Handbag Cleaning

[WhiteWriting]

I just received a quote from an online handbag restoration company for a basic clean of an old Mulberry Bayswater inside and out. No dyeing/stitching/scratch issues. The quote was £700!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please wise ones of Mumsnet, advise me where you got something similar done without having to sell a kidney first.

How bad of a condition is it in? Just a clean and conditioning is super simple to do yourself. That price is insane though, I think Hermès charge a third of that for a simple clean and conditioning.

Not terrible at all. Just old and needs reconditioning. If I had £700 I would be buying a new one! Bayswater don't have internal linings so I wouldn't know where to start. Presumably no water?

It's suede on the inside, isn't it? If that needs cleaning you have specialist cleaning products for suede specifically. For the veg tan leather outside you can just get a two in one product that cleans and conditions at the same time. You just apply it with a soft cloth and repeat it every so often. You can look at a brand like Saphir for various options, if you have a good cobbler nearby you can ask them for advice wrt products.

Thanks - I'll look into Saphir products. Yes, maybe a cobbler would be a good source of advice. Ideally I wanted to send it away to bag hospital but maybe it'll have to be DIY!

@WhiteWriting
Gentle suede brush inside and vacuum out debris with brush nozzle
Outside clean in small circular movements with Lord Sheraton leather balsam
Buffwith a microfiber cloth again in circles.
I'm my area cobblers won't clean mulberry bags ( I asked and was refused)

Thanks for this - really helpful for bag exterior. It's the inside I really need to clean super well and I'm not sure a vacuum will do it. Has anyone had a go at this themselves?

I've revived suede shoes with steam and a crepe brush, that really works well but if it's stained or has some other substances sticking down the nap then you're probably going to need a dedicated suede cleaner.

@WhiteWriting yes I've got a handbag room full of vintage bags.
As I said before use a suede brush on that inner tho be super careful if you use a wire one.
I've got /had bags from early 1900s onwards.
I've cleaned numerous mulberry bags for myself and for other ppl.
I've removed ink stains out of lined bags, never had a disaster it's all about patience.

Thanks @shybutrude. Can I ask what you would use on dirt/staining on inside of a Mulberry? I've used my suede brush on it but it looks no better.

@WhiteWriting Have you got any photos?

Do not, under any circumstances, use Handbag Clinic. They ruined a handbag of mine.

Yes here we go...just grubby but no ink or food.

And the handles need attention - kind of greasy and discoloured?

Last one I promise - one small stain on outside...

Thanks @PilgorTheGoat I contacted Handbag Spa but noted Handbag Clinic as another one offering similar and charging an arm and a leg. I'm sorry you had a crap experience - did they compensate you?

@WhiteWriting grease and discoloured comes from oils from your skin so you may need to live with it! Inside isn't as bad as I was expecting , I've cleaned lined and unlined bags very gently with cheap (only ever white foam) shave gel. Do not saturate the leather. You can Google it. I was recommended that shave foam cleans many things back when I worked bridal (also takes mane up on wedding dresses!) also I'm obsessed with the seam on Instagram who clean and revive and mend everything

Wow @shybutrude thanks again for your advice - I'm clearly talking to an expert!

@WhiteWriting Ive collected bags since I was 13, I've revived many! A few years ago I donated well over 250 vintage bags (good quality) to the hospice shop because I had so many. My handbag room is full to bursting again so should really have a sort out. I really enjoy the older bags when on my opinion the quality was better, I have a soft spot for vintage mulberry bags ( wouldn't buy a modern one, now overpriced and less well made imo)

I totally agree about Mulberry. My inherited Bayswater is about 17 years old and feels like a quality bit of kit. I think they moved production from the UK didn't they? Also as quality went down prices rocketed. Use to be £595 now £1200!

*make up not mane up

I have washed a Bayswater in the kitchen sink but it was in a worse condition than yours. It cleaned up well but took a while to dry with lots of paper and towels to keep the shape.
I use the Collonil gel on leather bags it cleans and conditioners.
The outside mark, can you roll it between your fingers? The rolling can help dissipate the stain/water.

If the inside annoys you, clean the best you can and then get a felt bag liner. This will keep it clean and help with the bag structure.