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Home / Cleaning Guides / Clothing & Fabrics / Shoes, Accessories and Other Stuff / How to Clean a Dooney & Bourke Purse

How to Clean a Dooney & Bourke Purse

dooneybourkepurse

Table of Contents:
  1. You Will Need
  2. Steps to Clean the Purse
  3. Additional Tips and Ideas

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Rub the soft brush/toothbrush on the bar of soap.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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About the Author

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Susan

I'm a stay-at-home mom who used to run a small housecleaning business. These days I consider myself more or a mad cleaning-scientist. I do most of the testing for our articles - as well as helping Mark & Melanie write them.

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Comments

  1. sandra says

    August 15, 2012 at 10:45 am

    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.

    Reply
  2. keenpetite says

    August 27, 2012 at 2:10 pm

    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

    Reply
  3. Darlene says

    September 25, 2012 at 3:18 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Avatar photoMelanie says

      March 13, 2013 at 3:54 pm

      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.

      Reply
  4. Sherry says

    October 3, 2013 at 9:53 am

    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.

    Reply
  5. Marilou says

    December 3, 2013 at 8:42 pm

    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!

    Reply
  6. Sandra says

    December 6, 2013 at 7:17 pm

    Bought the white Dooney with colored db’s. It has yellowing. How do I get rid of the yellowing?

    Reply
  7. Amanda says

    December 27, 2013 at 2:28 pm

    What’s the best way to properly store my Dooney when not in use? THANKS!

    Reply
    • Avatar photoMelanie says

      December 28, 2013 at 6:23 am

      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)

      Reply
  8. Keren says

    March 16, 2014 at 10:04 pm

    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.)

    Reply
  9. Lisa says

    June 18, 2014 at 7:38 pm

    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.

    Reply
  10. Janette says

    January 27, 2015 at 3:00 am

    I have a Davis collection light green bag that needs cleaning. How do I clean it without it spotting?

    Reply
  11. Patsy says

    May 4, 2015 at 2:52 am

    My Dooney bag lining is filtlhly and I want to get it professionally cleaned. Can you send me the information?

    Reply
    • Avatar photoMelanie says

      May 11, 2015 at 6:18 pm

      Patsy,
      Information on the Repair/Replacement program is available on the Dooney & Bourke website here.

      Reply
  12. Karen says

    August 2, 2015 at 3:59 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Avatar photoMelanie says

      August 6, 2015 at 1:54 am

      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.

      Reply
  13. Lori says

    October 19, 2015 at 8:28 pm

    I have green mold on my brown leather trim Dooney & Bourke. It’s on the fabric part only. Can I use Concrobium Mold Remover?

    Reply
    • Avatar photoMelanie says

      October 21, 2015 at 2:13 am

      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

      Reply
  14. Sick of Mice! says

    October 21, 2015 at 2:29 pm

    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…

    Reply
    • Avatar photoMelanie says

      October 24, 2015 at 1:50 am

      Sick of Mice!,
      This is the article that you need: How to Clean a Leather Purse.

      Reply
  15. Ramie says

    November 5, 2015 at 7:22 pm

    Is there any way to get rid of the yellow discoloration?

    Reply
  16. Pattie says

    March 30, 2017 at 8:45 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Avatar photoMelanie says

      March 30, 2017 at 8:55 pm

      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.

      Reply
  17. Patricia says

    July 15, 2017 at 4:22 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Avatar photoMelanie says

      July 16, 2017 at 10:49 pm

      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

      Reply
  18. Jeanie says

    July 30, 2017 at 7:25 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Avatar photoMelanie says

      August 4, 2017 at 12:00 am

      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

      Reply
      • Calipatti says

        August 26, 2017 at 3:25 am

        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.

        Reply
  19. Adele says

    April 18, 2018 at 1:16 am

    Can I use regular laundry soap to spot clean my nylon bag? Should I use a brush or just a damp cloth?

    Reply
    • Avatar photoMelanie says

      April 23, 2018 at 11:41 pm

      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

      Reply
  20. Vivian says

    August 7, 2018 at 10:59 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Avatar photoMelanie says

      August 12, 2018 at 11:41 pm

      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!

      Reply
  21. Vilma says

    September 16, 2018 at 8:04 pm

    I have a Dooney & Bourke red suede hobo bag. How would I keep it clean? Could I spray it with Scotchgard?

    Reply
    • Avatar photoMelanie says

      September 17, 2018 at 12:19 am

      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!

      Reply

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