Dooney Beauty Parlour

[KiltyR45]

I don’t have any Alto’s in my collection but let’s tag @lavenderjunkie.

I wrapped the tassels in paper towels and taped them to dry.

When I got my Kingston, it needed to be cleaned badly. I did get the tassels wet, and used 2 clear rubber bands (from the arsenal of kids hair products I’ve accumulated 😆) to place around them, towards the bottom. They didn’t leave any indentations. And they are still laying flat.

 

[KiltyR45]

What have people used on alto leather? My Camilla looks dry and has a few scratches that need buffing out. I was tempted to try apple brand or Cadillac… but was curious if anyone has experience with cleaning/ conditioning alto

I don’t have any Alto’s in my collection. But I do have in my leather care, Cadillac & Leather CPR. I do recommend both products, but definitely Leather CPR 💯. Leather CPR I’ve used the most, and it’s amazing. I’ve used it on my vintage coach & Dooney, and Florentine bags. Cleans up the leather without darkening it.

While the outside cleaned up beautifully, the lining became orange from the leather dye seeping in. Anything lined should not be dunked in my opinion. In fact, I don't think I will dunk anything ever again.

I’ve dunked majority of my vintage coach bags. I haven’t dunked any Dooney’s, because they tend to be heavier, and have bottom bases that I worry would warp.

Next time, pull out the inner lining if you can. You can wash the bag with some Dawn soap or bar soap like Zote or Fels Naptha. I recommend getting a gentle bristle laundry brush. You can clean the bag with that plus the soap. Or you can get some Fiebing’s saddle soap. I’ve used both methods. I prefer the saddle soap, but if the bag really needs to be cleaned, then the soapy route is best.

For the inner lining, I recommend the soap above and the gentle bristle brush. The nylon brushes can pull at the nap of the material, especially the bags with inner canvas lining. If the inner lining is red, I recommend a towel underneath, because that red will bleed. You can blot with a warm washcloth or run it under the tap, and let the lining dry on a towel after.

 

[G.Allyn]

I don’t have any Alto’s in my collection but let’s tag @lavenderjunkie.


When I got my Kingston, it needed to be cleaned badly. I did get the tassels wet, and used 2 clear rubber bands (from the arsenal of kids hair products I’ve accumulated 😆) to place around them, towards the bottom. They didn’t leave any indentations. And they are still laying flat.

Good idea! Amazing how refreshed tassels make the bag look new.

 

[Lilybarb]

Good idea! Amazing how refreshed tassels make the bag look new.

Yes! I used rubber bands on the tassels before I discovered the Pecan Tanned Beauty on utube & she introduced me to make up brush shapers. Those are the king tassle shapers!

 

[mushroomNgrass]

I got those mesh brush covers from Amazon too. best thing since sliced bread. I keep them in the zip pockets when I’m using a bag, then put them back on the tassels when I’m done carrying and store the bag. They won’t get lost in the changing of the bags. Well worth the $

 

[lavenderjunkie]

Yes, the mesh makeup brush covers are on all my tassels too! Great discovery.

 

[kimarley]

I'm curious what's best for Alto leather bags also....

 

[lavenderjunkie]

I'm curious what's best for Alto leather bags also....

Don't understand your question?
Alto bags don't have tassels.
I remove the hangtags and any detachable straps when I store my Alto bags.
so as not to damage the leather. I also make sure that handles are up and
not pressed against the front or back of the bag, and that the bag isn't
leaning against anything. Also, leather should not be stored in plastic...
it needs to breathe.... so no plastic bags and no plastic boxes.

 

[KiltyR45]

Don't understand your question?
Alto bags don't have tassels.
I remove the hangtags and any detachable straps when I store my Alto bags.
so as not to damage the leather. I also make sure that handles are up and
not pressed against the front or back of the bag, and that the bag isn't
leaning against anything. Also, leather should not be stored in plastic...
it needs to breathe.... so no plastic bags and no plastic boxes.

I think they’re asking about cleaning the bag. I don’t have any Alto’s in my collection, what have you used to clean up yours?

I'm curious what's best for Alto leather bags also....

If you want to clean the bag, I’d get either some Leather CPR. Cadillac leather conditioner is also a good conditioner, it’s lighter, so that may be best for Alto leather.

 

[KiltyR45]

I received this Florentine satchel in pretty rough shape; a lot of scratches and dirty on the outside. i cleaned up the bag with Fiebing’s saddle soap, and used leather cpr on it.

D&B Flap Tab Satchel - 8L667 - in the color natural. This bag was offered for only 2 years on Dooney, between the years 2012-2014.


BEFORE
View attachment 5959790View attachment 5959791View attachment 5959792


AFTER
View attachment 5959793View attachment 5959794View attachment 5959796

 

[lavenderjunkie]

I don't have any need to clean any of my Alto bags with anything other than a
soft dry cloth. So I can't give any
advice. I also don't condition them.