“Out, out damned spot!” Even if it takes 2 trips thru the washer!

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#16
katev said:
I again treated the stains with Shout! but this time I let it sit overnight. Then I rinsed and repeated the straight bleach process but I also let it sit a bit longer. After another rinse I put on the Oxi-Clean spot treatment gel again and put it back in the washer with Woolite.

I stuffed the bag with towels to let it dry but I was worried that the leather might crack because of all this rough treatment. While it was still damp I used 2 applications of leather therapy oil on it and after it completely dried I used apple leather conditioner.

Eureka! The stains were gone! But the linen was pretty wrinkled so I had to use a steam iron to smooth out the canvas! It's a good thing that Coach really built these Bleecker bags tough!

Here are some final after pics. I need to get a new hangtag for her but I borrowed one from another bag for this photoshot. She will never be pristine again but I am very happy with the way she looks now; and she passes my successful rehab question, I will be proud to carry her!

I will show pics of the “under flap” trouble area with the next post.

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What a beautiful job you did!!! Will you share the brand of leather therapy oil you use?? Thank You - Also where can I buy it? Thanks -- Have A Great Day!!! Bobbi
 
#19
Jersey Girl said:
My dh and I both just looked at your rehab of this bag!
We could hardly believe the results! He said you are a miracle worker! :)
Beautiful job!! I think this is a really cute bag too, enjoy her!
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Thank you! And please tell your DH thanks also, but I'm no miracle worker! It just takes a high-quality bag, some elbow grease, good cleaning products, and my stubborn nature!
 
#20
BPerry5726 said:
What a beautiful job you did!!! Will you share the brand of leather therapy oil you use?? Thank You - Also where can I buy it? Thanks -- Have A Great Day!!! Bobbi
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Many leather oils will darken leather but I have successfully used a product called Leather Therapy Restorer & Conditioner (link below) without any problems. It says "will not significantly darken leather" on the label - and it hasn't damaged any of my rehab projects so far.

I get it at a local equestrian shop and they charge plenty for it (like $26 for a large bottle) but I only use a little at a time so it lasts; and I can apply it both to my rehab jobs and other leather products. You can also order it online. It does have an odor but it fades with time and I actually think that it is more pleasant-smelling than the Apple leather conditioner.

When using any new products, it’s always wise to spot test first before doing a full application. Good luck!

http://www.leathertherapy.com/categories/Equestrian-Products
 
#22
WOW katev, I really thought that bag was too far gone, but you did a wonderful job!

Love the style and the clean lines. A classy looking Summer bag.

Great job!

:tup:
 
#23
Amazing restoration on that beautiful bag. Awesome find. Congrats!!

I wish I could find one, luckily the Salvation Army and both Savers aren't too far from me with two Goodwill's along the way, so the hunt begins!!

I just received my sample of the Leather Therapy and can buy it at The Riding Store not too far from me.

Thanks for all of your details of products you have used. It's really helpful.

Kathy
 
#25
that is an incredible transformation! i must admit to seeing your reveals and just feeling so unlucky. i'll never find a great diamond in the rough like that at my thrift stores. but today with this post i realized that i really haven't gone to look for a vintage coach in need of love (and bleach,and oxy,and woolite,and elbow grease,and shout! :greengrin: )

so, you have now inspired me....i will make it my duty to find a little something to work on.

great job once again!
 
#26
ponytail said:
Amazing job! I love this bag --I too have never seen one like it before! $350 in 2000 was a very pricey bag and the quality certainly is evident
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Thanks! And I know what you mean! Why in the world would someone treat a beautiful and expensive bag so badly?!
 
#28
DemRam said:
WOW katev, I really thought that bag was too far gone, but you did a wonderful job!

Love the style and the clean lines. A classy looking Summer bag.

Great job!

:tup:
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Thank you! I was also worried that this might not be suitable for a successful rehab. In fact, I thought that $12 was rather pricey for a bag in such poor condition; but since the money goes to charity I figured "what the heck, give it a try!"

It is a very lovely bag and I am happy with the results.
 
#29
WoW ! An another amazing rehab ! Your one dedicated lady ! :flowers:

I have an older bag I bought on eBay while intoxicated that may need some TLC, considering I only paid $15 for it, I don't care if I mess it up, haha.
 
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