how to get rid of stickiness on handles :(

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ohfoos

ohfoos

Bal Addict
O.G.
Mar 21, 2009
197
0
#1
So I recently purchased a Cognac City where seller described the handles as "slightly darkened but not sticky at all." I received the bag 2 days ago and the handles are darker than I had expected (as seen in pics), and while I'm not a fan of darkened handles I can live with it since it's not turning black or anything. What bothers me more are the sticky handles. Does anyone know how to effectively get rid of the stickiness?

I researched all night on here and read through most of the discussion on how to clean handles. I don't think I have the courage to try TKO but I tried the cornstarch method. Tried it last night and this morning (first time mixed with cleanser second time just straight cornstarch). Didn't work. I've given up on trying to un-darken the handles, all I want now is make the handles not sticky anymore. Any home method other than sending it to LMB? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!!! :D Thanks so much~
 
#2
I would send the bag to LMB. That's lovinmybags.com. Most home remedies either don't work, are time-consuming and don't produce the best results, or may do further damage.

LMB has experience with Balenciaga and can make the handles look like new. Prices are on the website and you can email with further questions. They did an amazing job on one of my bbags; it came back looking new again.
 
#3
^Thanks for the advice roey! Yeah LMB will be my last resort... the reason being that it costs $185 just to clean the handles and if I had taken that into consideration I would not have purchased the bag. Since the bag is not my HG or anything it's hard for me to spend that much $$$ on top of what I already paid for the bag (thinking that it was in great condition you know). Sigh...
 
#5
Thanks RERE. Since I'm a newbie I didn't know what the problem "sticky handles" is like until now... and it's really really annoying! And I'm very used to secondhand things as well so little things usually don't bother me, but even for me this is too much.

What do you think is a reasonable partial refund if I'm allowed to ask this. I paid $850 for them and sticky handles were definitely not mentioned. Thanks~
 
#7
Agree with RERE. You can also take it one step further and file a SNAD (for an item Significantly Not as Described) if you paid with paypal. Since the seller specifically stated the handles "are not sticky at all" and they are, you have a valid complaint.

I would start by trying to work things out with the seller via email asking for a $185 refund to send the bag to LMB for the cleaning of the handles (Don't send the bag for cleaning and take her word that she'll refund afterwards; you want the money in hand first.). If she declines, file the SNAD and proceed from there. Save all correspondence for your case.

Good luck!
 
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#8
Thank you roey and RERE for your input! I really appreciate it :smile1:

I need to correct myself though, the sales page was gone before I had a chance to save it (for potential problems like this) so I was paraphrasing the "slightly darkened but not sticky at all" part. But I just found the closed ebay listing page now and in seller's exact words: "Handles have darkened only slightly." No mention of stickiness. If a flaw is not mentioned does that also count as "item not as described"?

I've never minded buying bags in used condition, but this experience might be deterring me from doing so in the future... :-s (or at least buy it from someone that takes care of her bags really well ;)) It just really sucks because how do you provide evidence for "stickiness" you know?

Anyway I'm trying to work with the seller and we'll see how it goes... oh man and yes I think I need the luck :p
 
#9
Yes, if a flaw isn't mentioned then I think you still have a case. She also said slightly darkened handles and in your original post you mention they are darker than you expected. The seller wasn't completely honest about the condition.
 
#12
Hey, just as a suggestion, I've managed to get rid of sticky handles by gently wiping the handles with a damp cloth that had a little mild, natural wool detergent on it. You may have to repeat this once or twice. Once handles are dry, put some lmb or similar leather conditioner on. It won't get rid of the darkened handles but it'll get rid of the stickiness. I hate sticky handles but love older bags and found this works well for me.
 
#13
Here's what works for me: leather cleaner. I apply some onto a clean cloth and gently rub the handles several times. It almost always gets rid of all the stickiness for me (though it won't get rid of the darkening).
 
#14
I read somewhere on the hermes forum that plain artist's clay will get rid of the sticky darkened handles and draw the oils out. It's supposed to work better than cornstarch. I have a bag I want to try that out on, but first have to see where I can get the clay!
 
#15
TXGirlie said:
I read somewhere on the hermes forum that plain artist's clay will get rid of the sticky darkened handles and draw the oils out. It's supposed to work better than cornstarch. I have a bag I want to try that out on, but first have to see where I can get the clay!
Click to expand...

any updates? :smile1:
I can feel that my anthra Work handles are becoming sticky now.. being in the Tropic, can't be avoided. Don't think I'll purchase any Apple Leather cleaner, the shipping cost is too high even for a single item - I can send for professional cleaning with that price.
I'd like to try some home remedies if there's any, it's difficult for me to send my bags away for weeks and parting with them and not sure if they're in the safe hands :wondering
 
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