Cleaning the inside of a vintage Coach bag

On 8/12/2014 Shawnie said: Go to The Purse Forum. They have detailed information on rehabbing Coach bags. It will be interesting to see if the inside is actually suede. My coach bags from many many years ago are unlined so that means it is the back side of the finished cowhide. Not suede.

I thought that the other side of cowhide WAS suede.

Suede block,suede brush, dryer sheets to tuck inside to freshen smell if it's stale.

On 8/12/2014 Texasmouse said:

On 8/12/2014 Shawnie said: Go to The Purse Forum. They have detailed information on rehabbing Coach bags. It will be interesting to see if the inside is actually suede. My coach bags from many many years ago are unlined so that means it is the back side of the finished cowhide. Not suede.

I thought that the other side of cowhide WAS suede.

it is.

I have several. I'd do as little as possible. Just maybe wipe it off with a very slightly damp cloth.

I think I would either call a Coach store or go to one if you have one in a nearby mall. I have some oldies but have tried to keep them close to perfect over the years. Enjoy your bag!

On 8/12/2014 Shawnie said: Well you learn something every day! I have never done anything to my insides but vacumm a bit. Found this about suede and cleaning-- Maintenance Suede is more “high-maintenance” than smooth grain-side leathers. It shows stains easily, its nap wears off and it cannot be oiled as smooth leathers can. Oil simply stains suede and ruins the nap. To clean it, you must purchase cleaners and conditioners specifically intended for suede. They typically contain organic compounds, but not oils.

Ouch! But seriously, I think vaccuming it gently is an excellent idea.

Shawnie, I really don't think that the inside of these vintage Coach bags is exactly the same as what we commonly think of as suede.

I would never put anything harsh on these linings. I think your suggestion or maybe just wiping it with a damp towel is the most I would do. But then, I did make sure that the ones I purchased (all on eBay) were in good shape inside and out. I looked carefully at the pics.

On 8/12/2014 suzyQ3 said:

On 8/12/2014 Shawnie said: Well you learn something every day! I have never done anything to my insides but vacumm a bit. Found this about suede and cleaning-- Maintenance Suede is more “high-maintenance” than smooth grain-side leathers. It shows stains easily, its nap wears off and it cannot be oiled as smooth leathers can. Oil simply stains suede and ruins the nap. To clean it, you must purchase cleaners and conditioners specifically intended for suede. They typically contain organic compounds, but not oils.

Ouch! But seriously, I think vaccuming it gently is an excellent idea.

Shawnie, I really don't think that the inside of these vintage Coach bags is exactly the same as what we commonly think of as suede.

I would never put anything harsh on these linings. I think your suggestion or maybe just wiping it with a damp towel is the most I would do. But then, I did make sure that the ones I purchased (all on eBay) were in good shape inside and out. I looked carefully at the pics.