Back in the 90s I worked in a department store and I sold bags, many different labels, Coach was the most popular, I remember the vendor for Dooney and Burke came to demonstrate the durability of their bags, basically he had a bucket of water and submerged the bag!!! Just wanted to say you did a great job and the bag came out beautiful! Sometimes people wanted perfection when shopping for a bag and really is impossible
OMG, THANK YOU!!!!!! I have a vintage Coach bag fetish, or I did before I became disabled and could afford it. I finally got 4 of my bags bag from my ex - ALL COVERED IN MOLD!!! I cried for weeks, then just kept them in a cardboard box in my shed. I couldn't bring myself to throw them away. I had no idea this was even possible. You have just, single handedly, saved me from years of depression and many more nights of uncontrollable tears. I am going to purchase the same leather conditioner you use, and then I'm going to get to work. As a side note, I also got all of my clothes back in the same condition. I have spent weeks soaking them in vinegar, then washing in just vinegar, another wash in just baking soda, and a final wash with Tide pods and Borax. My water and electricity bills are through the roof, but I'm able to salvage 99% all of the clothes I own. My collection of shoes is in the same condition. Do you think I can salvage those in the same way as the purses? They are also in the shed in cardboard boxes. I think it probably wouldn't hurt to try since they're not wearable at this point. Again, THANK YOU!!!!! You're my new hero 😁
I am so sorry to just be getting to this!! I thought I had answered you but TH-cam says I didn't? I'm so happy to hear that my video was helpful. Were you able to tackle your bags? How did they come out. As for shoes (again, I'm sorry this is so late) if they are moldy I don't know if I would soak them, but you can make a mixture of 1 part vinegar 2 parts water in a spray bottle and dose your shoes. Let it dry in the sun for a few days, then wipe them down again with that mixture. It should help
@@classicswithaquirk Well, I just now ordered a bottle of CPR. Amazon sold out & only had the small version and so did Wal-Mart. I've been waiting all this time & it finally dawned on me to see if they had a website & they do!! I actually ordered it Saturday. Here's the thing; because of this video & this video alone, I'm going to be flipping purses that are high-end & in need of restoration. I have to raise money for co-pays on some surgeries coming up. So thank you so very much for sharing this!! I already have pile of purses, lol! I'll take before & after pics if you'd like to see them. Please keep me in your prayers, one of the surgeries pretty rough.
I really love *esluxy* bags. The fabric is very good. The golden embellishments add a touch of beauty. When I went to the church, I received some praise.
What did you use to clean the mold. I once had a stroller that the fabric got moldy in the garage, and it never cleaned, it stayed with many black dots forever Hopefully your surgeries went well.@@daddysgirl935
When I store my Coach handbags I put a fabric softener sheet in them . They always smell so nice . I like using a sponge to put conditioner on my bags . Then i polish them with a microfiber cloth . It works really well . I also keep my bags stuffed for them to keep there shape . My bags look brand new and some are very old . This procedure works really well for me .
I use hotter water and shampoo to clean up my vintage handbags. I also dry them with a small fan and rotate until it is completely dry. I only use Coach products on Coach handbags. I tried other leather cleaning/moisturizing items and I found them to leave residues that became whitish over time. When the handbag is very old I use Sweet Pea by B and BW. I use that only on the suede inner side. It does not damage the rehab in anyway and it a pleasant enough scent each time you open a handbag. I have rehabbed about 15 to 20 vintage Coach handbags this way. Loved your video.
Purse Forum dunker here. Happy to see you. I've had decent luck with adding vinegar to the dawn to help with mold. Also your conditioning technique is good. Less waiste for the Leather CPR on the buffing towel.
Just ran across your video today. Last week, I restored a coach bag and I did the same thing you did by soaking my bag in warm water and dawn. I am happy to know I did not screw up. Thanks.
It’s so beautiful now! Thanks for taking us through the whole process. I use similar methods to rehab old Coach bags, and thankfully haven’t had to encounter mold. The vinegar was a great tip!
I wish I'd "known you" in the 1980's when I had to throw out a Hartmann suitcase and carry-on because they reeked of mold and nothing I did would get rid of it. I have this very bag from +/- 2000 -- I'm so pleased that I now know how to bring it back to life -- thank you.
If you cover your bag with a plate in the bath it will help weigh it down so it is completely submerged. You can also put a plate inside the bag if that helps further.
I have a large vintage Coach collection and loved this video. I think it’s time i rehab some of my bags. I also have Louis Vuitton and Gucci bags that are vintage so i would love to see your rehab videos on other brands.
Most good leather conditioners only have a minuscule amount of silicone and it’s used as a lubricant. It doesn’t create an impermeable layer at all. I’ve completed an advanced leather care course and this subject causes debate but is often misreported. I like Bick 4 which has less than 0.% silicone. The most damage is done by over application and failure to remove excess conditioner,and failure to buff from seams and grain. Personally I wouldn’t use vinegar on any bag I cared about. I use a proper leather mould treatment created especially for this purpose. It’s a spray which you can put directly on the mould patches and can be used on dry leather on its own or before or after dunking. As I have asthma and also have a grandchild who is often around my bags, I am very careful that any bag I renovate is completely free of mould but is also treated without damaging the structure of the leather. The other advantage of the product I use is that to completely eradicates any lingering odour. Just my opinion from the renovation course I have taken.
I’ve been using vinegar for years as part of mold or odor treatments with no ill effects, but I also would only ever use it on a vintage coach full-leather bag. But I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience!
@@mslizzardroscoe9051 There are several options online. You may try a spray called Concrobium Mold Control. Another from Leather Doctor website is their Leather Mold Killer 3.6 spray which you add distilled water to mix with before use.
Omg! I never knew about silicone. Ive been using a leather conditioner with silicone… time to switch! Good thing I only used it once or twice on leather shoes & on one bag lol
The dark spots adds too the charm just beautiful i was mesmerised watching the process. What a lovely gift to a loved one because you put so much love into it . Mind you it looks beautiful on you really enjoyed this vlog 💖😊💖xxxx cat are so funny and very norsey .my cats understand everything that i say 😊xx
it was my understanding that if the bag has surface mildew it can be removed. If mold below the surface, cleaning will only remove the surface mold and probably if it still smells it's because there is still mold present inside the leather which cannot be removed. One episode of high humidity or moisture and mold spores would regrow. If mold was truly fully removed the smell wouldn't still be there. For health reasons, it would concern me. I had to throw out a Coach briefcase once due to it being on the floor when a pipe burst and we didn't know on that level of the house. It was bad and I could have gotten off the surface spores but I knew inside the leather it would not come out.
I would leave the bag out to dry for at least 2 days, before conditioning it. And use a very soft brush, toothbrush, to scrub it during the initial bath
I have that same bag I bought it in a year before my son was born he was born in 1991 thank you for showing me how to Declan my bag even though my bag looks very good for it’s age. I still love my red color back pack vintage coach bag.❤❤❤❤
At 16:03, why did you mash it down after all that careful stuffing and drying?! Thanks for the vinegar tutorial, though! And at the end a longer before & after segment would be so satisfying! 😊
Thank you so very much. Excellent tutorial, and so encouraging to know that beautiful things that have been neglected, are not beyond being saved, with love and patient doctoring🤗. Would love to know the value of that bag after this rehab!
Thank you! I have a small name brand bag that is moldy. I am going to attempt to recondition it using the method you explained. I'm excited to think I can use it again.
That's good to know if I ever decide to get a poor, beaten up bag, thank you for showing the process! And that dinosaur sweatshirt is FIRE! I wouldn't expect a cool pattern like this to come in an adult size!
Just did a reconditioning on a Legacy Coach bag and did not do a full bath. I did however use Saddlesoap and a horsehair brush and lightly scrubbed the whole bag down section by section. Then i used a microfiber damp cloth and wiped down each section. Then the entire bag dry. I usually finish with a leather conditioner which I buff into the leather. None of my bags were moldy so did not need the vinegar. But that is definitely a good tip to know. 👍🏼
I really enjoyed this video! It was thrilling to see the bag transform. BEAUTIFUL! You've taught so much and I'm looking forward to giving some of my dry ol' leather bags a GLAM UP, thanks to your knowledge. YOU ROCK!
☀️🍇🖤I've liked red leather Coach bags since I was a teenager. Now I'm enjoying my olive colored bag. Your restoration is amazeballs. I'd have to do it at the table. What do you think of dryer sheets inside the bag?
I have heard of this method, but I haven't done it myself. I know the suggestion is unscented sheets, so that they can absorb scent instead of adding another layer.
Thanks for the excellent detailed video. I have an older beautiful leather laptop/briefcase bag with a lot of mildew and loss of shape. I'm going to try your method and follow all the steps and see how it works.
As another poster said you need to add vinegar to the water. Mold spores don't disappear because you scrub them they lay dormant. Vinegar will get rid of them. I followed a few different rehabbers that say that is an absolute must step.
Outstanding! I love seeing worn out things restored to new life. At 4:00, you mention other bags and that there are different techniques for restoring them. Why would that be? I have a black Oroton that's about 25 years old. I assumed I could use the techniques I've seen on a few videos. It has mold, so I zeroed in on this video as my best guide. But now I'm confused as to whether the technique I use is name-brand specific. Help!
Hi! Thanks for watching! As to your question, it's a little less brand specific and more leather and construction specific. Vintage leather coach bags are full cowhide leather, without fabric linings or interfacing to worry about, which is why the dunking method works so well for them. Other full leather bags could also benefit from dunking, but a bag with a non-leather lining needs a different cleaning method.
@@classicswithaquirk Thanks for the clarification. As it turns out, my bag does have a fabric lining. Do you have any videos addressing that technique?
@AmericaCirclingTheDrain is the fabric lining the kind that can be pulled out of the bag? Or is it fully attached? If you can pull it out, you can scrub it and leave it "out to dry." Otherwise it would be a spot clean situation.
That being said, if your bag is moldy, dunking might still be an option. Moldy is very difficult to remove and wouldn't be taken care of with just spot cleaning.
I repair and recolor leather professionally. Immersing in water + detergent or a vinegar solution exposes leather to a pH (acidity) that accelerates leather deterioration. A mismatched pH (too high or too low) will damage the proteins in leather and speed aging. A brief exposure may not matter much in the long run. Damage does not appear right away, but like tanning causing skin cancer years later, exposure to the wrong pH has an effect. Leather pH is 4.5 and products made for use on leather are at this pH unless they are designed to soften a stiff leather by destroying leather fibers. Your dish detergent and Dawn dish detergent have a pH 7 to 8 = 500 to 5,000x more basic, same as baby shampoo, which is fine for living human skin and some animals, but way too basic for leather (or bathing your dog). Just because Dawn OK for cleaning oil off seas birds or is gentle for your hands, does not mean it is safe for leather. Diluting in water does not change the pH, it just spreads out the damage. Have you ever seen armrests on a leather chair or sofa that cracked and tore open long before the rest of the leather? That is the effect of human body oil pH of 5 to 6, doing damage over several years. Purse handles and straps age faster for the same reason. Vinegar has pH of 2.5 = 500x more acidic than leather. The safe way to kill mold and deodorize leather is an ozone chamber. Fire recovery services can do this for you or you can buy a small ozone generator with special bag sold for hunters to neutralize their clothes before going out on a hunt. EVERYTHING else that kills mold harms leather. UV light in sunlight is fine for a few hours to kill it at the surface, but mold at the surface means there is a LOT more growing inside when the UV will never reach. Mold can be prevented by never storing leather in a plastic bag or anywhere with poor air circulation. It is OK if mold is present inside the leather as long as it is not actively growing. When the leather is kept out in the air at normal indoor humidity, mold will not grow. Once mold has grown, and the surface cleaned and the smell has dissipated - but it was not treated with ozone, mold spores will remain in that leather and grow again very fast if it ever gets moist again. Just storing for a few weeks in a plastic bag or crammed in a closed box indoors can be enough for that to happen again. You will notice that makers of fine leather care products do not sell liquid detergents for making an immersion bath. For good reason they sell wipe on / wipe off cleaners, or cleaners that foam up a little as you gently scrub, then wipe off. Leather is not cleaned better by immersing. It is so dense that not much soil penetrates. Surface cleaning is all that is needed for most soil. Immersion is insufficient to fully flush out absorbed residues from water or oil based liquids. To remove oil, an oil extractor for leather is needed. Surface cleaning is insufficient because the remaining deeper oil will migrate back to the surface. Extractor = a drying powder that sits on the surface and draws oils out passively over a few hours or days. It is removed and reapplied daily until the oil is gone. BUT it also removes the moisture and some dye, so re-moisturizing and touching up color will be needed. Restoring color can be tricky on a Coach bag like this - please consult a professional.
Thank you so much for such a detailed comment sharing your knowledge! While I have been rehabbing vintage coach bags for years now, I am definitely no professional. I just learned what I know from trial and error and the advice and info from others who have been successfully rehabbing vintage coach bags like this for decades. I would never do this for most other leather bags of course! I'm not about do dunk a chanel 😂 Thank you again for adding your input!
Well that went right over my head. The same for many other people I would guess. This lady was showing us amateurs how it can be done and she did specify she was only doing it on very cheaply bought vintage bags - in other words, no great loss if things went awry. You sound like a professional and obviously you really know your stuff but I don’t think it was very nice of you to embarrass this very nice lady, especially on her own channel - you really went to town on her … No one deserves to be treated like that …
@@junebarber8459 I am a pro - and long-winded (my apologies) - but meant my comment as education and constructive critique for the sake of preventing damage and wasted effort, which the person in the video said she appreciated (see first response). Here are the key ideas: - The only safe and totally effective way to kill mold and odor in leather is an ozone treatment. Fire recovery professionals and some cleaning services can provide this at a reasonable cost. - Removing surface mold does not remove the majority of it which is living inside the leather. However, if kept dry and in climate controlled air, the mold will stop growing and do no further harm to the leather. Store in cloth not plastic and in a well-ventilated place, not closed in a closet. If given the chance to grow again, the mold will grow and spread very rapidly. - Dunking leather in water and detergent can look OK now, but speed up leather's aging due to the pH (acidity) of the detergent and water. Leather is as acidic as tomatoes or coffee (pH 4.5). Anything it absorbs that does not match that pH will cause some leather fibers to break = weaken the leather = speed up aging. Which means that gentle cleaners for human skin (pH 7 to 8) can harm leather. Leather can be safely cleaned and cared for only with products made specifically for that type of leather (don't use products labeled for boot care on your purse or sofa). - Be safe and consult a leather repair pro (not product sellers) before you follow anyone's advice. There are DIY fixes for leather problems, just not for all of them. And there is a TON of incorrect / incomplete / inadequately specific advice out there that sounds great until you know the truth about your particular leather. I get a lot of good questions from folks who have read my comments and need to know more about how to be effective and safe when rehabbing their leather. I also hear from many heartbroken owners of used-to-be-lovely leather that they have made permanently worse by following poor advice from the internet.
@@barbaracarney6398 hello, your message just popped up at exactly the right time today. We live in a big, old, cold house (in Manchester U.K.) and mold runs rife in this place, I think because we’ve (my husband more than me !!!!!) have collected that much junk in our lifetimes, that air can’t circulate. I find things that would break your heart, green and black mold on my lovely vintage bags. Some of them I’ve just had to toss. I’ve always bought good, if not the most stylish (like The Bridge bags). Just yesterday I found an old bag, totally dead in my opinion but after reading all your instructions, I may have a go at revival, I don’t care much for it so it will be a good practise piece. I didn’t realise that you can’t use the same products on bags that you would use on a sofa so thankyou for that. I use a French brand called Saphir - which smells divine - and old fashioned. But love all the information you gave for cleaning them up first. Being nearly 80, I always clean and polish my shoes and actually enjoy doing it. Can you tell me how to clean a lovely old pebbled leather Italian sofa, it’s not too bad, just needs tickling up a little? I do apologise for going for you like I did, I just felt so sorry the TH-camr. I should learn to be kinder when I reply to comments. I really am sorry. I really did admire your knowledge though, like I said and I have saved it for future reference. It’s so interesting when people have this artisan quality about them. I really hope I didn’t hurt your feelings too much. I hope I come across your knowledge again on this YTs channel. Kind regards xxxx
You did an outstanding job! Perseverance produced a good looking Coach bag. Love it! I have a Coach bag, that unfortunately got the outside bottom light tan leather drawn by pen [black ink]. After giving it a bath, I don't know if/what product to use on that specific area. Should I restain it with a darker color? I welcome your advice.
I truly like that backpack you really encouraged me.. I love the water stains or mildew stains. That’s on the bag after you washed it. It really gives a character. I really like that. I love backpacks. Thank you so much for taking the time to show us Being a disabled veteran, I use backpacks a lot or cross bodies some days. I have to use a cane another day. I use a walker and nothing on good days, but I have a lot of injuries from the military so that backpack special be in the color red just hit it home so I am Really encouraged by your video. Thank you. What do you think about honey leather ? What would you do to clean Dooney and Burke? I have a couple old bags that I’ve always done saddle soap with to clean them, but I’ve always wondered what to do Thank you I hope to see you real soon. I will subscribe.
Just came across your video. Awesome job. I have a wide collection of bags including coach and kors and a few other designers. No Vuitton, Chanel but I luv styles of bags not so into names in bags. I would think ordinary leather can b done with this method and remembering no silicone in the conditioner. Thanks for the video.
I loved your video! I am going to try it with my leather bags. An idea for you,, I’d like to see your collection of bags and hear how you care for them . Thanks again!
Oooooooooh my God thank you for this video! This bag, holy crap she's glorious. EPIC! I just got a leather backpack that's old and awesome but kinda sad and I want to fix it but I don't want to wreck it soooo. Thanks so much for the information! Also, your dinosaur shirt is life.
💖😊💖Qurkie you done an amazing job I didn't know you conditioned bag .What a beautiful job you have done .I loved this vlog you breathed a whole new life into this bag and i love that just brilliant well done😘😘😘xx👍xx
I was so mad when I looked at my bottle of mink oil, and saw it had silicone in it! I like to mix up my own leather conditioner, with shea butter, lanolin, vitamin e oil, coconut oil, and a couple of other oils.
What product do you recommend for getting the color back? I’m overwhelmed with products. Dye pens, rubs, etc. You are so helpful and I need some guidance.
LOL your cat at the end... My cat loves to get inside the Bags I am restoring 12 months of age he manage to fit inside a Louis Vuitton Alma, took a photo very cute... Yes that bag looks beautiful I'm still battling through trying to re-dye the suede and Gucci backpack finding the dye colour is very uneven if you have any hints let me know should I apply it when it is dry or damp?.. Anyhow thanks for your videos they're great
LOVE THIS! I have dyied a Chloe and Mulberry bag and it it so much fun. Please please make more of these restore/colour handbag videos❤ The Mulberry bag i colored (from light oxblood to dark brown) I experienced the bag to be more stiff. The bag had a pretty soft leather before coloring. Is it possible to color or recolor a Chanel lambskin bag? Xxx Marit
Thank you so much! It is possible to recolor Chanel lambskin; bags can be dyed darker colors, or painted brighter colors. but it does usually change the texture of the bag.
Back in the 90s I worked in a department store and I sold bags, many different labels, Coach was the most popular, I remember the vendor for Dooney and Burke came to demonstrate the durability of their bags, basically he had a bucket of water and submerged the bag!!! Just wanted to say you did a great job and the bag came out beautiful! Sometimes people wanted perfection when shopping for a bag and really is impossible
D&B are SO durable. I'm not a huge fan of their styles otherwise I would have several I'm sure 😂 thank you so much for watching!
OMG, THANK YOU!!!!!! I have a vintage Coach bag fetish, or I did before I became disabled and could afford it. I finally got 4 of my bags bag from my ex - ALL COVERED IN MOLD!!! I cried for weeks, then just kept them in a cardboard box in my shed. I couldn't bring myself to throw them away. I had no idea this was even possible. You have just, single handedly, saved me from years of depression and many more nights of uncontrollable tears. I am going to purchase the same leather conditioner you use, and then I'm going to get to work. As a side note, I also got all of my clothes back in the same condition. I have spent weeks soaking them in vinegar, then washing in just vinegar, another wash in just baking soda, and a final wash with Tide pods and Borax. My water and electricity bills are through the roof, but I'm able to salvage 99% all of the clothes I own. My collection of shoes is in the same condition. Do you think I can salvage those in the same way as the purses? They are also in the shed in cardboard boxes. I think it probably wouldn't hurt to try since they're not wearable at this point. Again, THANK YOU!!!!! You're my new hero 😁
I am so sorry to just be getting to this!! I thought I had answered you but TH-cam says I didn't? I'm so happy to hear that my video was helpful. Were you able to tackle your bags? How did they come out.
As for shoes (again, I'm sorry this is so late) if they are moldy I don't know if I would soak them, but you can make a mixture of 1 part vinegar 2 parts water in a spray bottle and dose your shoes. Let it dry in the sun for a few days, then wipe them down again with that mixture. It should help
@@classicswithaquirk Well, I just now ordered a bottle of CPR. Amazon sold out & only had the small version and so did Wal-Mart. I've been waiting all this time & it finally dawned on me to see if they had a website & they do!! I actually ordered it Saturday. Here's the thing; because of this video & this video alone, I'm going to be flipping purses that are high-end & in need of restoration. I have to raise money for co-pays on some surgeries coming up. So thank you so very much for sharing this!! I already have pile of purses, lol! I'll take before & after pics if you'd like to see them. Please keep me in your prayers, one of the surgeries pretty rough.
Good luck and good health to you!!
I really love *esluxy* bags. The fabric is very good. The golden embellishments add a touch of beauty. When I went to the church, I received some praise.
What did you use to clean the mold. I once had a stroller that the fabric got moldy in the garage, and it never cleaned, it stayed with many black dots forever Hopefully your surgeries went well.@@daddysgirl935
When I store my Coach handbags I put a fabric softener sheet in them . They always smell so nice . I like using a sponge to put conditioner on my bags . Then i polish them with a microfiber cloth . It works really well . I also keep my bags stuffed for them to keep there shape . My bags look brand new and some are very old . This procedure works really well for me .
i saw websites that *suluxy* that carry lv and chanel new collection! like exact blue print and looks like high quality too.
For the odor you might try putting a fridge box of baking soda inside bag for a day or two!
Great job! Looks much better!
Yes, baking soda is one of my methods! I also use charcoal packets.
Such GREAT comparisons! Allllll soooo lovely! Especially the *esluxy* tote. Their styles are so chic, sleek, elegant and understated!
I’ve also used those desiccant packets (you know, the “Do Not Eat” ones…)
I fell into an obsession with Coach and want to rehab and rehome the cheap bags I keep finding. This is great 😊
I use hotter water and shampoo to clean up my vintage handbags. I also dry them with a small fan and rotate until it is completely dry. I only use Coach products on Coach handbags. I tried other leather cleaning/moisturizing items and I found them to leave residues that became whitish over time. When the handbag is very old I use Sweet Pea by B and BW. I use that only on the suede inner side. It does not damage the rehab in anyway and it a pleasant enough scent each time you open a handbag. I have rehabbed about 15 to 20 vintage Coach handbags this way. Loved your video.
Purse Forum dunker here. Happy to see you. I've had decent luck with adding vinegar to the dawn to help with mold. Also your conditioning technique is good. Less waiste for the Leather CPR on the buffing towel.
Thank you!!
I’ve used vinegar on old quilts also before for mildew smells it works great on old quilts as well.
Just ran across your video today. Last week, I restored a coach bag and I did the same thing you did by soaking my bag in warm water and dawn. I am happy to know I did not screw up. Thanks.
It’s so beautiful now! Thanks for taking us through the whole process. I use similar methods to rehab old Coach bags, and thankfully haven’t had to encounter mold. The vinegar was a great tip!
Thank you so much for watching! ☺️☺️☺️
Such a nice bag and as fare as the dark spots, welp it just gives it more character!❤
I had no idea you could soak a leather bag. Impressive restoration!
That bag is definitely born again😍it looks really nice!
I have a THE PURSUE VERSION. SAME COLOR. same mold. That's why I'm here!!
Use dryer sheets for smells in the bags it works well.
I wish I'd "known you" in the 1980's when I had to throw out a Hartmann suitcase and carry-on because they reeked of mold and nothing I did would get rid of it.
I have this very bag from +/- 2000 -- I'm so pleased that I now know how to bring it back to life -- thank you.
I hope you're able to breathe life back into your bag!
Great Video. I just bought my 1st vintage coach bag so ill be restoring my 1st bag. Thx for all the tips and details ❤
i saw websites that *suluxy* that carry lv and chanel new collection! like exact blue print and looks like high quality too.
If you cover your bag with a plate in the bath it will help weigh it down so it is completely submerged. You can also put a plate inside the bag if that helps further.
I have a large vintage Coach collection and loved this video. I think it’s time i rehab some of my bags. I also have Louis Vuitton and Gucci bags that are vintage so i would love to see your rehab videos on other brands.
Thank you so much for watching! I do plan to do more ☺️
i am a collector of vintage bags too and this coach came out beuatiful
Thank you so much!
Thanks so much for another very informative video. Great job on the bag, it looks amazing! Looking forward to the LV rehab.
Most good leather conditioners only have a minuscule amount of silicone and it’s used as a lubricant. It doesn’t create an impermeable layer at all. I’ve completed an advanced leather care course and this subject causes debate but is often misreported. I like Bick 4 which has less than 0.% silicone. The most damage is done by over application and failure to remove excess conditioner,and failure to buff from seams and grain.
Personally I wouldn’t use vinegar on any bag I cared about. I use a proper leather mould treatment created especially for this purpose. It’s a spray which you can put directly on the mould patches and can be used on dry leather on its own or before or after dunking. As I have asthma and also have a grandchild who is often around my bags, I am very careful that any bag I renovate is completely free of mould but is also treated without damaging the structure of the leather. The other advantage of the product I use is that to completely eradicates any lingering odour.
Just my opinion from the renovation course I have taken.
I’ve been using vinegar for years as part of mold or odor treatments with no ill effects, but I also would only ever use it on a vintage coach full-leather bag. But I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience!
Could you specify which mold spray you use?…Just curious!
@@mslizzardroscoe9051 There are several options online. You may try a spray called Concrobium Mold Control. Another from Leather Doctor website is their Leather Mold Killer 3.6 spray which you add distilled water to mix with before use.
We need names of the products you use for mould. Good info.
How do you wash suede? Do you have any good products for it?
I would also love to know the name of the mould spray :) thanks so much :),
What a beautiful bag! Great job! Thank you for restoring it!
😊😊😊 thank you so much!
This is so interesting! I haven't done this before and I learned so much from your process!
Thank you for watching!
Omg! I never knew about silicone. Ive been using a leather conditioner with silicone… time to switch! Good thing I only used it once or twice on leather shoes & on one bag lol
The dark spots adds too the charm just beautiful i was mesmerised watching the process. What a lovely gift to a loved one because you put so much love into it . Mind you it looks beautiful on you really enjoyed this vlog 💖😊💖xxxx cat are so funny and very norsey .my cats understand everything that i say 😊xx
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Thanks. I have a couple of 1990's Coach bags that need help. I will use your technique.
I hope it works out!!
I absolutely loved this video, thank you. You certainly know your stuff....😁
it was my understanding that if the bag has surface mildew it can be removed. If mold below the surface, cleaning will only remove the surface mold and probably if it still smells it's because there is still mold present inside the leather which cannot be removed. One episode of high humidity or moisture and mold spores would regrow. If mold was truly fully removed the smell wouldn't still be there. For health reasons, it would concern me. I had to throw out a Coach briefcase once due to it being on the floor when a pipe burst and we didn't know on that level of the house. It was bad and I could have gotten off the surface spores but I knew inside the leather it would not come out.
I completely agree. I worked for goodwill e-commerce we had to destroy anything with mold damage due to liability issues.
This is such an incredible video! Thank you! I just thrifted a beautiful (but tired) leather bag that I changed wait to restore. ❤
Thankyou for another brilliantly presented and informative video x
Thank you so much, June!
You did a wonderful job, good on you!! Would you do a soak with an exotic lizard bag?
I would leave the bag out to dry for at least 2 days, before conditioning it. And use a very soft brush, toothbrush, to scrub it during the initial bath
I have that same bag I bought it in a year before my son was born he was born in 1991 thank you for showing me how to Declan my bag even though my bag looks very good for it’s age. I still love my red color back pack vintage coach bag.❤❤❤❤
At 16:03, why did you mash it down after all that careful stuffing and drying?! Thanks for the vinegar tutorial, though! And at the end a longer before & after segment would be so satisfying! 😊
I like your lighting. Great video, very informative and motivating. Lovely bag, especially after your expert treatment.
Very nice finish and video.
How did you, or what did you do to repair the tag that was split?
Great job!
This bag turned out quite nice, it's still such a pretty color. I'd love to see a rehab of a vintage LV bag!
Thank you so much ☺️
Wasged my moldy coach with vinegar water and 40 mule team borax. Came out great.
Great video! I watched the entire video.
Thank you so very much. Excellent tutorial, and so encouraging to know that beautiful things that have been neglected, are not beyond being saved, with love and patient doctoring🤗. Would love to know the value of that bag after this rehab!
Thank you!
I have a small name brand bag that is moldy. I am going to attempt to recondition it using the method you explained.
I'm excited to think I can use it again.
Thanks for the solid restoration information! I purchased a vintage coach at an estate sale for $4 so I’ve been searching on how to restore it! TYVM
That's good to know if I ever decide to get a poor, beaten up bag, thank you for showing the process!
And that dinosaur sweatshirt is FIRE! I wouldn't expect a cool pattern like this to come in an adult size!
Thank you so much for watching! I'm glad you like my sweater 😁🦖🦕
Just did a reconditioning on a Legacy Coach bag and did not do a full bath. I did however use Saddlesoap and a horsehair brush and lightly scrubbed the whole bag down section by section. Then i used a microfiber damp cloth and wiped down each section. Then the entire bag dry. I usually finish with a leather conditioner which I buff into the leather. None of my bags were moldy so did not need the vinegar. But that is definitely a good tip to know. 👍🏼
Wow! Amazing rehab!
Also place in a ziploc and freeze the bags, (clothes or whatever) will also kill mold.
So excellent, thank you!
That's a great backpack 🤠 we want to see more vintage bags
😁😁😁
I just picked up a twin to your bag but not so moldy! Thanks for sharing because I was scared to do this on a red bag!!
You're welcome! I hope it comes out beautifully!
I really enjoyed this video! It was thrilling to see the bag transform. BEAUTIFUL! You've taught so much and I'm looking forward to giving some of my dry ol' leather bags a GLAM UP, thanks to your knowledge. YOU ROCK!
Thank you , love your videos
☀️🍇🖤I've liked red leather Coach bags since I was a teenager. Now I'm enjoying my olive colored bag. Your restoration is amazeballs. I'd have to do it at the table. What do you think of dryer sheets inside the bag?
I have heard of this method, but I haven't done it myself. I know the suggestion is unscented sheets, so that they can absorb scent instead of adding another layer.
@@classicswithaquirk☀️🍇🖤 Thanks for sharing!
😊😊
Keep in mind, dryer sheets work (in dryers) because of the silicone.
Looks fabulous! How would you attempt to remove a dark stain of unknown origin? Any tips? Thanks!
I am also looking for answers on this! I have a red 9061 rambler with a bad stain on the front!
Thank you for making this video 👍 You offered good explanations of your process.
Thanks for the excellent detailed video. I have an older beautiful leather laptop/briefcase bag with a lot of mildew and loss of shape. I'm going to try your method and follow all the steps and see how it works.
Please let me know how it goes!
As another poster said you need to add vinegar to the water. Mold spores don't disappear because you scrub them they lay dormant. Vinegar will get rid of them. I followed a few different rehabbers that say that is an absolute must step.
I have seen on builders groups that vinegar doesn't kill mould at all......
TYVM for showing us the process in restoring your back pack.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Outstanding! I love seeing worn out things restored to new life.
At 4:00, you mention other bags and that there are different techniques for restoring them. Why would that be? I have a black Oroton that's about 25 years old. I assumed I could use the techniques I've seen on a few videos. It has mold, so I zeroed in on this video as my best guide. But now I'm confused as to whether the technique I use is name-brand specific. Help!
Hi! Thanks for watching! As to your question, it's a little less brand specific and more leather and construction specific. Vintage leather coach bags are full cowhide leather, without fabric linings or interfacing to worry about, which is why the dunking method works so well for them. Other full leather bags could also benefit from dunking, but a bag with a non-leather lining needs a different cleaning method.
@@classicswithaquirk Thanks for the clarification. As it turns out, my bag does have a fabric lining. Do you have any videos addressing that technique?
@AmericaCirclingTheDrain is the fabric lining the kind that can be pulled out of the bag? Or is it fully attached? If you can pull it out, you can scrub it and leave it "out to dry." Otherwise it would be a spot clean situation.
That being said, if your bag is moldy, dunking might still be an option. Moldy is very difficult to remove and wouldn't be taken care of with just spot cleaning.
Beautiful bag! Thank you for the strep by step process!
Thank you so much for watching! 🥰
Thank you so much for your video!!!!!
I like the new color after you cleaned n conditioned it. Great job 😂
Bravo!!! Great job!! Thank you for sharing
Really enjoyed this video. I have several bags that need this. What do you think about borax for mold ???
I repair and recolor leather professionally. Immersing in water + detergent or a vinegar solution exposes leather to a pH (acidity) that accelerates leather deterioration. A mismatched pH (too high or too low) will damage the proteins in leather and speed aging. A brief exposure may not matter much in the long run. Damage does not appear right away, but like tanning causing skin cancer years later, exposure to the wrong pH has an effect.
Leather pH is 4.5 and products made for use on leather are at this pH unless they are designed to soften a stiff leather by destroying leather fibers. Your dish detergent and Dawn dish detergent have a pH 7 to 8 = 500 to 5,000x more basic, same as baby shampoo, which is fine for living human skin and some animals, but way too basic for leather (or bathing your dog). Just because Dawn OK for cleaning oil off seas birds or is gentle for your hands, does not mean it is safe for leather. Diluting in water does not change the pH, it just spreads out the damage.
Have you ever seen armrests on a leather chair or sofa that cracked and tore open long before the rest of the leather? That is the effect of human body oil pH of 5 to 6, doing damage over several years. Purse handles and straps age faster for the same reason.
Vinegar has pH of 2.5 = 500x more acidic than leather. The safe way to kill mold and deodorize leather is an ozone chamber. Fire recovery services can do this for you or you can buy a small ozone generator with special bag sold for hunters to neutralize their clothes before going out on a hunt. EVERYTHING else that kills mold harms leather. UV light in sunlight is fine for a few hours to kill it at the surface, but mold at the surface means there is a LOT more growing inside when the UV will never reach. Mold can be prevented by never storing leather in a plastic bag or anywhere with poor air circulation. It is OK if mold is present inside the leather as long as it is not actively growing. When the leather is kept out in the air at normal indoor humidity, mold will not grow. Once mold has grown, and the surface cleaned and the smell has dissipated - but it was not treated with ozone, mold spores will remain in that leather and grow again very fast if it ever gets moist again. Just storing for a few weeks in a plastic bag or crammed in a closed box indoors can be enough for that to happen again.
You will notice that makers of fine leather care products do not sell liquid detergents for making an immersion bath. For good reason they sell wipe on / wipe off cleaners, or cleaners that foam up a little as you gently scrub, then wipe off. Leather is not cleaned better by immersing. It is so dense that not much soil penetrates. Surface cleaning is all that is needed for most soil. Immersion is insufficient to fully flush out absorbed residues from water or oil based liquids.
To remove oil, an oil extractor for leather is needed. Surface cleaning is insufficient because the remaining deeper oil will migrate back to the surface. Extractor = a drying powder that sits on the surface and draws oils out passively over a few hours or days. It is removed and reapplied daily until the oil is gone. BUT it also removes the moisture and some dye, so re-moisturizing and touching up color will be needed. Restoring color can be tricky on a Coach bag like this - please consult a professional.
Thank you so much for such a detailed comment sharing your knowledge! While I have been rehabbing vintage coach bags for years now, I am definitely no professional. I just learned what I know from trial and error and the advice and info from others who have been successfully rehabbing vintage coach bags like this for decades. I would never do this for most other leather bags of course! I'm not about do dunk a chanel 😂
Thank you again for adding your input!
Can we be friends? So love when a pro is willing to share. Thank you.
Well that went right over my head. The same for many other people I would guess. This lady was showing us amateurs how it can be done and she did specify she was only doing it on very cheaply bought vintage bags - in other words, no great loss if things went awry.
You sound like a professional and obviously you really know your stuff but I don’t think it was very nice of you to embarrass this very nice lady, especially on her own channel - you really went to town on her …
No one deserves to be treated like that …
@@junebarber8459 I am a pro - and long-winded (my apologies) - but meant my comment as education and constructive critique for the sake of preventing damage and wasted effort, which the person in the video said she appreciated (see first response). Here are the key ideas:
- The only safe and totally effective way to kill mold and odor in leather is an ozone treatment. Fire recovery professionals and some cleaning services can provide this at a reasonable cost.
- Removing surface mold does not remove the majority of it which is living inside the leather. However, if kept dry and in climate controlled air, the mold will stop growing and do no further harm to the leather. Store in cloth not plastic and in a well-ventilated place, not closed in a closet. If given the chance to grow again, the mold will grow and spread very rapidly.
- Dunking leather in water and detergent can look OK now, but speed up leather's aging due to the pH (acidity) of the detergent and water. Leather is as acidic as tomatoes or coffee (pH 4.5). Anything it absorbs that does not match that pH will cause some leather fibers to break = weaken the leather = speed up aging. Which means that gentle cleaners for human skin (pH 7 to 8) can harm leather. Leather can be safely cleaned and cared for only with products made specifically for that type of leather (don't use products labeled for boot care on your purse or sofa).
- Be safe and consult a leather repair pro (not product sellers) before you follow anyone's advice. There are DIY fixes for leather problems, just not for all of them. And there is a TON of incorrect / incomplete / inadequately specific advice out there that sounds great until you know the truth about your particular leather.
I get a lot of good questions from folks who have read my comments and need to know more about how to be effective and safe when rehabbing their leather. I also hear from many heartbroken owners of used-to-be-lovely leather that they have made permanently worse by following poor advice from the internet.
@@barbaracarney6398 hello, your message just popped up at exactly the right time today. We live in a big, old, cold house (in Manchester U.K.) and mold runs rife in this place, I think because we’ve (my husband more than me !!!!!) have collected that much junk in our lifetimes, that air can’t circulate. I find things that would break your heart, green and black mold on my lovely vintage bags. Some of them I’ve just had to toss. I’ve always bought good, if not the most stylish (like The Bridge bags). Just yesterday I found an old bag, totally dead in my opinion but after reading all your instructions, I may have a go at revival, I don’t care much for it so it will be a good practise piece. I didn’t realise that you can’t use the same products on bags that you would use on a sofa so thankyou for that. I use a French brand called Saphir - which smells divine - and old fashioned. But love all the information you gave for cleaning them up first. Being nearly 80, I always clean and polish my shoes and actually enjoy doing it. Can you tell me how to clean a lovely old pebbled leather Italian sofa, it’s not too bad, just needs tickling up a little?
I do apologise for going for you like I did, I just felt so sorry the TH-camr. I should learn to be kinder when I reply to comments. I really am sorry. I really did admire your knowledge though, like I said and I have saved it for future reference. It’s so interesting when people have this artisan quality about them. I really hope I didn’t hurt your feelings too much. I hope I come across your knowledge again on this YTs channel. Kind regards xxxx
You did an outstanding job! Perseverance produced a good looking Coach bag. Love it!
I have a Coach bag, that unfortunately got the outside bottom light tan leather drawn by pen [black ink]. After giving it a bath, I don't know if/what product to use on that specific area. Should I restain it with a darker color? I welcome your advice.
Love this vid! Getting my chops up to be a handbag reseller. Thank you for your experience and insight.
I truly like that backpack you really encouraged me.. I love the water stains or mildew stains. That’s on the bag after you washed it. It really gives a character. I really like that. I love backpacks.
Thank you so much for taking the time to show us
Being a disabled veteran, I use backpacks a lot or cross bodies some days. I have to use a cane another day. I use a walker and nothing on good days, but I have a lot of injuries from the military so that backpack special be in the color red just hit it home so I am Really encouraged by your video. Thank you.
What do you think about honey leather ?
What would you do to clean Dooney and Burke?
I have a couple old bags that I’ve always done saddle soap with to clean them, but I’ve always wondered what to do
Thank you I hope to see you real soon. I will subscribe.
Love the bag!! Thanks for this informative video!!
Wow what a transformation.. So drying.. do you use a fan, heat or just leave in a room at room temperature? Thanks
HEY HIDUPZ!! I have been watching you for years and im so proud of where you have made it! I love you so much! Also thanks for making my day
It’s a really cute bag….I wear only Dooney and Bourke….but would definitely spot this! Cute cute cute 🥰
Thank you for tips with mold and mildew.
You’re welcome! I hope they’re helpful.
This is such a helpful video, thank you!
Great video. Thank you. How do I clean discolored buckles?
I use a mixture of two parts water to one part white vinegar!
Great job looks great and the quality of the older bags 💼 I have washed a vintage bag in the washer with icy clean then fried and conditioned.
Thank you so much! I've heard of using the washing machine before, I'm not that brave yet 😂
Thank you !😍😍👍👍
YOur filmming is great, and the bag came out amazing
Thank you so much!
It looks so beautiful now.
Thank you!
Just came across your video. Awesome job. I have a wide collection of bags including coach and kors and a few other designers. No Vuitton, Chanel but I luv styles of bags not so into names in bags. I would think ordinary leather can b done with this method and remembering no silicone in the conditioner. Thanks for the video.
You did an amazing job
Thank you!
This color is more beautiful than the original.
I loved your video! I am going to try it with my leather bags. An idea for you,, I’d like to see your collection of bags and hear how you care for them .
Thanks again!
Thank you for watching! I do have to do a bag video one of these days 😅
Oooooooooh my God thank you for this video! This bag, holy crap she's glorious. EPIC! I just got a leather backpack that's old and awesome but kinda sad and I want to fix it but I don't want to wreck it soooo. Thanks so much for the information! Also, your dinosaur shirt is life.
Thank you so much for watching! I’m glad the video was helpful 😊
And I’m glad you like my dinosaur shirt! 🦖
wow! that leather bag looks pretty now! 😍
Thank you!
Well done!
💖😊💖Qurkie you done an amazing job I didn't know you conditioned bag .What a beautiful job you have done .I loved this vlog you breathed a whole new life into this bag and i love that just brilliant well done😘😘😘xx👍xx
Thank you so much!!
I was so mad when I looked at my bottle of mink oil, and saw it had silicone in it! I like to mix up my own leather conditioner, with shea butter, lanolin, vitamin e oil, coconut oil, and a couple of other oils.
Please show us your vintage coach collection thank you.
It's a video I have to do 😁
What product do you recommend for getting the color back? I’m overwhelmed with products. Dye pens, rubs, etc. You are so helpful and I need some guidance.
It depends on the color! But really, hydrating the bag can do a lot!
LOL your cat at the end... My cat loves to get inside the Bags I am restoring 12 months of age he manage to fit inside a Louis Vuitton Alma, took a photo very cute... Yes that bag looks beautiful I'm still battling through trying to re-dye the suede and Gucci backpack finding the dye colour is very uneven if you have any hints let me know should I apply it when it is dry or damp?.. Anyhow thanks for your videos they're great
LOVE THIS! I have dyied a Chloe and Mulberry bag and it it so much fun. Please please make more of these restore/colour handbag videos❤ The Mulberry bag i colored (from light oxblood to dark brown) I experienced the bag to be more stiff. The bag had a pretty soft leather before coloring. Is it possible to color or recolor a Chanel lambskin bag? Xxx Marit
Thank you so much! It is possible to recolor Chanel lambskin; bags can be dyed darker colors, or painted brighter colors. but it does usually change the texture of the bag.
You can stuff it with a clothes after conditioning to give it proper shape
This was a very informative, video. The bag looks amazing for its age 🙂!
Thank you!
Wow! Amazing transformation! I love backpacks & this is absolutely gorgeous!
Excellent video!!!!!!
Thank you!!
Thank you so much. I appreciate your effort.
Is it a good idea to apply conditioner when the leather is damp? I’ve never known.