There's only one downside to the glorious variety of purses that Coach offers — having to figure out how to keep each one clean. Not every Coach purse can be cleaned the same way; your leather Coach handbags need a different touch than your suedes, and so on. Ensure your bags stay runway-ready for decades by learning how to wash a Coach purse the right way.
How to Clean a Coach Purse
Even designer bags get dirty over time, including vintage Coach purses. Keep your handbags spic and span by learning how to properly wash a Coach purse and clean it from top to bottom.
Investigate In-Store Cleaning
Some Coach stores will offer to clean your purse for you while you browse their current collection. Contact your local retailer to see if they offer this service, and if there are any fees involved. If they don't offer an in-store cleaning service, another Coach location might! Contact the Coach company to see if any stores near you offer this service.
Having your handbag cleaned in-store by trained professionals is the ideal cleaning option. However, if you do want to try cleaning your handbag at home, there are other methods you can use.
3 Ways to Clean a Coach Purse
Coach purses are made from different types of material. Leather, jacquard, and even silks at times. One of the most important things is knowing how to clean each type of material you might buy. While Coach gives you quick tips for cleaning each material they sell, we're digging deeper to tell you how to clean the most common materials.
Coach sells a product care set that includes a leather cleaner, conditioner, and cleaning cloth. However, this duo isn't suitable for Sport Calf Leather, Calf Suede, or Haircalf purses.
How to Clean a Fabric Coach Purse
Many standard Coach purse styles are made out of fabric and require a delicate cleaning approach. Some of the bags to clean using this method include the Classic Signature, Mini Signature, Graphic Signature, Optic Signature, and Signature Stripe.
Instructions
- Put a small amount of water and regular soap on a clean sponge.
- Find the soiled/stained area.
- Gently dab the area (being careful not to scrub it).
- Once you've sufficiently covered the area, remove excess water by wiping it away gently with a clean damp cloth.
- Blot the area with a clean white cloth.
- Allow the fabric to dry completely.
If you're trying to remove a particularly greasy stain, and the soap and water proves ineffective, you can try using a small amount of dish detergent, and repeat steps three to six.
Related: 7 Vintage Coach Purses Worth Digging Out of Your Mom's Closet
How to Clean a Leather Coach Handbag
Leather isn't the first material that comes to mind when you think about Coach bags. However, there are several leather styles you can clean using this method, including Soho Buck Leather, Soho Vintage Leather, Hamptons Buck Leather, Legacy Buck Leather, Polished Calf Leather, English Bridle Leather, and Soho Retro Treated Leather.
Instructions
- Wet a microfiber cloth.
- Wipe the bag with the damp cloth.
- Put a small amount of gentle body wash directly onto the stain.
- Use gentle circular motions to rub it in (being careful not to rub too hard).
- Once the stain is removed, use a new damp cloth to remove any excess soap from your bag.
- Leave the bag to dry thoroughly.
How to Clean a Suede Coach Purse
Despite selling suede bags, Coach doesn't offer a specific suede cleaner for sale. However, there are ways you can give your suede Coach bags like the Hamptons Suede, Hamptons Mosaic, Soho Suede, and Chelsea Nubuck a deep clean.
Instructions
- Apply a small amount of vinegar to a clean cloth.
- Gently wipe the stained area with the cloth to eliminate the stain.
- Use a clean cloth to dab the moist part of the bag.
- Allow to air dry in a cool place (avoid direct sunlight or any particularly hot environments).
- Once dry, remove any remaining stains with a suede eraser by gently rubbing the eraser over the stained area.
- If any part of the cleaned area now looks flat, you can lightly apply a small metal brush to the surface in a circular motion to get it looking as good as new.
Some other cleaning materials Coach buyers have used incldue baby wipes, laundry stain remover, and magic erasers. Always test a small patch with any new cleaning product to ensure it'll have the desired effect.
Related: How to Spot a Real Coach Purse & Avoid Getting Duped
How to Clean Coach Handbag Hardware
The metal detailing on your handbag is likely to take a beating over time. Luckily, there are ways to clean and look after your purse's metal parts, too.
Instructions
- Remove dirt with a soft polishing cloth.
- Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into a metal-safe cleaning detergent.
- Using the toothbrush, scrub the metal hardware with circular motions.
- Dry the hardware with a cotton ball or microfiber towel.
- Finish the hardware off with a microfiber towel and some metal polish for a little lasting shine.
How to Clean the Inside of a Coach Purse
If you can, pull the lining up outside of the bag so that you have full access to it. All non-leather lining can be cleaned using a mild dishwashing soap and a clean sponge or damp cloth. Gently scrub the lining with circular motions until the stain is removed. Rinse with a damp cloth, and allow to air-dry thoroughly.
Avoid Dry Cleaning Your Coach Bags
Though you might be tempted, it's best not to have your purse dry-cleaned. Unless the store specializes in cleaning Coach bags and offers a guarantee against the colors running, of course. Dry cleaning chemicals aren't always designer handbag-safe, so you should err on the side of caution.
Enjoy Your Bag for Years to Come
As a designer brand, a Coach handbag is a big investment for anyone! Whether you paid full retail or bought at an outlet store, you'll want to keep yours clean so you can enjoy it for as long as possible.
