Investing in a Coach leather purse is a decision that can pay off over the years, provided you give it the care it deserves. Proper maintenance not only helps in retaining its original allure but also extends its lifespan.
Cleaning your Coach purse is a crucial part of this upkeep, effectively removing dirt, oils, and stains that can accumulate over time. To keep the leather looking its best, follow this guide which outlines the right techniques and products for cleaning. Additionally, as you explore does Coach have a warranty, it’s worth considering whether Coach offers a warranty for their products, providing you with added peace of mind.
Gather Your Supplies
Before cleaning your Coach purse, gather the following supplies:
- Coach leather cleaner or a mild soap like saddle soap, Ivory soap, or Dove soap
- Soft cloth
- Toothbrush or other soft-bristle brush
- Cotton pads, swabs, or soft cloth
- Leather conditioner or coconut oil
- Paper towels
- Small bowl of water
Avoid household cleaners, chemicals, and alcohol-based products on your Coach purse. The leather is vulnerable to damage from harsh ingredients. Stick to specially formulated leather cleaners, mild soaps, and natural conditioners.
Prepare Your Purse
Before cleaning the entire handbag, test any cleaning solutions on a small, inconspicuous area of the leather. This helps identify any negative reactions or discoloration.
If your Coach purse has any metal pieces like turn locks, zippers, or feet, wipe these clean with a soft cloth. Avoid submerging metal parts in water or using harsh chemicals on them.
Empty out your purse and remove any linings or detachable straps. This allows you to thoroughly clean the entire bag. Have these removed parts nearby so you can refasten everything properly after cleaning.
Make sure to clean your purse in a well-ventilated area and lay down an old towel in your workspace. Leather cleaners often have strong odors and cleaning can get messy. An old towel containing any spills or drips makes clean up easy.
Clean the Exterior
The exterior of your Coach purse likely encounters the most wear and tear. Follow these steps to clean the outside of your bag:
- Wipe It Down: With a soft, dry cloth, gently wipe down the entire exterior surface of your purse. This removes any surface-level dust or loose dirt. Check the cloth for any stains or heavy dirt and make note of extra dirty areas needing special attention later.
- Create a Cleaning Solution: In a small bowl, mix your chosen leather cleaner (or mild soap) with water according to the product’s instructions. Avoid over-saturating the soap solution. You just need a light lather. Dip a clean cloth or cotton pad in the solution.
- Spot Clean Stains: With your soap solution, gently rub any stained or heavily soiled areas. Avoid vigorously scrubbing as this can damage the leather. Clean with light, circular motions. Pay special attention to the bottom corners and edges of your purse since these experience the most wear.
- Clean the Entire Surface: Once you’ve spot cleaned any noticeably dirty areas, use your soap solution to wipe down the entire exterior surface of your Coach purse. Apply the solution to your clean cloth then gently wipe the moistened cloth over all sides of your bag’s exterior.
- Rinse: Wipe the leather with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue. You want the leather completely free of cleaner before moving onto conditioning. Make sure not to miss any creases or seams.
- Dry: Use a fresh, dry cloth or paper towels to thoroughly wipe your Coach purse dry. Allow any heavily saturated areas extra time to completely air dry as well.
Clean the Interior
Follow these steps to refresh the inside of your Coach purse:
- Remove Linings: If possible, remove any satin linings or other detachable linings from the interior of your purse. Follow the care instructions on the lining’s tag then wash separately before replacing in your purse.
- Dump Out Debris: Turn your empty purse upside down and gently shake out any dirt, crumbs, or other debris trapped inside. A toothbrush can help loosen and brush away stuck-on debris.
- Spot Clean Stains: Check the interior for any stains, discoloration, or stuck-on gunk. Use a clean cloth dampened with your leather cleaner or soap solution to spot clean affected areas. Avoid over-saturating.
- Disinfect: To sanitize the inside of your purse, wipe down all interior surfaces with isopropyl alcohol or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer using a clean cotton pad or swab. This helps kill germs and bacteria.
- Freshen: Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda across the bottom interior of your empty purse. Leave overnight then shake out the baking soda in the morning. This naturally absorbs odors to keep your purse interior fresh.
- Air Dry: With the lining removed, allow the interior of your Coach purse to completely air dry before replacing any linings or belongings.
Condition the Leather
After thoroughly cleaning your Coach leather purse inside and out, follow up with a leather conditioner or moisturizer. Here’s how:
- Apply Conditioner: Using your hands, gently rub your chosen leather conditioner (like Coach brand conditioner) evenly over the entire exterior surface of your purse. Massage the conditioner into the leather.
- Seal In Moisture: Once the conditioner covers the entire outside of your bag, wrap the purse in a soft cloth then gently squeeze your hands over the leather. This helps seal the conditioner into the pores.
- Remove Residue: Using a fresh, dry cloth, buff your purse by gently wiping across the leather surface to remove any excess conditioner.
- Let It Soak In: Allow the leather conditioner to soak into your Coach purse’s exterior for at least an hour before using your newly cleaned bag. Keeping the purse stuffed with paper or towels as it dries helps it hold its shape.
Cleaning Tips and Tricks
Keep these additional tips in mind as you clean and care for your Coach leather purse:
- Spot clean immediately after stains occur to prevent setting into the leather.
- Avoid submerging your Coach purse in water or the washing machine as this can severely damage leather.
- Use a leather conditioner every 3-4 months to moisturize your purse’s exterior.
- Let your purse dry away from direct sunlight or heat to prevent cracking.
- Keep your purse stored in the included dust bag when not in use to prevent dirt buildup.
- DIY leather wipes made with coconut oil, vinegar, and essential oils offer convenient leather cleansing on-the-go.
- Bring your heavily soiled Coach purse to a leather cleaning professional for periodic deep cleaning treatments.
FAQs
What is the best way to clean Coach purse stains?
For most stains, gently spot clean the affected area using a soft cloth, mild soap, and water. Avoid aggressively scrubbing as this can worsen staining. For stubborn oil-based stains, use baking soda paste or cornstarch to help absorb and lift the stain.
How can I get rid of odors in my Coach purse?
Freshen smelly purses by sprinkling baking soda inside overnight then dumping it out. You can also stuff purse interiors with crumpled newspaper or dryer sheets to absorb odors. Using a disinfectant spray inside helps kill bacteria that causes odors.
How do I clean suede Coach purses?
Use a suede brush and suede cleaner or soap solution to gently spot clean stained or dirty areas on suede Coach purses. Avoid over-saturating suede and allow plenty of time to air dry. Always test cleaners on an inconspicuous spot first.
What products should I avoid using to clean Coach purses?
Avoid household cleaners, chemicals, wipes, and alcohol-based products on Coach leather. The harsh ingredients in these products can dry out and crack leather. Also avoid submerging Coach purses in water.
How can I make my Coach purse look shiny and new again?
Regularly conditioning your Coach purse with a leather moisturizer is the best way to restore shine and suppleness. Gently buff the leather with a dry cloth after conditioning to bring back that iconic Coach luster. Taking your purse to a professional for polishing also helps revive shine.
Keep Your Purse Like New
Coach purses are timeless accessories when properly cared for. By regularly cleaning both the interior and exterior following the techniques outlined here, you can keep your leather purse looking fabulous for years to come. When styling a leather skirt, it’s essential to consider not just the outfit, but also the longevity of your leather pieces; much like caring for a purse, matching the leather skirt with attention to details such as avoiding moisture damage, conditioning the leather, and addressing stains right away ensures it remains a timeless wardrobe staple for the long haul. Enjoy your Coach bag for seasons to come with the right cleansing and care.
