Caring for your bags

[cherrycoke]

how do i care for suede/cow leather bags? my bf just bought one for me n i'm so scared that i'll ruin it accidentally

[snow angel]

Hi cherrycoke:

This was what I learned:

A brush raises the nap and removes dust from suede items. New suedes are subject to"crocking", which means suede dust may rub off on hands and clothes. Crocking can be minimized by rubbing any new suede bag or accessory vigorously with a terry towel.

If suede or leather gets wet or rainspotted, empty the item, stuff it with tissue and let it dry at room temperature. After suede dries, brushing it with a terry towel will restore its appearance.

Brush with suede brush to remove most stains. For stubborn stains, boil some water on the stove and hold bag over steam, then brush with suede brush.

HTH!

[cherrycoke]

thanx! very useful, where di u learn that?

btw,. what's nap n where can i get a suede brush?

u mean all stains can be removed by that method (provided that r not really stubborn stains)? like if colours from clothes rub off on the bag, ink/food stains etc? that would be great!

[pinkvenom]

Dear cherrycoke,

Prevention (of stains) is better than cure!

I had a suede bag a yr ago. But I am a careless and clumsy girl. My bag was ruined after using it for less than 3 times.

I sent to the laundry shop to ask for a professional cleanup on those stains. They couldn't do anything at all to remove the dirt on it.

[snow angel]

Originally posted by cherrycoke
thanx! very useful, where di u learn that?

btw,. what's nap n where can i get a suede brush?

u mean all stains can be removed by that method (provided that r not really stubborn stains)? like if colours from clothes rub off on the bag, ink/food stains etc? that would be great!

nap is the soft n fuzzy surface of the suede/leather..

hmmm.. not too sure where to get a suede brush. maybe u can try those shoe shops like Mister ShoeKey or something like that.. i dun have much idea on this, sorry..

most stains on suede can be brushed off with a stiff brush, damp cloth or sponge. however, suede is prone to water marks.. u know, if like there's rain and all.. u gotta wait for the suede to dry before removing the water marks by brushing it with a suede brush. you can also use a damp cloth or sponge.

n pinkvenom is right.. it's tough to care for suede so prevention is so definitely better than cure..

[loves]

how about caring for plain leather bags? what sort of polish do you recommend i use for soft smooth supple leather?

[keiko]

Originally posted by blushed2003
how about caring for plain leather bags? what sort of polish do you recommend i use for soft smooth supple leather?

I buy the leather moisturiser from Coach to protect my leather bags.

[loves]

thanks keiko! how much is it btw?

[keiko]

Originally posted by blushed2003
thanks keiko! how much is it btw?

err..forgot because hubby paid for it.
hey, i'll pass you some to try

[farahdean]

sharon, they sell leather polish @ gucci for leather bags. i know i bought my 2nd bottle @ a car accesories shop of sorts. go ask the SA @ gucci. it's some $16 IIRC!

edit to add, there are many grades of leather but higher the grade the more luxurious they are & so are harder to care for. you need to clean then polish to keep them supple as you term it. if not kept for a long time, it would harden & crack.

[loves]

Thanks for the info gals!

How often do you think I should polish it? Once a month? or every 2 months or so? It's a really soft buttery leather

Evon thanks for your sweet offer but my hubby just passed me his leather polish... will try first and will run to you for help if needed

[pinkvenom]

I read somewhere in the papers that it is advised to keep your leather bag in the bag (acts as a protector) which came along with your purchase. Empty the bag everytime you finish using, and store your leather bag in the bag. This will slow down the "aging process" of your precious leather bag.

I think they're right, I keep my bags in such manner, and my bags look like they're new!

[hula_girl]

i also use the coach leather cleanser and moisturizer on my leather bags. it makes the leather so soft to the touch!! i bought mine like 4 years ago, and according to the price tag on the box it was US$14 for both the cleanser and moisturizer. i think you can buy it anywhere that sells coach bags.

test the products in a small area (inside or on the bottom) first, just in case. you wouldn't want to ruin it or have the color run or something!

oh, yes, and when storing bags, i also stuff the bags with the paper that came inside the bag, to keep shape; then put the bag in the cloth bags that it came with, to protect; and then put it in a box, for extra protection.

everytime i change bags, i clean/moisturize, then put it away. hmm, i should moisturize the bags that i haven't touched in years too, yah?

[kare2711]

Originally posted by hula_girl
everytime i change bags, i clean/moisturize, then put it away. hmm, i should moisturize the bags that i haven't touched in years too, yah?

Your bags must love you lots! I change bags almost every day, and if that entails cleaning my bags every time after I use them, I doubt I'll change that often.

[zpy]

hi, all. I have an old sequined & beaded vintage bag from my mum which she bought years ago. The underlying cloth has turned abit yellowish and some of the beads have already come loose. Does anyone here know of any place that specialise in the restoration of such bags?
Thanks!