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Jenny asked: How should I properly and safely clean a designer Dooney & Bourke purse? I need to clean my purse and I’m not sure what I can use to clean it. It’s an “It Bag” with the rainbow letters DB all over it.
Dooney & Bourke offer high quality purses with a unique, distinguished style. Over time, these bags can become soiled, much like any other fabric accessories. While prevention and protection are always key, there will come a time when the purse must be cleaned to keep its pristine look. Fortunately with some gentle effort and time, the purse can be made to look nearly new again.
You Will Need:
- Ivory bar soap
- Distilled water
- Soft brush or toothbrush
- Soft cloths
Steps to Clean the Purse:
- Begin by moistening the bar of soap with some distilled water. Allow it to set in the water until the top of it is soft and can be easily applied to the surface of the soft brush.
- Rub the soft brush/toothbrush on the bar of soap.
- Next, rub the toothbrush over the soiled areas on the purse. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or it may leave a mark.
- Rinse by wiping the soap away with a clean cloth moistened with distilled water. Distilled water does not contain minerals like tap water can. This will lessen the chance of having water marks on your purse once it dries.
- Dry with a clean soft cloth.
Additional Tips and Ideas
- Do not allow soap or water to set on the purse for long. If it is on there for more than two minutes or so, it can leave marks and cause discoloration.
- If the lining on the purse is leather, try to keep it dry so the coloring does not bleed onto the fabric.
- To make future cleanings easier, protect your purse with a spray such as Scotchguard. This will prevent stains from being absorbed by the fabric and make them easier to remove.
- If your bag is of high value or you are leary of cleaning it on your own, it may be worth having Dooney & Bourke clean it for you. Purses can be sent to the manufacturer to be cleaned and returned.
- A local professional cleaner may also be able to clean the purse.
- Rain water can contain dirt and minerals that can leave water marks on purses. If the weather forecasts rain, it is best to leave your purse at home and select a different option.
I have yellowing on my Dooney & Bourke. I have tried everything that has been mentioned. Does Dooney & Bourke have any suggestions?? I do not want to send them my purse or get a partial payment to replace it.
I have a DB purse that is yellowing and I would love to get it cleaned up. What do I do? I will send it if I want to get it professionally done if this does not take care of it and approximately how much does it cost to clean a bag?
Patricia,
Yellowing can be caused by a variety of things – natural aging, exposure to air (oxidation), exposure to sunlight, etc. Cleaning methods will vary based on the type of material the purse is and coloring on the purse. You could try using the methods in the guide How to Clean Yellowing from Fabric Shoes if the bag is fabric, but of course, test everything in a small hidden area first to look for any adverse reaction.
According to the Dooney & Bourke website, “repair costs vary.” Learn more about that here: https://www.dooney.com/customer-service/the-dooney-guarantee/repairs-replacements.html
Is there any way to get rid of the yellow discoloration?
I’ve owned two small Dooney and Bourke leather satchels (one black, one tan) bought in 2004, excellent condition, but need to know the best way to clean them without damage to gorgeous leather, please!
Thank you!
-C
I have a Davis collection light green bag that needs cleaning. How do I clean it without it spotting?
What’s the best way to properly store my Dooney when not in use? THANKS!
Amanda,
Dooney & Bourke purses are often stored in a dust cover bag, which sometimes comes with the purse. It is rumored that the (dark blue) dust bag does not come with light-colored purses because the blue color could transfer. If you don’t have a dust cover bag, you can use a white pillowcase instead. If you don’t want to use a dust bag, the ideal storage technique just depends on the type of purse material. In general, the purse should be stored in a dark location (out of direct sunlight) and stuffing the purse with tissue paper will help to maintain the shape. If you hang the bag, use a padded hanger. Leather and suede should be stored somewhere breathable (like in a cotton dust cover, not in something sealed like a plastic storage box) so that the leather/suede does not dry out. Also, try to make sure the purse is not touching something that could leave a mark, such a dyed item, a piece of metal that could rust, or other objects (even its own decorations like a metal clasp) that could scuff the surface.
Source: QVC – Community Forums
Source: How to Clean Stuff – How to Clean Leather
Source: Suite 101 – Caring for Your Designer Handbag
Source: Glamour – How to Organize Your Handbags (and Other Genius Purse-Storing Tips)
On vacation in Mexico one year, the first day into the trip, the tide came in as we walked along the beach. Needless to say, I found myself in the ocean with my Dooney and Burke. I emptied the contents, including our tickets home, and let it dry in the sun. No water marks and no discoloration. When they say all weather leather…they mean it!
I have a Dooney & Bourke red suede hobo bag. How would I keep it clean? Could I spray it with Scotchgard?
Vilma,
There are specific protectant sprays made for suede. Scotchguard makes one, and it would be better to use the suede version rather than their regular fabric protector spray. A good way to choose a product is to look at the reviews each one has on various sites like Amazon. You can also contact Dooney & Bourke to see if your purse has already been treated with protectant or if there is a specific product they recommend. Follow the instructions on the label for whichever product you choose. Good luck!
I got white paint all over the back of my 5-month-old periwinkle purse. I scrubbed most of it off with an abrasive sponge and water, but there is still some residual in the little crevices. The leather is also dull now. What can I do to restore it? What is the fee for you to do it?
Vivian,
For the remaining paint in the crevices, use a toothpick and one of the methods from the guide How to Clean Paint off Leather. For the dullness, it may help to apply a leather conditioner to the area. If the purse needs to be restored professionally, Dooney & Bourke has a service to do so, but the cost varies based on the level of damage. They say that the repair cost will not be greater than half the retail price of the purse and if it is, they will instead give you a credit for half the retail price to replace it. You can read more about that on their website. Good luck!
Can I use regular laundry soap to spot clean my nylon bag? Should I use a brush or just a damp cloth?
Adele,
Dooney & Bourke recommends using a mild bar soap, and Ivory is a good choice. Laundry detergent is not actually a soap, it’s a detergent, which means it’s made from chemicals, whereas soap is natural. If you want to use a laundry detergent anyway, it would be best to only use a very mild one like Woolite. You can start by wiping the bag with a damp cloth to get off as much dust or dirt as possible, but if you need a deep clean to get into the grooves of the texture or stitching, a soft brush will be needed. A nail brush can work for this, or an old toothbrush. Good luck!
Source: Dooney & Bourke – Care & Cleaning Fabric
I have the white cotton coated canvas bag with the black DBs on it. My navy top faded on it and I tried soap and water, but it is not working well. Is there anything else I can do?
Thanks in advance.
Jeanie,
Try using some isopropyl alcochol on a cotton swab. Test it in a small hidden area first to look for any adverse reaction, then if safe, use it to remove the navy dye that transferred from your shirt. If that doesn’t work, try white vinegar. Good luck!
Source: HowToCleanStuff.net – How to Remove Dye Stains from Upholstery
Also, if you are removing stains from white or almost white, hydrogen peroxide works. Be careful of colored fabric. It’s what nurses use to remove blood, etc., from white uniforms.
I pour it straight onto my white tees while I’m still wearing them to remove coffee, tea, anything that can stain. Often two times.
I have a Dooney bag that is about four years old. How can I get rid of the metal smell in the zipper? I have avoided using the bag because of the strong smell.
Pattie,
First try cleaning the zipper with a little soap and water. When metal smells, it often means it’s dirty (think of the metal smell that sometimes comes off of shopping carts at grocery stores). Just touching the zipper can deposit oils from your fingers onto it.
If the smell remains after the zipper has been cleaned, use a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. White vinegar is a great deodorizer. (The smell of the vinegar will dissapate once it is dry.) Wipe it onto the zipper with a cotton swab so you can avoid getting any onto the bag itself. (It probably wouldn’t hurt the bag, but you never know, so it’s good to be cautious.)
If that doesn’t work, you can try using baking soda, which is also a good deodorizer. Sprinkle a small pile of baking soda over the zipper and let it sit overnight. In the morning, use a vacuum hose to remove the powder. You want to use a vacuum rather than shaking it off to be sure that all of the powder is removed so it doesn’t catch in the zipper.
Oh! I am so frustrated! Please Help! I am trying to sell my D & B purse and just found that mice have gotten to it and have soiled it! How do I clean it? Mostly on the leather strapping…
Sick of Mice!,
This is the article that you need: How to Clean a Leather Purse.
I have green mold on my brown leather trim Dooney & Bourke. It’s on the fabric part only. Can I use Concrobium Mold Remover?
Lori,
According to the Concrobium website, that product is safe to use on many fabrics and also on leather. However, it is always best to test a product on a small, hidden area first to look for any adverse reaction. For other mold cleaning options, see the article How to Remove Black Mold/Mildew from Washable Fabrics.
Source: Concrodium – How to Remove Mold on Fabric
I have a new Dooney & Bourke purse & on one side there is a lot of black on it; I think it was from my back brace. How can I get the black dye out???? Please help.
Karen
Karen,
Try cleaning the purse as described in the article first. If that doesn’t work and your purse is leather, this article might help: How to Remove Dye Transfer from Leather.
My Dooney bag lining is filtlhly and I want to get it professionally cleaned. Can you send me the information?
Patsy,
Information on the Repair/Replacement program is available on the Dooney & Bourke website here.
I need to know how to take out the dark spots off my Dooney and Bourke satchel with the hearts on it. The dark spots (discoloration) are in several spots of the bag.
I need to know how to take out the dark stains of my Dooney on the four corners of the purse. I had to replace it before the year and the same thing happened to the second one. Help! (The color is desert and it’s a satchel.)
Bought the white Dooney with colored db’s. It has yellowing. How do I get rid of the yellowing?
The color is coming off of the bottom of my black and navy. The black one I have had about two years and the navy about one year. Who can I take them to?
Darlene,
Your Dooney & Bourke bags are guaranteed for one year. After one year, you can use the Dooney & Bourke Repair/Replacement Program (from that link, scroll down and click on the tab, “Guarantee, Returns, Repairs and Replacements”).
You could also try having the purses re-dyed at a bridal boutique or at a leather goods repair or restoration service.
Dooney & Bourke also has a Care & Cleaning guide for all of their handbags on their website.
Hi, I have a signature Dooney and Bourke purse that was given to me from my sister, and it is yellowed at the top. I’m going to see if this will help clean it. So, thanks, I hope it helps.