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

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#46
rootie said:
Wow!!! I'm going to have to do that to the bag my husband bought me at the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Alabama. It's a Mia in berry sateen and has some pretty bad grease stains on the bottom and a small one on the back. I've tried everything but the washing machine, but I'll do it now that I've seen your results!
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Thanks!

Have you tried Goo Gone? It's supposed to remove grease stains but I've never tried it myself.

Using the washing machine is a pretty desperate manuever, but if I have tried everything else and I still don't feel comfortable carrying the bag because of the condition - then I think it is worth a try. But you have to be prepared that it may not work and it might even make things worse.

I feel that it is easier to try "extreme cleaning methods" when the bag was inexpensive; but I would find it hard to "play rough" with a bag that costs a lot of money. But again, if I can't carry it because it is soiled than I might as well try to clean it!

Good luck with your rehab!
 
#48
BEBEPURSE said:
Wow

That turned out awesome!!!! The bag has a new lease on life.

Not only did the previous owner ruin the bag but the black marker under the flap was compliments of SA marking the 12 price on it, in case the price tag came off. They do some serious damage to stuff , with their pricing pen and method of tag attachment (staples and heavy duty metal clasps to keep pairs of shoes together). The SA staff shows little respect for thier own merchandise.
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Thank you for all the great advice!

I know what you mean about the Salvation Army's marking methods! In addition to the $12 marker pen, this bag had a paper label stapled through the leather (with 2 staples!)

The Goodwill and the Savers Thrift Stores use modern tagging methods so I wish that the SA would get up-to-date, too. I realize that they are a charity, but it would be okay if they charged a nickel more per item and used non-damaging tags!

I've noticed that they don't staple tags to the "expensive bags" that they keep protected behind the counter. Even though those bags are often outrageous fakes or in terrible condition (or both!)
 
#49
dstalksalot said:
"But be warned, rehabbing can be very addictive! "

It is!!!
Great job once again! I keep wondering how extreme we will get in our efforts. This one paid off!
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And thank you for all the great rehab advice!

I was also concerned about using "extreme methods" but so far most of my coach projects been able to take some pretty rough treatment; they really do make quality products - especially the older bags.
 
#59
I love catching your threads! You always do such a great job and revitalizing these old pieces that other people assume to be junk but infact can be cleaned up to restore their natural beauty!
 
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