A Complete Guide to Cleaning Leather, Suede, & Fabric Coach Purses

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Coach’s official instructions + expert-backed cleaning tips
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Coach is renowned for their stylish leather, suede, and canvas purses. But you may have noticed that with wear, they can get a bit dirty! Luckily, there are plenty of easy ways to remove dirt, debris, and stains from your favorite purse or recent thrifting find. In this article, we’ll go over Coach’s official recommendations for cleaning leather, suede, and fabric bags. We also spoke with leather care specialists and cleaning professionals to learn about safe, DIY ways to clean your purse and remove stains, too. Read on to find out more!

Coach Bag Cleaning

To clean a leather Coach bag, wipe it down with a soft cloth or brush. Then, apply a leather cleaner followed by a conditioner using a microfiber cloth and gentle, circular motions. To clean fabric purses, wipe the bag with a damp cloth or with dish soap and water.

Section 1 of 9:

Coach’s Guidelines for Cleaning Leather and Suede Purses

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  1. Use the Coach Leather Cleaner and Moisturizer on most leather bags. Apply a dollop of leather cleaner onto the soft cloth that comes with the cleaning set. Then, rub it gently into the bag using circular motions. Let it dry for 10 to 30 minutes and wipe the bag with a clean cloth. Then, apply the conditioner using a soft cloth and circular motions. Simply buff out the conditioner once it’s dry. [1]
    • Coach’s cleaning set is safe to use on crossgrain, glovetanned, metallic pebble, natural calf, pebble, polished pebble, refined pebble, signature calf, smooth calf, soft calf, stamped/glazed crocodile, and stamped snakeskin leathers.
    • For instance, it works on these common collections: Soho Buck Leather, Soho Vintage Leather, Legacy Buck Leather, Hamptons Buck Leather, Polished Calf Leather, English Bridle Leather
  2. 2
    Clean suede and specialty leathers with a dry cloth. If your bag is made out of suede, haircalf, shearling, natural leather, patent leather, or exotic leathers (crocodile, etc.), Coach simply recommends wiping them with a soft and dry microfiber cloth . This gets rid of any dirt, dust, and debris on the surface of the bag. [2]
    • Avoid getting water or other cleaners on any of these fabrics, as they can potentially damage the material.
    • If your bag is very dirty , Coach recommends getting it cleaned by one of their associates in a Coach store near you. Simply find the store closest to you on Coach’s website and call, text, or email the store to book a cleaning appointment.
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Section 2 of 9:

DIY Solutions for Cleaning a Leather Purse

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  1. 1
    Remove surface dust and debris with a soft cloth or brush. If your leather Coach purse is only slightly dirty with some surface dust or debris, certified leather care technician Mallika Sharma recommends wiping it down with a soft microfiber or muslin cloth. Feel free to use it dry or very lightly dampen it with water. Alternatively, remove the debris with a soft-bristle brush .
    • This is a great first step to follow, even if your bag needs a deeper clean. Getting rid of surface debris can help make the cleaning process easier.
  2. 2
    Wipe the purse with a commercial leather cleaner . If you don’t want to use Coach’s leather cleaner, use another brand of cleaner. Simply follow the directions on the bottle to use it properly. This usually involves applying the cleaner to a soft microfiber cloth and gently rubbing it into the bag using circular motions. Don’t forget to clean the strap of the purse, too. [3]
    • Depending on the brand, you might wipe off the cleaner after you let the bag dry for 10 to 30 minutes.
    • For an easier alternative, consider using leather cleaner wipes .
  3. 3
    Clean the purse with dish soap and water as an alternative. If you don’t have a leather cleaner on hand, Sharma recommends using a mild soap, like dish soap or baby soap , to clean your bag. Simply mix a squeeze of soap with lukewarm water and dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution. Then, gently rub the bag using circular motions. Once you’re done, wipe the purse with a dry cloth.
    • If your bag still looks dirty after drying it, Sharma says to wipe the bag with soapy water again until it looks clean.
  4. 4
    Use saddle soap if the bag is very dirty. If your leather purse is in need of some restoration, clean it with saddle soap. This soap is specially formulated to deeply clean leather products. Simply dampen a round soft brush with water and swirl it into the soap. Then, gently scrub the bag using circular motions. Simply use a dry cloth to remove the soapy residue once you’re done scrubbing. [4]
    • Work in small sections to ensure you clean all parts of the bag thoroughly.
    • Avoid using saddle soap if your bag is just slightly dirty. This soap can be harsh and drying on purses that are already fairly clean.
  5. 5
    Apply leather conditioner once the bag is dry. Regardless of how you clean your leather Coach purse, make sure to apply leather conditioner once you’re done. With most conditioners, you apply a bit of product to a microfiber cloth. Then, wipe the bag using gentle, circular motions. Let the conditioner dry for a few minutes and then buff it off with a clean cloth or soft brush. [5]
    • Leather conditioner adds moisture back to the material, which Sharma says keeps it shiny, soft, and smooth. It also helps protect your bag from drying out and getting cracked or damaged.
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Section 3 of 9:

DIY Solutions for Cleaning a Suede Coach Purse

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  1. 1
    Use a suede brush to remove loose dirt and debris. According to Sharma, the best way to clean a suede purse is to brush it with a dry suede brush. Simply run the brush over the purse using short, gentle strokes, making sure that you brush the fabric in the same direction.
    • Do not clean suede with water or other liquids. Suede is easily damaged by liquid and can cause discoloration, shrinkage, or stiffness.
    • Leather care specialist Marc Sigal recommends treating suede items with a suede protector spray to help keep them safe from water damage.
  2. Clean heavily soiled areas with a suede eraser . If your suede Coach purse has lots of scuff marks, discoloration, or other heavily soiled areas, tackle them with a suede eraser. Just gently rub the eraser over the dirty or stained spot until it disappears. [6]
    • Using a suede eraser can flatten down the suede, so simply go back over the purse with your suede brush to fluff up the material again.
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Section 4 of 9:

Coach’s Guidelines for Cleaning Fabric Purses

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  1. Clean canvas bags with Coach's Signature C Fabric Cleaner . Coach has their own cleaner specially formulated for canvas bags . Simply apply a small amount of the cleaner to a microfiber cloth. Then, rub it into the purse using small circular motions. Just blot the purse with a clean cloth and let it dry before you use it. [7]
    • Check the bottle to see what fabrics the cleaner is compatible with . The cleaner is not safe to use on all nylon, denim, or straw bags.
    • This cleaner works for the following collections: Classic Signature, Mini Signature, Optic Signature, Graphic Signature, and Signature Stripe.
    • Note : If you want to file a warranty claim at your local Coach store, the company may not grant your request if you don't try using its cleaner on your purse first.
  2. 2
    Wipe nylon, straw, denim, and jacquard bags with a damp cloth. For most of Coach’s other fabric purses, they simply recommend wiping your bag down with a damp microfiber cloth. Wring out the cloth well and gently scrub your purse using circular motions. Then, let it dry completely. [8]
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Section 5 of 9:

DIY Solutions for Cleaning a Fabric Purse

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  1. 1
    Wipe fabric bags with dish soap and lukewarm water. If your bag needs a deeper clean, squeeze a bit of mild soap, like dish soap or baby soap, into a bowl of lukewarm water. Then, dampen a microfiber cloth with the soapy water. Simply scrub the bag using circular motions. [9]
    • When you’re done cleaning, wipe the purse down with a damp cloth to remove any soapy residue.
  2. 2
    Clean your bag with an upholstery or fabric cleaner as an alternative. Since your purse is made out of fabric, commercial upholstery and fabric cleaners can be a great way to freshen up your purse. Simply follow the directions on the bottle of the cleaner you’re using. This usually involves spraying the cleaner on the purse, letting it sit for a few minutes, and then scrubbing it with a microfiber cloth. [10]
    • Reapply the cleaner as needed, especially if you’re dealing with heavily soiled areas or stains.
    • If your purse has any leather elements, avoid getting the cleaner on them, as it can potentially damage the material.
    • Warning : Test the cleaner on a small, hidden part of your bag before you use it all over to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolor the fabric.
  3. Set your cleaned bag on a towel out of direct sunlight to air dry. Place towels or plastic bags inside the bag to help your bag hold its shape as it dries. Just wait to use your bag until it’s fully dry to help prevent damage and odors or mold growth from forming. [11]
    • Depending on how wet your bag is, it may take 1 to 3 days for it to fully dry.
    • Help speed up drying by placing your bag in front of a fan.
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Section 6 of 9:

Cleaning the Inside of a Coach Bag

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  1. 1
    Shake out your bag and vacuum up any dirt and debris. Remove all of the items from inside your purse. Then, hold it upside down and shake it over your trash can to remove any loose debris. Simply use your vacuum’s smallest hose attachment to suck up any stuck on dirt, dust, and other debris. [12]
  2. 2
    Wipe the inside of the bag with dish soap and water. Add a squeeze of dish soap to a bowl of lukewarm water. Then, Corte says to dampen a microfiber cloth in the soapy water—wring it out well so it’s not soaking wet. Simply use the cloth to wipe down the inside of the bag, focusing on any visible stains.
    • For extra deodorizing power , Corte suggests mixing a bit of baking soda in with the soapy water. Baking soda is great at absorbing and neutralizing odors.
  3. 3
    Leave the purse open and let it dry completely. Keep your bag open and set it on a towel in a well-ventilated area to air dry. To help speed up drying, turn on an overhead fan or place the purse in front of a box fan. It may take 1 or 2 days for your purse to completely dry. [13]
    • Make sure you keep your purse open and let it dry all the way before you use it. Any trapped or leftover moisture can cause your purse to smell musty or even cause mold to grow.
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Section 7 of 9:

Removing Stains

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  1. Soak a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. Then, gently rub it into the stain using circular motions, says Sharma. This can help get rid of ink stains and oil stains, as well as general stuck-on grime. [14]
    • Use on : Leather and fabric purses
    • Warning : Sharma always advises testing rubbing alcohol, as well as other cleaners, on an inconspicuous part of your bag to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolor the material.
  2. Professional cleaner James Sears says white vinegar is a great household item for treating stains on leather. Simply dip a cotton ball or swab in the vinegar and gently dab or wipe the spot until the stain is gone. Locate the stain in your purse, and gently wipe it with the cloth to get rid of the stain.
    • Use on : Leather
    • Be careful not to use too much vinegar on suede, as it doesn’t react well to liquids.
    • For instance, this stain removal method works for the following collections: Hamptons Suede, Hamptons Mosaic, Soho Suede, and Chelsea Nubuk.
  3. 3
    Treat oil and grease stains with baking soda or cornstarch. According to Sharma, powders like baking soda and cornstarch can “absorb a lot of the excess oil” from the fabric. She says to place powder on top of the stain and let it sit overnight. In the morning, gently brush the powder away.
    • Use on : Leather and fabric purses
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Section 8 of 9:

Caring for Your Coach Purse

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  1. 1
    Clean your purse about every 3 months. To keep your bag in tip-top condition, Coach recommends giving your bag a wipe down every 3 months. This not only helps your bag look even more beautiful, but it also helps it last longer by protecting the fabric, preventing stains from forming, and keeping dirt and debris from building up. [15]
    • Of course, clean your bag whenever you notice it’s dirty. If you use your bag often, you might want to clean it every few weeks.
    • Keep a microfiber cloth or package of baby wipes in your purse to quickly clean it while you’re on the go.
    • Treat stains as soon as you notice them, too.
  2. 2
    Treat the fabric with a protection spray. Fashion stylist Kalee Hewlett highly recommends using a protector spray to help keep your bags safe from moisture, sun, and dirt damage. There are special sprays for different types of fabric, like leather , suede , canvas , and nylon . Simply follow the directions on the spray bottle to properly apply it to your purse.
  3. 3
    Keep your purse in a dust bag or pillow case when you’re not using it. If you’re switching out your purse or storing it away for the season, Hewlett advises that you put it in a dust bag. This keeps your purse clean while you’re not using it and helps protect it from scratches and discoloration.
    • Make sure you store your bag in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight to protect it from heat, moisture, and sun damage, too.
    • Stuff your bag with tissue paper or newspaper before you store it away, too. This helps your bag retain its shape and helps prevent wrinkles from forming. [16]
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Section 9 of 9:

Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. 1
    Can you wash a Coach purse in the washing machine? No, Coach does not recommend washing their leather or fabric purses in the washing machine. However, some people report that they successfully cleaned their Coach bag in the machine with little, if any, damage. If you want to try washing your bag, proceed at your own risk, as it may damage the materials.
    • To lessen potential damage in the machine, place your purse in a mesh laundry bag, add a tiny bit of mild detergent, and use your machine’s delicate cycle.
    • The exception to Coach’s recommendation is their Coachtopia Loop bags, which are 100% machine washable. [17]
  2. 2
    Can I take my Coach purse to a Coach store to get it cleaned? Yes, Coach offers complimentary bag cleaning at their stores. Simply find the store closest to you on Coach’s website and call, text, or email the store to make an appointment.
  3. 3
    Can I take my Coach purse to the dry cleaners? Coach, as well as most Coach bag owners, do not recommend taking your bag to the dry cleaners, as the harsh chemicals can potentially damage your bag further. Instead, contact Coach customer support for cleaning advice or take your bag to your nearest Coach store.
    • Taking your bag to the dry cleaners runs the risk of voiding your warranty (if you still have one). If your bag is damaged by the dry cleaners and you take it to Coach to get fixed, there’s a possibility that Coach will refuse or be unable to repair your purse.
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  • Question
    How do you clean a fabric leather purse with a trim?
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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    It is best to hand wash the fabric part (use a stain remover and gentle soap or liquid detergent), focusing most on the dirtier parts. Spray carpet cleaner is another option for the fabric part of the bag. For the leather, this can be gently cleaned with soap (you can get soap made for leather cleaning), then replenish with leather wax or polish; Coach brand sells its own leather cleaner and restorer.
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    How do I know my coach bag is authentic?
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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    If you bought the bag from a reputable retailer, the bag should be authentic. However, if you're unsure or you obtained the bag from an unusual source, there are some ways to check for authenticity. Inspect the quality of the bag: Is the stitching even, tight, straight and well spaced? Are there accurate labels on the bag and an inside tag detailing style and registration numbers, origin information and details on its crafting? Is the spelling accurate? Is the bag made from quality materials? Is the bag durable? Are the enamel hangtags smooth? These are some of the important telltale signs of authenticity. For more details, read How to Spot a Fake Coach Bag .
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    Can I put my coach purse in the washer?
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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    Coach purses are designed for spot cleaning or hand washing only, so it’s not recommended by the manufacturer to use a washing machine. However, people have reported success washing very dirty Coach purses in the washing machine, and especially if the option is between throwing out a Coach purse or trying a wash in the washing machine, you’ve nothing to lose. If so, place the bag inside a lingerie wash bag for protection and wash with towels, to act as buffers, using a gentle or delicate cycle, liquid Tide and cold water. It might help to spot spray bad areas with stain remover before adding to the machine. Air dry only, stuffing with dry towels to help the bag retain its shape. If the bag has leather on it, the drying will take longer, and you’ll need to apply leather conditioner to these parts once they’ve dried.
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      Tips

      • Mild soap and water can be used to spot clean Signature Coach handbags.
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      • In order to clean suede handbags, use the suede care kit that is included with each handbag at the time of purchase.
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      Warnings

      • Test the cleaner you’re using on a hidden part of the bag before you use it all over to see if it damages or discolors the material.
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      • Do not let your purse dry in the sun. This may ruin the color or fabric.
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      • Do not put any of your Coach purses in the washing machine. They can be washed by hand only.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/oE1GzHYzYQQ?si=tWP5K2PekGBWR9UU&t=169
      2. ↑ https://www.coach.com/support/product-care
      3. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/a46811589/how-to-clean-leather-and-suede/
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/Fy2i7QfFgkA?si=3AkQ1jjMpmNutYrW&t=263
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/Fy2i7QfFgkA?si=nCGSQaUtpcRx-qM8&t=331
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/q7z2aneFcp4?si=AQUzw6AbR_1xNBqP&t=76
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21QSjbjOtMI
      8. ↑ https://www.coach.com/support/product-care
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/VbcnCJeB7ZM?si=xG2tVxIBXcAWdO7k&t=250
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/0aXP_ihjSm8?si=H0CdoI7JG6DhioxT&t=235
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/0aXP_ihjSm8?si=YauckgtkAFrzJJAN&t=441
      3. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/a673743/the-best-way-to-clean-the-inside-of-your-handbag/
      4. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/a673743/the-best-way-to-clean-the-inside-of-your-handbag/
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/21QSjbjOtMI?si=fWuhLcPz5IR8ffoj&t=78
      6. ↑ https://www.coach.com/shop/coachtopia/the-world-of-coachtopia/how-to-coachtopia/how-to-wash-your-coachtopia-loop-bag
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/tCUSG5-e27Y?si=-TbpruBUOPdgHOnh&t=119
      8. ↑ https://www.coach.com/shop/coachtopia/the-world-of-coachtopia/how-to-coachtopia/how-to-wash-your-coachtopia-loop-bag

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean the fabric on a Coach purse, start by dampening a small sponge and dabbing at soiled areas on the fabric. If the stain doesn’t come off with water, try adding a small amount of soap to the sponge and dabbing at the stain with it. If the purse is leather, wipe the whole purse down with a wet cloth to remove dirt. Next, use a q-tip to rub some gentle body wash onto the stain in a circular motion. Once the stain is gone, use a damp cloth to remove any soap residue, then let the bag dry. For tips on cleaning a suede purse using vinegar, read on!

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