I bought my first Dooney bag in 1975 and it was all weather leather. I continued to buy Dooneys for many years, but lost all my original bags in a house fire. As a horse person, I always took care of my bags the same way I cared for my fine leather horse equipment. As I have mentioned to you before, I usually use Horseman’s One Step on everything finished leather. I apply it with my hand and then wipe it off with a clean towel. I’m careful not to get it where there is carving or stitching because it does dry white. I don’t know that I’ve ever caused harm to a bag. They always look great after I’m done. I repurchased a bunch of vintage Dooneys after the fire in addition to buying new from store. I have the older version of your beautiful saddle bag. But I pretty much always buy black bags. Still to this day. The reason I went for that very first Dooney bag in 1975 was because or the quality of the components and construction. In a world where rivets are commonly used, everything on these bags was beautifully sewn with thick, gorgeous leather and solid brass hardware.
Hi! I love your dooney & bourke collection! I recently got into vintage dooney & bourke as well and got my first bag (medium essex) today! I followed your cleaning tutorial but noticed the trim on my bag now looked more cracked than before😣 wondering if this happened to you before and if you have any suggestions. Thank you so much!
I thrifted the saddle bag in the same color you have. Such a beautiful bag! Mine is so dirty, and this video was absolutely perfect for making sure I clean it correctly. Thank you!!!
Caleb, 👏👏👏 you finally did it. It was worth the wait!! It’s a beautifully crafted video-(Zane) and Caleb this is one of the best videos you’ve done. You’re so relaxed, so natural and your information is sooo informative. I agree those dunking videos make me cringe as well 🤦♀️. I will be rewatching this one for sure. Now for the big question 🙋♀️, Can I please just send my vintage Dooney’s to you to clean 😂 additional income stream 😆 but seriously 😳. Thanks so much for doing this video and oh before I forget you look stunning 🤩 and I’m just loving the “tanner” apron well done. 👛🛍️🙏🚢🦆
Okay, Caleb Snell please post cleaning the It collection video!!!! Genius!!!! Also, I would love a video on your highest quality best made bags top three of all time! New to the channel, loving every single video, especially the purse videos that mentioned Dooney!!!!!!!
Thank you, Megan! I do plan to do the IT video soon- I love the funky grafica bags, and so many are just tossed because of the yellowing. And that's another good video idea!
What an amazing video- pleasant to listen to, full of helpful information, great visuals. I’m going to use your techniques and products to restore a couple of gorgeous vintage AWL bags I found at a consignment shop. Thank you!
For general interest: I have a little vintage taupe crossbody bag in AWL, which I got secondhand. The previous owner apparently had at least one significant pen leak, because a couple of large blots of ink soaked all the way through from the inside! It was really too unsightly to use, and since I got it for very little money (actually, in an eBay lot thrown in with another bag), I decided to find out Once And For All what could be done for such a stain. Not really recommended, but as a last Hail Mary to rescue an abused bag, it did work pretty well, attenuating the stain until the bag is useable. I just threw everything I could think of at it, and here are my findings. ❌ Castile soap and water ❌ Saddle soap and water ❌ Magic Eraser ❌ Baking soda and water paste (can get dirt off vinyl) ❌ Cornstarch and water paste (can get blood out of fabric) ❌ Benzoyl-peroxide cream (like Clearasil, can get stains off vinyl) Okay, big gun time. ✅ Rubbing alcohol ✅ Nail polish remover (not 100% acetone but containing acetone) Blotting alternately with acetone and rubbing alcohol, then coating with the cornstarch paste to continue drawing out the ink, then rinsing and repeating, got out more ink than I could have possibly imagined! A whole ballpoint pen must’ve broken in half and just leaked out its entire contents before someone found it. But after many rounds of acetone/alcohol, cornstarch paste, rinse, going at it from both the inside and outside of the leather, I got enough ink out that it was more of a shadowy bluish smudge, not a brilliant blue splotch. Of course, the acetone removed the leather dye and finish from that spot, too. So next, I mixed together some taupe shoe polish with a heavy conditioning cream and rubbed that into the stripped area until the color was close to the original. Again, not recommended except in extreme circumstances! And there is still a spot there; it’s just more of a faint shadow now, and much, much, less noticeable. So, for the record, and if nothing else, for science!
Your video was so interesting and educational about the tanning process. I found it looking for instructions on how to repair scrapes and scratches on AWL. Do you have any tips or recommendations?
Your video came at the perfect time! I bought some D&B from Poshmark and the bags came really dirty. I didn't mind the ink, but the dirt really got me 😡
Yay! I'm happy to hear that! Well, happy to hear that you enjoyed the video, not so much the dirty bag! But you got this- it's going to look great in no time!
Watching your videos and seeing you fall in love with your Essex, I decided to get one too. I found a decent one on eBay that looks like it just needs a cleaning and TLC. It’s in bone too. Once it arrives I’ll be using the techniques you demonstrated in this video. I look forward to enjoying my very first Dooney.
I purchased a gorgeous AWL top-handle bag today at a thrift store for $12!! Score!! I'm so glad I watched your video after reading an article suggesting the "Dooney Dunk"! However, the bag does have an off odor inside. How would you suggest a through cleaning of the inside suede parts without damaging the bag? Thank you for your knowledge and instruction!!
I am really glad I found this video, although it makes me sad that I have been cleaning my six Dooneys wrong all these years by using the leather cleaner and leather conditioner all over.
@CalebSnell , yes, they are all in good shape and usable (except one I ruined by taking someone else's cleaning advice that spread a stain across the bag...you are right: soaking, rubbing, and dunking are bad ideas - I learned that lesson the hard way). Anyway, I am now a new subscriber to your channel because you have ideal content for me.
I was recently given a vintage AWL Dooney in the same colors, bone and British tan. I have never owned a Dooney before and am quite excited, but the bag is squished and misshapen. Any tips on how to get the bag back into proper shape? I'm so glad I found your video when I did because I was about to clean and condition the whole thing!
Ahhh! I'm glad you found me just in time! I would say- after you clean the bag, stuff it with tissue or air paper for a week or two. That should help it gain it's shape back!
Haha guilty as charged! I’m glad you enjoyed the video! If I remember correctly- were you carrying this Dooney when we met? I think the cleaning method for the newer bags is on the Dooney website, so I would follow that method. I’d hate to tell you wrong and ruin the bag!
Great video! I have a large Essex that I thrifted. It has wear on the top that appears to have worn off the cream color. Is there a product you recommend for fixing that?
I've soaked vintage all leather coach bags that didn't seem to have much hope of ever coming back and they turned out beautifully. Have a couple of vintage Dooney's and had heard of people dunking them too but it just didn't feel right. Glad I found this video! Curious how you clean the suede inside if there are pen marks?
That's a good question! I wouldn't recommend much aside from a lint roller/small vacuum, or a suede eraser. Anything wet that you use, could potential bleed through and stain the exterior of the bag.
Thank you so much for sharing all theses tips! Do you think I could use the Dove Sensitive bar soap instead of Ivory soap? It's just because I already have the Dove soap😅
Hi Caleb! Thank you so much for this video! Do you have any tips for how to clean the suede interior? I found on online that I’m really interested in, but it looks like the inside will need a good clean and I’m afraid to mess something up lol 😂
Thank you! I would recommend working lightly with a suede eraser or stone and a suede brush. Unfortunately with ink, you won't be able to 100% remove the ink stain.
Hi 👋 I collect DB and great video for the pebbled/AWL but do you have tips on how to clean our fun coloured canvas with AWL trim and handles. Mostly afraid of colour bleed, just want to fight some slight dingy before Summer! Thanks
Do you think Castile soap would be fine too? That's what I have and use for most things and if I don't have to keep another product I would rather not.
Thank you for sharing! I recently bought a vintage Dooney and Bourke that was popular during my teen years (early 90s). It is a bit worn, but I'm hoping to bring some life back to it. Question - the color is bone, and there is wear on some edges in which the color is worn away. Can I use a bone leather polish or paint without ruining it?
@@CalebSnell Ended up using leather paint, bone, but the bone was different. I decided to paint the bottom anyhow since the bag is just for me. It still looks better than it did before. :)
It absolutely could! That's why I wait several days to week before carrying it again, or setting it down on anything upholstered. I always check to feel if the polish is still tacky to the touch before carrying it.
Is there a way to restore the light color body of the bag. I have a beloved kilty in the same colors as those two bags you are demonstrating and the light color has worn off. The bag is in great condition though. I just have used it a lot and it has rubbed off from contact with my clothing.
That's a tough one! I think the only thing that would help in that instance might be a bit of leather dye. Considering the Kilty is a rarer bag, it might be worth sending to someone like the Leather Surgeons or Rago Bros. to make sure it's done properly.
It's in my opinion some of the best leather to touch. It's pebbled yet smooth- it's structured yet soft. I truly love AWL. I think the newer AWL would smell like leather- but the vintage pieces I buy don't really smell like much since they're 20+ years old. I can't recommend AWL enough- I love it!
Great question! The less you do with it the better. If you use a liquid or solvent, it will bleed through and ruin the exterior color. I'd recommend a suede eraser and suede brush. That will help clean things up and still protect the bag.
@@CalebSnell Oh thank you very much. I will definitely try that one. For some reason, some vintage Dooneys sold online have very dirty suede interior 😂
Sense I’ve seen your video. I purchased a a black one with the brown trim. It is beautiful. I also purchased an elephant grey with brown trimming. That bag was in very good condition. But at the very bottom. I guess it would be the lining. It needed cleaning really bad. Guess what I did put in the washing machine.😮 Because I was being lazy. It messed up the vachetta leather some but I think I can restore it with the tan kiwi polish.I had to remember these bags are 30 yrs old. But it did come clean though. lol But I don’t advise anyone to put these bags in the washing machine. And lastly I purchased an all black one. That one is in great condition also. But the very bottom needs cleaning as well. But I’ll just take my time to clean it. I will not put it in the washer lol.
My Rothy’s light beige bag has a stain from my Barberry jacket (blue) so I’m hoping this helps me get the stain out once and for all. I did wash it already but most of the stain is still there. 😢
Yes! I'm working on experimenting with a few products to see if I can figure out how to restore IT and Grafica bags! And I would recommend the Facebook groups- they have so many Dooney experts!
That's a great questions. With how porous the back part leather is, I don't really attempt to clean the interior beyond a lint roller. If you're working with ink stains, they could potentially spread through to the outside.
I have a little vintage Dooney in a tan color (I don’t know what the color is actually called; it’s a cool tan, not a reddish tan), and I got it secondhand. Alas! There are ink stains on the outside. Any advice? Generally I don’t mind that sort of thing in vintage bags (they’ve had a whole life before getting to me, and I like that they look it), but the ink is an obvious spot that I’d prefer wasn’t there.
Is it the taupe? Sadly, the exterior pen marks can't be helped, and trying to remove them will only damage the leather and create a bigger eyesore. I'd just leave it alone and enjoy the bag. I also love bags with vintage character!
@@CalebSnell Yes, it’s taupe; I looked and the sticker was still inside! It’s not just a pen mark; apparently the original owner was quite careless, and a pen had a significant leak inside, so that a sizable blot of ink soaked all the way through to the outside! I’ve been experimenting to see what I can do, and worst comes to worst, I can always sew a little tooled vachetta patch over the spot! WHY do people treat their lovely bags so cavalierly?? It’s a cute and innocent little bag, it doesn’t deserve this nonsense. (It’s a Mini Zip Top cross-body bag, according to the tag.)
Ink stains inside and outside on my bone and tan on my vintage bags I want to dye paint to bring the bag back to its original beauty. Can I what advice can you give me. I don't want to change the color but I don't want the stains. There is suede dye/paint that I could use on the inside of the bag again to bring it back. The tan is in great condition and it will be easy to restore but the round piece is darker than the rest of the trim. I just want to do this right. PLEASE HELP.
I wouldn't recommend doing too much to the ink stains- you could end up damaging the leather color on the exterior. Instead, try a suede cleaning kit with an eraser and brush to lighten the ink.
I have my original Dooney and Burke satchel from the late 80’s - in the caramel color. I lost the long strap somewhere along the way. I am looking for a replacement strap, of course it needs to have the brass rings on the end of the straps. Would love to find a replacement if anyone knows where to find one?
not me coming to this video not knowing what dooney dunking is 👁️ 👄 👁️ also thank you so much btw i got a kinda trashed essex off of poshmark that was definitely discounted because of the inside but I love the duckie 🥺
@@CalebSnell for me i like that it’s not so precious, i can bring it with me and if it gets more destroyed or something worse happens it is what it is ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Thanks so much for this video, Caleb! I had watched this one (ruclips.net/video/5xGnSCponJo/видео.htmlsi=fhyVnj0rqOdTonM2) and it horrified me. Windex and a scouring sponge?! 😳
I just skimmed through that video- and wow! There's so much bad information out there, so I thought it was important to film this guide for folks looking to do it the right way!
When you said that you love this bag just as much as your Birkin, that was so heartwarming. This video is so educational!
Thank you, Julie! It’s so true! I get just as excited when I see this bag as I do my Birkin!
The guide everyone needs for their Dooney AWL bags 😊 great job 👏
Hey boo! fancy seeing you here!
Yasss!!
I bought my first Dooney bag in 1975 and it was all weather leather. I continued to buy Dooneys for many years, but lost all my original bags in a house fire.
As a horse person, I always took care of my bags the same way I cared for my fine leather horse equipment. As I have mentioned to you before, I usually use Horseman’s One Step on everything finished leather. I apply it with my hand and then wipe it off with a clean towel. I’m careful not to get it where there is carving or stitching because it does dry white.
I don’t know that I’ve ever caused harm to a bag. They always look great after I’m done. I repurchased a bunch of vintage Dooneys after the fire in addition to buying new from store. I have the older version of your beautiful saddle bag. But I pretty much always buy black bags. Still to this day.
The reason I went for that very first Dooney bag in 1975 was because or the quality of the components and construction. In a world where rivets are commonly used, everything on these bags was beautifully sewn with thick, gorgeous leather and solid brass hardware.
The quality of these AWL bags just can't be beat, they're beautiful, well-made and hardwearing. They're truly on another level!
Mr. Fabulous is at it again ! Even the basin and pitcher your using to freaking clean with is fabulous ❤😂
Hahaha! I love it, Jasmine! I'm glad someone appreciate my bowl and pitcher moment- I was channeling my inner Martha Stewart.
Hi! I love your dooney & bourke collection! I recently got into vintage dooney & bourke as well and got my first bag (medium essex) today! I followed your cleaning tutorial but noticed the trim on my bag now looked more cracked than before😣 wondering if this happened to you before and if you have any suggestions. Thank you so much!
Wow so well done 👏👏👏 Caleb and Zane, what an awesome job you guys! 😊❤
Thank you so much, Laurie!! I love how everything turned out!
Excellent video! Thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Great tips! Shocked to learn that any one would dunk any bag at all!!!
Right!? I die a little each time I see a video about Dooney Dunkin'. lol
Thanks Caleb for doing this. I have learned a lot.
Thank you, Kris! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I have the Essex bag and it is a beautiful bag. Thank You for sharing how to clean vintage Dooney and Bourke. My bag was gifted to me in 1999.
Hi Bree! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! And to be the first owner since 1999, that's fabulous! I love my Essex, they're such great bags!
@@CalebSnellYes, indeed ❤😊
I thrifted the saddle bag in the same color you have. Such a beautiful bag! Mine is so dirty, and this video was absolutely perfect for making sure I clean it correctly. Thank you!!!
I can’t wait to hear how it turns out!
My bag collection consists of 95% D&B 😊. Wonder where I can buy these 2. Love the design.
I highly recommend them!
How do we clean up the hardware? Thanks for this. I’ve only cleaned vintage coach- glad I found this!!
Great question! I recommend using Brasso on a soft cloth, just make sure you don't get any on the leather or trim.
Caleb, 👏👏👏 you finally did it. It was worth the wait!! It’s a beautifully crafted video-(Zane) and Caleb this is one of the best videos you’ve done. You’re so relaxed, so natural and your information is sooo informative. I agree those dunking videos make me cringe as well 🤦♀️. I will be rewatching this one for sure. Now for the big question 🙋♀️, Can I please just send my vintage Dooney’s to you to clean 😂 additional income stream 😆 but seriously 😳. Thanks so much for doing this video and oh before I forget you look stunning 🤩 and I’m just loving the “tanner” apron well done. 👛🛍️🙏🚢🦆
Hey Dee Dee! It's done! haha! A Dooney cleaning business, I don't hate that idea at all! haha! And I'm glad someone noticed my tanner apron lol!
Great video! I used to have the Dooney essex in green 15 years ago and the quality was amazing🙌
Thank you, Mary! I’m jealous, the green ones are so hard to find these days!
Great video Caleb! You packed so many great tips in this guide. Beautiful white bag! 🤎😘
Thank you, Jamie! It turned out really well!
Okay, Caleb Snell please post cleaning the It collection video!!!! Genius!!!! Also, I would love a video on your highest quality best made bags top three of all time! New to the channel, loving every single video, especially the purse videos that mentioned Dooney!!!!!!!
Thank you, Megan! I do plan to do the IT video soon- I love the funky grafica bags, and so many are just tossed because of the yellowing. And that's another good video idea!
What an amazing video- pleasant to listen to, full of helpful information, great visuals. I’m going to use your techniques and products to restore a couple of gorgeous vintage AWL bags I found at a consignment shop. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Sally! I hope you enjoy cleaning your AWL bags! Let me know how it goes!
@@CalebSnell Your method works beautifully! The bags look gorgeous! Thank you!
@@sallybookworm6300 Yay!! I'm so happy to hear that, Sally!
Great video ...... Professional and so engaging
Thank you so much, Joshy!
Hi Caleb very informative video I’ve just now dipped my toe into DB thanks to you and Jackie I loved the step by step process thank you 💚💚💚💚
Thank you, BirkinBoy! I hope you got some good tips from this on how to care for your vintage DB!
My fav of all the AWL has to be the doctors bag. Heavy, yet so beautifully constructed.
Gorgeous choice!
I have been waiting for this video on cleaning my Dooney. Thank you for the care you put into refurbishing this vintage bag❤
Yay! I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and I hope you found it helpful! Collecting vintage Dooney is a labor of love!
Dooney is my favorite brand, but I have only the duck crossbody. Yep, I conditioned the entire bag - whoops. So informative! Thank you!
Oh no!! haha! The duck bag is such a vibe- I'd love to get my hands on one!
For general interest:
I have a little vintage taupe crossbody bag in AWL, which I got secondhand. The previous owner apparently had at least one significant pen leak, because a couple of large blots of ink soaked all the way through from the inside! It was really too unsightly to use, and since I got it for very little money (actually, in an eBay lot thrown in with another bag), I decided to find out Once And For All what could be done for such a stain.
Not really recommended, but as a last Hail Mary to rescue an abused bag, it did work pretty well, attenuating the stain until the bag is useable.
I just threw everything I could think of at it, and here are my findings.
❌ Castile soap and water
❌ Saddle soap and water
❌ Magic Eraser
❌ Baking soda and water paste (can get dirt off vinyl)
❌ Cornstarch and water paste (can get blood out of fabric)
❌ Benzoyl-peroxide cream (like Clearasil, can get stains off vinyl)
Okay, big gun time.
✅ Rubbing alcohol
✅ Nail polish remover (not 100% acetone but containing acetone)
Blotting alternately with acetone and rubbing alcohol, then coating with the cornstarch paste to continue drawing out the ink, then rinsing and repeating, got out more ink than I could have possibly imagined! A whole ballpoint pen must’ve broken in half and just leaked out its entire contents before someone found it. But after many rounds of acetone/alcohol, cornstarch paste, rinse, going at it from both the inside and outside of the leather, I got enough ink out that it was more of a shadowy bluish smudge, not a brilliant blue splotch. Of course, the acetone removed the leather dye and finish from that spot, too. So next, I mixed together some taupe shoe polish with a heavy conditioning cream and rubbed that into the stripped area until the color was close to the original.
Again, not recommended except in extreme circumstances! And there is still a spot there; it’s just more of a faint shadow now, and much, much, less noticeable.
So, for the record, and if nothing else, for science!
OMG- I love this!! You are very brave to try all this!
Great tips, looks beautiful ❤😊
Thank you, Kaylhee! I'm so happy with how this bag turned out!
@CalebSnell that's great, your welcome
Worth the wait ! Thanks much. ❤
Thank you, Andrea!
Your video was so interesting and educational about the tanning process. I found it looking for instructions on how to repair scrapes and scratches on AWL. Do you have any tips or recommendations?
Depending on how bad the scrapes are, you may have to have the bag redyed or painted.
Your video came at the perfect time!
I bought some D&B from Poshmark and the bags came really dirty. I didn't mind the ink, but the dirt really got me 😡
Yay! I'm happy to hear that! Well, happy to hear that you enjoyed the video, not so much the dirty bag! But you got this- it's going to look great in no time!
Hello Caleb!! 🤗 This s great video. I think both of the bags are stunning. I wish I still had my D&B bags from when I was in high school. 💕
Thank you so much! It was a lot of work, but I hope the information was helpful!
Big Baller Zane and 👑 Caleb are the Jack of all trades
Yasss! That you Lonnie!
Watching your videos and seeing you fall in love with your Essex, I decided to get one too. I found a decent one on eBay that looks like it just needs a cleaning and TLC. It’s in bone too. Once it arrives I’ll be using the techniques you demonstrated in this video. I look forward to enjoying my very first Dooney.
I'm so excited for you! I hope you love your Essex as much as I love mine!
I purchased a gorgeous AWL top-handle bag today at a thrift store for $12!! Score!! I'm so glad I watched your video after reading an article suggesting the "Dooney Dunk"! However, the bag does have an off odor inside. How would you suggest a through cleaning of the inside suede parts without damaging the bag? Thank you for your knowledge and instruction!!
Good deal! For odors, I recommend using a portable UV light and do that treatment a few times until the smell dissipates
I am really glad I found this video, although it makes me sad that I have been cleaning my six Dooneys wrong all these years by using the leather cleaner and leather conditioner all over.
Thank you, Latonya! Don't be sad, as long as they're still in good shape and useable, they're ok! Vintage Dooney AWL can take anything!
@CalebSnell , yes, they are all in good shape and usable (except one I ruined by taking someone else's cleaning advice that spread a stain across the bag...you are right: soaking, rubbing, and dunking are bad ideas - I learned that lesson the hard way). Anyway, I am now a new subscriber to your channel because you have ideal content for me.
Good info!! Thanks so much!!!
Yay! I’m glad you liked it!
I was recently given a vintage AWL Dooney in the same colors, bone and British tan. I have never owned a Dooney before and am quite excited, but the bag is squished and misshapen. Any tips on how to get the bag back into proper shape? I'm so glad I found your video when I did because I was about to clean and condition the whole thing!
Ahhh! I'm glad you found me just in time! I would say- after you clean the bag, stuff it with tissue or air paper for a week or two. That should help it gain it's shape back!
Just like you to have a lovely bowl for your water. This was fun. My Dooney is one year old, how should I care for it ?
Haha guilty as charged! I’m glad you enjoyed the video! If I remember correctly- were you carrying this Dooney when we met? I think the cleaning method for the newer bags is on the Dooney website, so I would follow that method. I’d hate to tell you wrong and ruin the bag!
Hi, enjoyed the video, very helpful. Do you have a video on cleaning LV bags?
Thank you, Tamara! I don't yet- but I might have to make a video soon!
D&B AWL vintage handbags have always been my favorite only second to Ghurka.
Ghurka makes fabulous bags!
Great video! I have a large Essex that I thrifted. It has wear on the top that appears to have worn off the cream color. Is there a product you recommend for fixing that?
Hmmm that’s a tough one! I’m afraid I haven’t had that issue on mine yet.
I've soaked vintage all leather coach bags that didn't seem to have much hope of ever coming back and they turned out beautifully. Have a couple of vintage Dooney's and had heard of people dunking them too but it just didn't feel right. Glad I found this video! Curious how you clean the suede inside if there are pen marks?
I would recommend a suede eraser and brush. You won’t be able to fully remove the ink, but you should be able to lighten it!
@@CalebSnell Thank you. :-)
I thrifted one of these today but it’s in pretty rough shape. Any suggestions on how to care for the interior?
I would recommend a suede eraser and brush to care for the interior.
Thanks for this video! Do you have any suggestions on cleaning the interior suede?
That's a good question! I wouldn't recommend much aside from a lint roller/small vacuum, or a suede eraser. Anything wet that you use, could potential bleed through and stain the exterior of the bag.
Thank you so much for sharing all theses tips! Do you think I could use the Dove Sensitive bar soap instead of Ivory soap? It's just because I already have the Dove soap😅
Haha! I'm not sure, I can only recommend Ivory from my previous experience!
Hi Caleb! Thank you so much for this video! Do you have any tips for how to clean the suede interior? I found on online that I’m really interested in, but it looks like the inside will need a good clean and I’m afraid to mess something up lol 😂
Thank you! I would recommend working lightly with a suede eraser or stone and a suede brush. Unfortunately with ink, you won't be able to 100% remove the ink stain.
Hi 👋 I collect DB and great video for the pebbled/AWL but do you have tips on how to clean our fun coloured canvas with AWL trim and handles. Mostly afraid of colour bleed, just want to fight some slight dingy before Summer! Thanks
Hey!! I wish I did! I'm working on a new video addressing that, and I hope I can drop it in the next few months!
Hi!!
Please explain how I can clean the vintage bags since they have suede liners. I honestly don’t want to ruin my bag.
Never mind,
I read through the comments, and I found that someone asked the same question as I did. And you replied, and I got my answer. Thank you.
Do you have any tips on repairing trim?
Sadly no, but I would reach out to a leathersmith or a cobbler!
Do you think Castile soap would be fine too? That's what I have and use for most things and if I don't have to keep another product I would rather not.
I'm not sure! I can really only recommend ivory soap from precious experience.
Thank you for sharing! I recently bought a vintage Dooney and Bourke that was popular during my teen years (early 90s). It is a bit worn, but I'm hoping to bring some life back to it. Question - the color is bone, and there is wear on some edges in which the color is worn away. Can I use a bone leather polish or paint without ruining it?
I think that would be okay. Just make sure to color test somewhere inconspicuous
@@CalebSnell Ended up using leather paint, bone, but the bone was different. I decided to paint the bottom anyhow since the bag is just for me. It still looks better than it did before. :)
My husband uses saddle soap to clean my Louis Vuitton bags. Have you ever used saddle soap?
I haven’t! I’ve heard it can be a little too strong in most cases, so I’ve never used it.
Any recommendations for cleaning the trim before conditioning?
A light cleaning would be good- just don't saturate the leather and you should be okay.
Doesn’t the shoe polish color clothing if it rubs against it while wearing the bag?
It absolutely could! That's why I wait several days to week before carrying it again, or setting it down on anything upholstered. I always check to feel if the polish is still tacky to the touch before carrying it.
Is there a way to restore the light color body of the bag. I have a beloved kilty in the same colors as those two bags you are demonstrating and the light color has worn off. The bag is in great condition though. I just have used it a lot and it has rubbed off from contact with my clothing.
That's a tough one! I think the only thing that would help in that instance might be a bit of leather dye. Considering the Kilty is a rarer bag, it might be worth sending to someone like the Leather Surgeons or Rago Bros. to make sure it's done properly.
Thank you
What does AWL feel like? Does it smell like leather? I’m a Florentine gal, and I’m so curious
It's in my opinion some of the best leather to touch. It's pebbled yet smooth- it's structured yet soft. I truly love AWL. I think the newer AWL would smell like leather- but the vintage pieces I buy don't really smell like much since they're 20+ years old. I can't recommend AWL enough- I love it!
Hi! I bought a black and tan Dooney bucket bag second hand and it has some faded spots on the black pebbled leather. How do you recommend I treat it?
That's a tough one! It may require some leather dye, but I'm no expert in that department.
Just wanted to ask how to clean the suede though? I’ve been seeing this being sold online but the suede interior is so dirty😅
Great question! The less you do with it the better. If you use a liquid or solvent, it will bleed through and ruin the exterior color. I'd recommend a suede eraser and suede brush. That will help clean things up and still protect the bag.
@@CalebSnell Oh thank you very much. I will definitely try that one. For some reason, some vintage Dooneys sold online have very dirty suede interior 😂
Do you have any tips for cleaning. A Dooney & Bourke Florentine leather bag?
I wish I did! I've never owned anything from the Florentine collection- but they're beautiful!
Sense I’ve seen your video. I purchased a a black one with the brown trim. It is beautiful. I also purchased an elephant grey with brown trimming. That bag was in very good condition. But at the very bottom. I guess it would be the lining. It needed cleaning really bad. Guess what I did put in the washing machine.😮 Because I was being lazy. It messed up the vachetta leather some but I think I can restore it with the tan kiwi polish.I had to remember these bags are 30 yrs old. But it did come clean though. lol But I don’t advise anyone to put these bags in the washing machine. And lastly I purchased an all black one. That one is in great condition also. But the very bottom needs cleaning as well. But I’ll just take my time to clean it. I will not put it in the washer lol.
My Rothy’s light beige bag has a stain from my Barberry jacket (blue) so I’m hoping this helps me get the stain out once and for all. I did wash it already but most of the stain is still there. 😢
Yeah! Maybe give this a try! Just make sure to test clean an inconspicuous spot first to make sure this method won’t hurt your bag.
I’m thinking of buying a vintage dooney and bourke leather rainbow monogram shoulder bag. any tips on cleaning it? :)
also how can I authenticate this bag? I’m buying off depop. Thank you for any help and suggestions!
Yes! I'm working on experimenting with a few products to see if I can figure out how to restore IT and Grafica bags! And I would recommend the Facebook groups- they have so many Dooney experts!
@@CalebSnell thank you!
How do you clean the inside of the bag? The suede portion on the other side of the flap??
That's a great questions. With how porous the back part leather is, I don't really attempt to clean the interior beyond a lint roller. If you're working with ink stains, they could potentially spread through to the outside.
I found a vintage Dooney that needs a lot of love. I have tried cleaning it. But it seems like the color has faded. What do you suggest doing?
Hi! Do you mean the pebbled leather body? Or the tan trim?
@@CalebSnell The body! It’s like the color faded.
Do you think I can add some leather stain? I hate to ruin the all weather. But it needs a revival.
How can I clean the saw suede inside the bag? That's the part that is really dingy on mine.
I wouldn't recommend too much- cleaners can soak into the leather and ruin the exterior. For mine, I use a lint roller and suede brush.
@@CalebSnell Do you know of a polish that matched the vintage taupe color?
how about cleaning the inner part ?
I would say less is more when cleaning the interior of these bags. I would recommend using a suede eraser and brush.
I have a little vintage Dooney in a tan color (I don’t know what the color is actually called; it’s a cool tan, not a reddish tan), and I got it secondhand. Alas! There are ink stains on the outside. Any advice? Generally I don’t mind that sort of thing in vintage bags (they’ve had a whole life before getting to me, and I like that they look it), but the ink is an obvious spot that I’d prefer wasn’t there.
Is it the taupe? Sadly, the exterior pen marks can't be helped, and trying to remove them will only damage the leather and create a bigger eyesore. I'd just leave it alone and enjoy the bag. I also love bags with vintage character!
@@CalebSnell Yes, it’s taupe; I looked and the sticker was still inside! It’s not just a pen mark; apparently the original owner was quite careless, and a pen had a significant leak inside, so that a sizable blot of ink soaked all the way through to the outside! I’ve been experimenting to see what I can do, and worst comes to worst, I can always sew a little tooled vachetta patch over the spot!
WHY do people treat their lovely bags so cavalierly?? It’s a cute and innocent little bag, it doesn’t deserve this nonsense. (It’s a Mini Zip Top cross-body bag, according to the tag.)
Can saddle soap be used instead of ivory soap?
I wouldn't recommend it. Saddle soap is great for vintage Coach, but it's much harsher than it needs to be for the AWL pebbled leather.
Ink stains inside and outside on my bone and tan on my vintage bags I want to dye paint to bring the bag back to its original beauty. Can I what advice can you give me. I don't want to change the color but I don't want the stains. There is suede dye/paint that I could use on the inside of the bag again to bring it back. The tan is in great condition and it will be easy to restore but the round piece is darker than the rest of the trim. I just want to do this right. PLEASE HELP.
I wouldn't recommend doing too much to the ink stains- you could end up damaging the leather color on the exterior. Instead, try a suede cleaning kit with an eraser and brush to lighten the ink.
I have my original Dooney and Burke satchel from the late 80’s - in the caramel color. I lost the long strap somewhere along the way. I am looking for a replacement strap, of course it needs to have the brass rings on the end of the straps. Would love to find a replacement if anyone knows where to find one?
I've seen them pop on eBay from time-to-time. Or you could reach out to Dooney, they may still have replacements!
Caleb, how stiff or soft are the brushes you use?
I would say they’re a soft horse hair brush.
@@CalebSnell thank you 😊
Do you not wipe the bag with clean distilled water to remove the soap residue?
Nope! I don't really get enough on there or let it sit long enough to need to.
Been waiting on this vid for like 6 months now, lmao
"How am I supposed to feel in this moment?! I feel VERY ATTACKED!!" -Leganja Estranja
Thank you
Thank you!
not me coming to this video not knowing what dooney dunking is 👁️ 👄 👁️
also thank you so much btw i got a kinda trashed essex off of poshmark that was definitely discounted because of the inside but I love the duckie 🥺
Dooney Dunking is awful! haha! And a trashed Essex is definitely a vibe!
@@CalebSnell for me i like that it’s not so precious, i can bring it with me and if it gets more destroyed or something worse happens it is what it is ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Does anyone know of a trusted place I can send my vintage bag in for a bag spa treatment?
That's a good question! Let me know if you find anything!
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Thank you!!!
How do I remove water spots from tan leather closure? TYIA ❤ 18:16
I would just recommend moisturizing. The water spots should blend in eventually with use.
Here I am and I don’t even own vintage dooney 😂
Haha, thank you, Whatif!
Love it 🥰 Whatif, dedication ❤👛🛍️🙏🚢🦆
I don't think this brand is well known in my country.... I enjoyed watching the video but I would be afraid to do this myself... too clumsy 😂
Hi Murielle! Haha, I know what you mean- it stresses me out too!
Thanks so much for this video, Caleb! I had watched this one (ruclips.net/video/5xGnSCponJo/видео.htmlsi=fhyVnj0rqOdTonM2) and it horrified me. Windex and a scouring sponge?! 😳
I just skimmed through that video- and wow! There's so much bad information out there, so I thought it was important to film this guide for folks looking to do it the right way!