The saddle soap is meant as an conditioner cleaner to pair with another conditioner, and I top it off with a mink oil, i use many products on one bag depending on the leather condition
And Fiebing's 4-way is probably a better choice for most bags, though I don't know about vachetta. I'd like to know, though, as it's one of the few I can buy in my country, so I bought the biggest bottle.
In the vintage coach rehab community blackrock is one of our best friends. But it may not be a good one for you and here is why I say that. Blackrock is absolutely my go to for vintage Coach black bags, which are aniline dyed (as you know of course) so you want to bring the black back to life. And you almost always can bring the color back with the aniline dyed darker colors. I absolutely agree with you that it darkens leather, so if you use it on anything besides black, even a dark brown… mocha or mahogany let’s say, it will make those areas darker, which you usually would not want. And it is hard to control how it darkens and the consistency of the darkening. But with black bags, you are actually trying to darken those areas as much as possible. Blackrock to the rescue! And we love that there are no pigments or dyes in it. And so here we are, I say the reason this is probably not a great product for you is because of your affinity for color. And when you veer to neutrals, you tend to go for the gorgeous British tans and browns (which I also adore). Would be a good product to save in your arsenal for your rare black bags if you are seeing color fade, especially on vintage coach. I agree with what others said, you need the very very tiniest amount. I made the mistake the first time that I used it of using it on the entire bag, and pretty thick I might add. My bag was a sticky mess for weeks. Hope that helps clarify a bit why you see people rave about it. I cannot tell you how incredible these deep dives are. The amount of work and effort and painstaking research that you have done is awe inspiring and I am loving every minute of it. Thank you so very much for your tireless efforts to bring us such comprehensive information and tools. We appreciate you!!
I think this is the best TH-cam comparative review I've ever seen! And I was happy to see that Apple is still good, because that is what my parents used in their leather store back in the day.
Wish you would have included the Coach products as well. Although I have used the cleaner very seldom, primarily because I use the Conditioner/Moisturizer on all my new bags, as well as moisturizing my older (1990's) bags. My experience: color doesn't change, totally waterproof, and leather remains soft and supple. Most of my bags are glove tanned or refined leather. I have also used on LV Coated Canvas and Vachetta, plusTory Burch Napa and Pebbled Leather with excellent results.
Wow, you did a great job on this comparison. I have to say that some of the products are made for cleaning and some are conditioners which means cleaners will be sudsy and can't be compared really to perform the same. I am a rider so have cleaned lots of horse tack with Leather Therapy and saddle soaps which I would absolutely NEVER use on my handbags. Products for dirty saddles and bridles are too strong for handbags in my opinion and certainly not necessary for a normal handbag in my opinion. I own a lot of Coach bags all from the 80s and 90s and Coach always recommended never to use anything but their conditioner on the glove tanned cowhide bags. I wish you had compared their conditioner as well. I believe it has been reformulated since I worked for Coach, as now it is thicker/oilier somehow but works well. I think the Apple could be closest to the original at a better price. I have leather honey and I am glad I never used it on my Coach bags. I would be so upset as it darkens so much. Thank you Autumn.
Thank you for being so thorough and informative! I was happy to hear you were not disappointed with Cadillac. It's my cleaner and conditioner of choice!
It really depends not just the conditoner but what leather type you are using, it makes a huge difference, i find leather cpr is good for a one time rescue, leather honey i hated, i just bought a new one sarna, i want to try the saphire, one i used also i mink oil, oh and my absolutely favorite one you didn't get its feibings aussie leather conditioner lanolin bases.
Excellent work. I think you can do another test with the same leather with waterproof on top after reapplying the same product and see how that works in a quarter as an update on how it holds up as well
Just for the sake of discussion-not criticism-Saddle soap you don’t add coats to, and you have to “wash off” with a damp rag/paper towel. I think what people don’t understand is that there’s a difference between cleaning and conditioning. I’ve used Fiebings on assorted leather products for years. If used properly it cleans really well.
Hi Autumn this is great information indeed. I was wondering g if you might know what could be possibly be useful to clean a few small scuffs off a Napa leather blush colored Fendi Peekaboo the svuffs are black I was gonna use a baby wipe lol 😢 my sister nearly lost her banana when I td her this. I thought uou might have some insight. Wishing you well enjoying your coach content I love coach I have two coach bags the cassie and the Bennett satchel fab quality. All the very best hugs to you from Ireland 🇮🇪 ❤❤ From Amanda And Furbaby Daisy-Martha
I've been following itsHadrian who did rehab type videos in the beginning. But I can't easily get the products he uses, so I had to improvise. I got some good suggestions on the Purse forum and found some products in my country.
Great video. Next one we need soaps for nubuck and suede, because there is not enough info on the internet about it. Thank you for that video. I have been using Leather CPR with a good result. Another idea for video would be to try leather cleaners, how well they clean, and if they darken or discolor the leather. Sometimes we need to do some heavy duty cleaning😅😊 Great video and fun to watch. I am sure it will get 1mil asap!🎉 Great job I will buy Apple now.
Thank you for your scientific approach. I’ve been a Saphir girlie for decades. The brand has a whole range of products designed for various leathers and specific treatment needs. Expensive yes, but a pea-size amount goes a long way. I use Lexol on leather furniture, but would never consider it for use on handbags or shoes.
This is a very detailed and helpful video Autumn! As usual ☺ I had this on my watch list and am so glad I finally got to watch the full thing. I've used a few of these and am really surprised by Apple. I remember being really turned off to the smell of it, so I've always stuck to Leather CPR and Bick. I may need to revisit it because you make some really good observations about it compared to the other brands. Thank you for taking the time to make this for all of us!
We have quite a few of these, but honestly I am surprised that you have not heard good things about Coach leather cleaner/conditioners - they have been my "go to" products for years. I like some of the other's - specifically Bick, Chamberlain and Venetian, but I've happily used Coach for many, many years. My husband is into nice boots and I am into bags, so we have a lot of leather products around here. LOL
Excellent work! I have had very good luck with Bickmore (Bick’s). The water test really surprised me. I absolutely think that’s one of the most important things to consider when choosing.
Awesome video! I usually use Apple. Leather CPR can be found for about $6 at Marshall’s and TJ Maxx, I use that too, but I don’t like the way it smells.
One of the issues with leather balms and lotions is that practically NONE of them come with ingredients lists. The main divide is if they contain wax or not and if so how much. I think you probably got a product from Fiebing's that was less suited. I don't know if it would be a good choice on vachetta, but their 4-Way Care is better for handbags. It's one of few I can even get in my country.
I am so impressed with this video. You can tell you were a teacher. Well done! I learned so much. Cleaning and conditioning my bags has always caused me stress. I'm not sure how to do it or which products to use. Thank you.
Blackrock is one of the products that I use. It is a very rich conditioner, you would never apply multiple coats. You leave it 24 hours, then buff off the excess with a towel. I wouldn’t use it on vachetta. You can’t compare a saddle soap to a conditioner, they’re totally different things for different purposes. Because I have high end equine equipment, I would clean to remove sweat and dirt. Then I would condition the leather if that was needed. The Blackrock was recommended to me by a gentleman who restores very expensive vintage parade saddles. Some of my favorite products are by Passier, a German company that makes very high end English saddles. I have been using the Blackrock on my vintage handbags. The Lexol is just a convenience product for cleaning saddles since it’s a spray on that’s easy for saddles with carving as a saddle soap.
Autumn, I enjoy your videos due to your pleasant and clear voice with honesty. I am new here and will continue to watch all your videos. I love Coach and PLG also. Have you tried Pom Pom London handbags?
This is AWESOME! I just restored my first NYC Bonnie Cashin bag that was really thirsty, and I used both Chamberlains and Leather Honey. Not that it's a real problem for me, but I now know why my bag is darker. The products definitely helped with restoring the moister. This will be my new guide for restoration. Thank you for your quality work!
I’m a Blackrock girl, you used way too much, the amount you grabbed is what I’d use on a whole bag. I dab it on the microfiber then dab that on the lid, then add to the leather in circular motion . One coat is good, two for very dry leather…. Never 3 coats. The chamberlains balm is for scuffed binding / scuffs and you warm it upon your fingers then rub it in. Bick4 is great for not darkening leather, they also have a scuff balm. The leather therapy is good for stain treatment as it forces up dirt/ impurities to the surface. I’ve used that in rounds with surface cleaning in between.
I've been looking for a vid like this, but seems you're the first one to do it. I'm not from the US, so I have to purchase leather products overseas. Not quite a nice experience when the one you bought is ineffective or doesn't suit your needs. Thanks for this!
Thank you. Would you please send me a quick email? I want to tell you about something. I feel like this sounds scammy but it really is Autumn. ;) autumnbeckman@gmail.com
Another great video! My personal choices; For heavy cleaning, Bickmore Saddle Soap Light cleaning and conditioning, Bickmore Bick 4 For conditioning only, Venetian Imperial Leather Balm For water protection (top layer), Fiebings Mink Oil. For boots/shoes only as it could get on your clothes
This is such a fantastic and informative video!! I actually have some of these (unopened) and am now rethinking using them as a result of this video. Great level of detail!
Great video. There are cleaners and then conditioners. Like, the lexol was cleaner AND conditioner so would have been a bit soapy. A good test would be trying the cleaners on any stains, and then the conditioner which is applied last. Apple has been known to yellow white leathers. "Luvin'my bags" also has a wide variety of products, and especially good one is "for handles only" which helps prevent darkening of handles. I've tried most of these, plus a few others and like lexol the best, though I use the lexol cleaner and conditioner separately. Lexol conditioner does not have suds as it is not a "one step leather care" product. Once the conditioner dries, there is no scent. I never used the combination lexol you used. The cleaner works very well and the conditioner goes on quick, dries and buffs out well. You don't really want a heavy conditioner unless it's a very dried out leather. Some of these, especially the ones that darkened the leather, are really heavy duty conditioners, while others you'd use maybe every two months. Anything with more wax in it will have better water repelling properties, but Kiwi Protect All Spray is great for waterproofing, I also use Scotchgard rain and sun to prevent fading. Most conditioners alone don't repel water. The type of leather you are treating needs to be considered, for example lambskin will absorb more than cow. I believe you used vachetta, which is untreated and will be more sensitive to any product. The finish of the leather will also give different results, glazed, pebbled, etc. This will affect how the product performs on the leather. Thank you for the video.
I wonder if how you clean your leather white bag (I have coach) and it turned to yellow in 2 yrs and there's cracking on some parts of the bag. If you have any secret to prevent and clean white turned yellowish leather bag
Download my 15 product comparison guide to have all this information and more (plus photos!) at your fingertips! bit.ly/3W5lgHY
I love that you make videos that zero content creators think of. Thank you Autumn 💚
This is why I love your channel! So much time & thought that goes into your videos!
Interesting video. I use the products by Coach and they work very well. Will definitely consider Apple.
The saddle soap is meant as an conditioner cleaner to pair with another conditioner, and I top it off with a mink oil, i use many products on one bag depending on the leather condition
And Fiebing's 4-way is probably a better choice for most bags, though I don't know about vachetta. I'd like to know, though, as it's one of the few I can buy in my country, so I bought the biggest bottle.
In the vintage coach rehab community blackrock is one of our best friends. But it may not be a good one for you and here is why I say that. Blackrock is absolutely my go to for vintage Coach black bags, which are aniline dyed (as you know of course) so you want to bring the black back to life. And you almost always can bring the color back with the aniline dyed darker colors. I absolutely agree with you that it darkens leather, so if you use it on anything besides black, even a dark brown… mocha or mahogany let’s say, it will make those areas darker, which you usually would not want. And it is hard to control how it darkens and the consistency of the darkening. But with black bags, you are actually trying to darken those areas as much as possible. Blackrock to the rescue! And we love that there are no pigments or dyes in it. And so here we are, I say the reason this is probably not a great product for you is because of your affinity for color. And when you veer to neutrals, you tend to go for the gorgeous British tans and browns (which I also adore). Would be a good product to save in your arsenal for your rare black bags if you are seeing color fade, especially on vintage coach. I agree with what others said, you need the very very tiniest amount. I made the mistake the first time that I used it of using it on the entire bag, and pretty thick I might add. My bag was a sticky mess for weeks. Hope that helps clarify a bit why you see people rave about it. I cannot tell you how incredible these deep dives are. The amount of work and effort and painstaking research that you have done is awe inspiring and I am loving every minute of it. Thank you so very much for your tireless efforts to bring us such comprehensive information and tools. We appreciate you!!
I think this is the best TH-cam comparative review I've ever seen! And I was happy to see that Apple is still good, because that is what my parents used in their leather store back in the day.
Love that you made this video!! Thank you👏👏 No one talks about this!!❤❤
Autumn, you are doing the lords work here, lol. Love you, babe!
Wish you would have included the Coach products as well. Although I have used the cleaner very seldom, primarily because I use the Conditioner/Moisturizer on all my new bags, as well as moisturizing my older (1990's) bags. My experience: color doesn't change, totally waterproof, and leather remains soft and supple. Most of my bags are glove tanned or refined leather. I have also used on LV Coated Canvas and Vachetta, plusTory Burch Napa and Pebbled Leather with excellent results.
Wow, you did a great job on this comparison. I have to say that some of the products are made for cleaning and some are conditioners which means cleaners will be sudsy and can't be compared really to perform the same. I am a rider so have cleaned lots of horse tack with Leather Therapy and saddle soaps which I would absolutely NEVER use on my handbags. Products for dirty saddles and bridles are too strong for handbags in my opinion and certainly not necessary for a normal handbag in my opinion. I own a lot of Coach bags all from the 80s and 90s and Coach always recommended never to use anything but their conditioner on the glove tanned cowhide bags. I wish you had compared their conditioner as well. I believe it has been reformulated since I worked for Coach, as now it is thicker/oilier somehow but works well. I think the Apple could be closest to the original at a better price. I have leather honey and I am glad I never used it on my Coach bags. I would be so upset as it darkens so much. Thank you Autumn.
Thank you for being so thorough and informative! I was happy to hear you were not disappointed with Cadillac. It's my cleaner and conditioner of choice!
It really depends not just the conditoner but what leather type you are using, it makes a huge difference, i find leather cpr is good for a one time rescue, leather honey i hated, i just bought a new one sarna, i want to try the saphire, one i used also i mink oil, oh and my absolutely favorite one you didn't get its feibings aussie leather conditioner lanolin bases.
Informative and appreciate the time and effort. Would only suggest time stamps. Thankyou.
Excellent work. I think you can do another test with the same leather with waterproof on top after reapplying the same product and see how that works in a quarter as an update on how it holds up as well
So helpful and informative. Love your detailed approach with all the elements of each product Thank you!
What? We're supposed to clean our handbags? Just kidding. LOVED this video. So much information and explained so well!
Just for the sake of discussion-not criticism-Saddle soap you don’t add coats to, and you have to “wash off” with a damp rag/paper towel. I think what people don’t understand is that there’s a difference between cleaning and conditioning. I’ve used Fiebings on assorted leather products for years. If used properly it cleans really well.
I use UGG cleaner and love the application and dried look.
Hi Autumn this is great information indeed. I was wondering g if you might know what could be possibly be useful to clean a few small scuffs off a Napa leather blush colored Fendi Peekaboo the svuffs are black I was gonna use a baby wipe lol 😢 my sister nearly lost her banana when I td her this. I thought uou might have some insight. Wishing you well enjoying your coach content I love coach I have two coach bags the cassie and the Bennett satchel fab quality. All the very best hugs to you from Ireland 🇮🇪 ❤❤ From Amanda And Furbaby Daisy-Martha
I've been following itsHadrian who did rehab type videos in the beginning. But I can't easily get the products he uses, so I had to improvise. I got some good suggestions on the Purse forum and found some products in my country.
Great video.
Next one we need soaps for nubuck and suede, because there is not enough info on the internet about it.
Thank you for that video.
I have been using Leather CPR with a good result.
Another idea for video would be to try leather cleaners, how well they clean, and if they darken or discolor the leather. Sometimes we need to do some heavy duty cleaning😅😊
Great video and fun to watch. I am sure it will get 1mil asap!🎉
Great job
I will buy Apple now.
Thank you for your scientific approach.
I’ve been a Saphir girlie for decades. The brand has a whole range of products designed for various leathers and specific treatment needs. Expensive yes, but a pea-size amount goes a long way.
I use Lexol on leather furniture, but would never consider it for use on handbags or shoes.
Yay! 🎉 I’m so glad you picked Apple as the top winner. I’ve been using that one on my LV bags for a few years. ⭐️
This is a very detailed and helpful video Autumn! As usual ☺ I had this on my watch list and am so glad I finally got to watch the full thing. I've used a few of these and am really surprised by Apple. I remember being really turned off to the smell of it, so I've always stuck to Leather CPR and Bick. I may need to revisit it because you make some really good observations about it compared to the other brands. Thank you for taking the time to make this for all of us!
We have quite a few of these, but honestly I am surprised that you have not heard good things about Coach leather cleaner/conditioners - they have been my "go to" products for years. I like some of the other's - specifically Bick, Chamberlain and Venetian, but I've happily used Coach for many, many years. My husband is into nice boots and I am into bags, so we have a lot of leather products around here. LOL
Excellent work! I have had very good luck with Bickmore (Bick’s). The water test really surprised me. I absolutely think that’s one of the most important things to consider when choosing.
They do make a water and stain repellent that I've had great luck with - especially on shoes.
You are beyond amazing!!! Thank you!
You are an excellent researcher on handbags, leather cleaners; etc. Thank you for your hard work which is very interesting to me.
Thank you so much for making such great content! ❤
Not surprised this is very comprehensive, that’s what you do!😊
Awesome video! I usually use Apple. Leather CPR can be found for about $6 at Marshall’s and TJ Maxx, I use that too, but I don’t like the way it smells.
One of the issues with leather balms and lotions is that practically NONE of them come with ingredients lists. The main divide is if they contain wax or not and if so how much. I think you probably got a product from Fiebing's that was less suited. I don't know if it would be a good choice on vachetta, but their 4-Way Care is better for handbags. It's one of few I can even get in my country.
I am so impressed with this video. You can tell you were a teacher. Well done! I learned so much. Cleaning and conditioning my bags has always caused me stress. I'm not sure how to do it or which products to use. Thank you.
Admirable effort to make this video-you thought of every detail! And the results were quite interesting.
Blackrock is one of the products that I use. It is a very rich conditioner, you would never apply multiple coats. You leave it 24 hours, then buff off the excess with a towel. I wouldn’t use it on vachetta.
You can’t compare a saddle soap to a conditioner, they’re totally different things for different purposes.
Because I have high end equine equipment, I would clean to remove sweat and dirt. Then I would condition the leather if that was needed.
The Blackrock was recommended to me by a gentleman who restores very expensive vintage parade saddles.
Some of my favorite products are by Passier, a German company that makes very high end English saddles.
I have been using the Blackrock on my vintage handbags.
The Lexol is just a convenience product for cleaning saddles since it’s a spray on that’s easy for saddles with carving as a saddle soap.
Autumn, I enjoy your videos due to your pleasant and clear voice with honesty. I am new here and will continue to watch all your videos. I love Coach and PLG also. Have you tried Pom Pom London handbags?
This is AWESOME! I just restored my first NYC Bonnie Cashin bag that was really thirsty, and I used both Chamberlains and Leather Honey. Not that it's a real problem for me, but I now know why my bag is darker. The products definitely helped with restoring the moister.
This will be my new guide for restoration. Thank you for your quality work!
I’m a Blackrock girl, you used way too much, the amount you grabbed is what I’d use on a whole bag. I dab it on the microfiber then dab that on the lid, then add to the leather in circular motion . One coat is good, two for very dry leather…. Never 3 coats. The chamberlains balm is for scuffed binding / scuffs and you warm it upon your fingers then rub it in. Bick4 is great for not darkening leather, they also have a scuff balm. The leather therapy is good for stain treatment as it forces up dirt/ impurities to the surface. I’ve used that in rounds with surface cleaning in between.
So helpful ❤thank you 😊
Great video! Thank you for all of your hard work. I’m sure this was a true labor of love. I appreciated watching and learning.
I've been looking for a vid like this, but seems you're the first one to do it. I'm not from the US, so I have to purchase leather products overseas. Not quite a nice experience when the one you bought is ineffective or doesn't suit your needs. Thanks for this!
Such a timely topic for me! I’m getting ready to clean three vintage Coach bags. Thanks for all the research you do! It’s very helpful!
Wow, this was a really great and informative video Autumn, thanks! Also, I thought your Hair is looking very Nice 🫶🏻
Yours are a modern day Labours of Hercules! Such an amazing video! Truly wonderful information! Thank you for another amazing video! 👍❤️👍
Thank you, Daniel. :)
I love this. I can protect my Coach bag.
Wow! I really wanted to know this information, but you went beyond my expectations! Great video and I appreciate your hard work!
How kind of you to do this! I will definitely use the document, thank you very much!! Well done, and extremely helpful! ♥️
Thank you. Would you please send me a quick email? I want to tell you about something. I feel like this sounds scammy but it really is Autumn. ;) autumnbeckman@gmail.com
Another great video!
My personal choices;
For heavy cleaning, Bickmore Saddle Soap
Light cleaning and conditioning, Bickmore Bick 4
For conditioning only, Venetian Imperial Leather Balm
For water protection (top layer), Fiebings Mink Oil. For boots/shoes only as it could get on your clothes
Great video. Thanks for all your thorough work. Nicely done.
Autumn I have been looking for this information. Thank you so much!
A great video full of useful information! Thank you
This is such a fantastic and informative video!! I actually have some of these (unopened) and am now rethinking using them as a result of this video. Great level of detail!
Love this video, so well thought out and such a good experiment to help choose leather care! ❤
Great subject! I always wondered about the various leather products. Thank you!
Great tips and love the video 😊also Happy independence day weekend 💚❤️💙!
Have you tried Lexol cleaner and conditioner set ?
Great video.
There are cleaners and then conditioners. Like, the lexol was cleaner AND conditioner so would have been a bit soapy.
A good test would be trying the cleaners on any stains, and then the conditioner which is applied last.
Apple has been known to yellow white leathers.
"Luvin'my bags" also has a wide variety of products, and especially good one is "for handles only" which helps prevent darkening of handles.
I've tried most of these, plus a few others and like lexol the best, though I use the lexol cleaner and conditioner separately. Lexol conditioner does not have suds as it is not a "one step leather care" product. Once the conditioner dries, there is no scent. I never used the combination lexol you used. The cleaner works very well and the conditioner goes on quick, dries and buffs out well. You don't really want a heavy conditioner unless it's a very dried out leather.
Some of these, especially the ones that darkened the leather, are really heavy duty conditioners, while others you'd use maybe every two months.
Anything with more wax in it will have better water repelling properties, but Kiwi Protect All Spray is great for waterproofing, I also use Scotchgard rain and sun to prevent fading.
Most conditioners alone don't repel water.
The type of leather you are treating needs to be considered, for example lambskin will absorb more than cow. I believe you used vachetta, which is untreated and will be more sensitive to any product. The finish of the leather will also give different results, glazed, pebbled, etc. This will affect how the product performs on the leather.
Thank you for the video.
thank you hope you do suede too thanks for info
So so well
Done. I only
Buy apple. It’s the best!!!
I wonder if how you clean your leather white bag (I have coach) and it turned to yellow in 2 yrs and there's cracking on some parts of the bag. If you have any secret to prevent and clean white turned yellowish leather bag
Geez. That was alot of work. I only use Apple Leather Care. Aways have, always will. I have Chamberlains Balm for heavier things like Dr. Martins.
Thank you.i clean and condition but I don’t use any of these products 💜🐦⬛
Except saddle soap, but that’s for cleaning only 😊