean. Even if they look ok..you might be surprised.
Saddle soap the leather ones if they don't need a dunk.
Condition and stuff to shape.
Fabric ones turn inside out and brush out...wipe down. Condition any leather parts...stuff as well.
This is what I would do.
This is so helpful, thank you! For the vinegar, any need to be cautious with lighter colored bags?
 
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In addition to what @Narnanz does, I always at least damp wipe cloth linings. Even if they aren't visibly dirty, there still is dust and lint. If the lining pulls out, I might actually wash with soapy water. With all leather bags, even if you aren't going to wash them, you can still damp wipe the interior. Most conditioners also clean so I'll use that on the outside. I've never used saddle soap.

In addition to what @Narnanz does, I always at least damp wipe cloth linings. Even if they aren't visibly dirty, there still is dust and lint. If the lining pulls out, I might actually wash with soapy water. With all leather bags, even if you aren't going to wash them, you can still damp wipe the interior. Most conditioners also clean so I'll use that on the outside. I've never used saddle soap.
Thank you! And yes fully agree about no visible dirt not equating to a clean item. One of the bags that came in has a fabric lining that pulls out so definitely going to follow along with your suggestions. Thanks again!
 
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Hi y’all. Sorry, this is more a super basic question (not fully a rehab or rescue question). Do you have steps you always do when you get a secondhand bag (leather or fabric)? Thinking about standard cleaning and sanitizing especially when the bag doesn’t look visibly dirty. New to the vintage bag journey and got a couple bags off Poshmark that look pretty decent and don’t need “fixing” but was curious from a general cleanliness side. Thanks in advance!
You can vacuum the interior and use leather cleaner and then conditoner on the exterior. You can use non-alcohol baby wipes to wipe down the lining.
 
Hello all! I have an edge burnishing question… for those who burnish their strap edges, I think that is the very last thing you do? After Blackrock/Renapur? I’ve read through as many edge burnishing posts as I can find (including @LunaSilver ’s excellent tutorials!) but haven’t been able to confirm that exact info. TIA!!
 
I just finished rehabbing this cutie patootie little bag. Love this little cutie! Much too small for me, but a fun rehab. Washed, conditioned, reinforced with leather glue some areas by the strap attachment. No creed. If anyone knows style/approx year made, thanks!! I'm pretty sure that I have a ginormous version of a similar bag in my closet from when I shopped the outlet store around 2010...

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I just finished rehabbing this cutie patootie little bag. Love this little cutie! Much too small for me, but a fun rehab. Washed, conditioned, reinforced with leather glue some areas by the strap attachment. No creed. If anyone knows style/approx year made, thanks!! I'm pretty sure that I have a ginormous version of a similar bag in my closet from when I shopped the outlet store around 2010...

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Small bags like this were usually called swing packs. Due to the style of the lettering, I'd bet this was called Ashley.

Apparently there are tons listed with price tags. Maybe you'll get lucky and find the style number.
 
I am reviving this old post because it contains information from several manufacturers regarding the use of various leather conditioners on Nubuck Leather. I am writing to ask if anyone has tried Leather CPR on Nubuck? Or are there any other products that have worked well for you on Nubuck bags? Thanks!
I’ve used a product from Angelus called Suede Renew I think- it’s a spray suede conditioner. Labeled to use on suede and nubuc. Worked well to soften up my suede bag. Doesn’t clean though, just conditions and softens so item must be clean and dry before using.
 
Thanks so much for the feedback, mpd! I mistakenly presumed that Coach's Moisturizer was my best choice, but will order Blackrocks right now!!!

What does the silicone in the Coach moisturizer do to the leather? Would it be best to re-dunk my little beauty??? TYIA!!!

Edited to ask where one might buy Blackrocks in Canada? Thank you!
This is a bit late, but in case anyone else is reading I have been ordering Blackrock through the mail from a horse saddlery store called Pleasant Ridge, in Brantford Ontario (I have ordered 2 times so far and no issues, came quickly).
 
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As some of you know, I have recently become interested in Kooba bags, which are no longer in production. If you are interested, the link below is for a NWT Kooba Aubrey bag in Almond from 2014, that I purchased on Poshmark for $42. It was a very easy rehab and I am looking forward to carrying it!

 
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I just finished rehabbing this cutie patootie little bag. Love this little cutie! Much too small for me, but a fun rehab. Washed, conditioned, reinforced with leather glue some areas by the strap attachment. No creed. If anyone knows style/approx year made, thanks!! I'm pretty sure that I have a ginormous version of a similar bag in my closet from when I shopped the outlet store around 2010...

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Great job! How's long is that strap drop? It looks longer than usual!
 
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