I always clean and condition my bags but rarely do I dunk them. I have over 200 and I've dunked only two or three. I use leather products for leather, suede products for suede and fabric cleaner for fabrics. I did dunk a really gross strap to my Musette though. It took three times to get it cleaned up. I've attached a before and after shot of it.
That bag is a real beauty!
I have around 40 vintage Coach bags. A few I bought new (I am a vintage person, myself) but most I bought at thrift stores. I think I've bathed at least half of them. Some of the bags were practically new and in good shape. I didn't bother bathing them. Most, however, were dirty and/or squished and misshapened. One bag had what looked like dried vomit in the bottom. Bathing helps with shaping the bag, including uncurling straps. When the straps can be detached from the bag, I curl them in the opposite direction as they dry. Another factor, is that I live in a desert. Our humidity is usually under 10 percent. So virtually all of the bags are dry, as is everything else here, including my own self. Bathing seems to help rehydrate the leather. I start applying conditioner while the bag is still damp. I usually apply two or three coats of Lexol, and finish with Blackrocks.
