HOW TO CLEAN COACH HANDBAGS 1: INTRO & LEATHER

Ok, here we go. Coach purses are built to last. Proper care of your Coach purse is important to ensure that long lifespan, and for the simple sake of not having a dirty purse. Cleaning it is simple, and the rewards speak for themselves.

Today, we'll cover the leather styles:

Leather is a little tricky, especially when it comes to horrific stains like ink. There is no one correct way to clean leather. Different types of leather need different types of treatments. We'll cover many of Coach's specific leathers here, but check out glambrowser.com for a more in-depth discussion on all designer leathers and fabrics.

What follows are treatments that I've compiled from personal experience, professionals and friends, as well. They're all proven techniques, but not suitable for every bag. What I always recommend is test it out either on the inside or a small inconspicuous corner, before your apply it to the stained area.

• Get the Coach Cleaner & Moisturizer set. It's ideally suited for smooth leathers, but even Coach will tell you, it's not recommended on all their leather products, and it should NOT be used on ink, grease or oil stains. You can find it at coach.com or any of their stores.


• The Coach Leather Cleaner can be successfully used on the following collections: Soho Buck and Vintage Leather, Legacy Buck Leather, Hamptons Buck Leather, Polished Calf Leather, English Bridle Leather.


• First remove dirt and build up by applying a small amount of the cleaner on a soft, clean, dry cloth. Use circular motions until you've applied it to the desired areas. Let it dry in a cool, dry place. Don't dry it in the sun or with a hair drier. Leather doesn't respond well to heat.


• Then, apply the conditioner in the same way as the cleaner. Then, wipe off residue and buff gently to create a natural sheen (this can all be found in the directions on the bottles themselves).


• For the Coach Patent Collection, a damp cloth should be used with a small amount of mild body wash. Do NOT use Coach Cleaner and Moisturizer.


• The Coach Vachetta Collection is a rich and sophisticated product, handcrafted from pure, vegetable-tanned, French vachetta leather. Over time, the sun's UV rays and the natural oils from your hand will actually enhance the leather's beauty, giving it a unique patina. To remove surface dirt, simply wipe with a clean, damp cloth. Do NOT treat with Coach Leather Cleaner or Moisturizer.


• The Coach Soft Legacy Collection styles should be cleaned with Coach Leather Care or Moisturizer. For a milder but effective alternative, try Leather Honey.


• The Coach Soft Pebble Collection is crafted in natural, milled cowhide leather that has been left untreated. This leather requires minimal care. To remove surface dirt, simply wipe with a clean, damp cloth.


Looking our best requires our accessories to look their best. Following the above techniques will go a long way to achieving that. But those techniques are specific to Coach products. For broader coverage of high-end designer handbag care and preservation, check out our blog at The Glamblog. This site will have information on a wide variety of new designers, brands, trends, and industry news.

I'll be posting How to Clean Coach Handbags, Part 2: Fabrics & Lining next.