Bag discolored, now what?

[wandermeer]

So I made the mistake of tossing my new bag into the back of a cab. Big mistake. The next morning I discovered these marks (see photo).

I tried soaking that end of the bag in Woolite, and it had no effect. I'm concerned it might be some sort of bleach, since it doesn't look like dirt. Anyone encounter anything similar? I use this bag for work, so I really wanted it to stay looking good.

Any suggestions gratefully accepted!

[Mausermama]

I'm wondering if it could be salt from icing roads. You may need to soak it awhile in the bathtub with a gentle cleanser. I pray it's not bleach. It's a death knell type of thing for color!

[tpnl]

Looks like you got paint on your bag - if not in the taxi, perhaps if your bag was leaned on a railing with wet paint.

A TB Customer support call probably would be good to do.

If it is paint, perhaps google most gentle way to remove the paint without removing the fabric color. I personally try 2 things (after trying baking soda or soaking in water):

1) Use strong tape to tape the area and then pull the tape off - hopefully pulling the paint off with it. Do not do too often or too vigorously as it will add wear to the fabric.
2) Use my finger nails to gently rub / scrape the discolored area works. I do not keep the fabric too flat to help "crack" the paint and have it fleck off. Don't do this too hard or concentrate on one spot all the time as this will overly wear the fabric. If nothing changes after a minute, stop doing as it as it is not helping!

YMMV but it hard to determine what to do without knowing what it is that caused the discoloration. I am just guessing based on the picture of what it is.

Hope this helps and good luck!
Cheers!

[haraya]

If it turns out to be bleach ....maybe stop in at an art supply store (or fabric or craft store) and see if you can find a permanent marker (or fabric paint) that matches the color, then try dotting/stippling the color lightly over the affected area till it is all filled in.

[flitcraft]

I've used Goop before successfully with Tom Bihn bags to remove greasy marks from my Aeronaut gotten the one and only time I checked it (figures, doesn't it?) Goop was originally sold as a hand cleaner for mechanics to get nasty automotive grease off your hands without trashing them. But I suspect today more is used as a laundry aid. You rub it into the fabric and, using your fingers, gently work it in. No water at that point. Let it sit at least a hour--a couple is better--and rinse well. If the offending material isn't totally gone, repeat. (If the offending matter hasn't budged, quit. Stash your remaining Goop in the laundry area, where it will take ballpoint pen ink off shirt pockets (don't ask how I know this), greasy or oily stains off clothing, and lipstick and lipgloss off fabric unless your lipstick is really dark or really red.

[wandermeer]

Thanks everyone for the ideas. I haven't given up yet! I'll try a few more things.

[Corey]

If it's latex paint I would recommend trying a product called "Goof Off". I've used it with success on various fabrics in the past. As usual, try it on a small spot first to assess the effects before doing the whole stain.

[Ovis Obscura]

Depending on what the stain is (of course) -- I've had very good luck with Folex for lots of different stains, including on my Small Cafe Bag. It's a cleaner primarily for carpets and upholstery.

[wandermeer]

Thanks for all the advice, guys. I tried a few of the suggestions here (short of goof off which said it was for automotive surfaces and was super flammable)... and I think it is bleach rather than any sort of paint, especially since I can't feel a difference in the discolored areas. So art store next stop. Sigh.

[tpnl]

Ouch! So sorry to read that it is bleach.

[haraya]

If you can't find a perfect match for the color, maybe you can put a decorative patch (iron-on or sewed on) or two over the affected area? Something else to keep an eye out for at the art store...

Thanks for all the advice, guys. I tried a few of the suggestions here (short of goof off which said it was for automotive surfaces and was super flammable)... and I think it is bleach rather than any sort of paint, especially since I can't feel a difference in the discolored areas. So art store next stop. Sigh.

[dchang0]

I have a hard time believing it's bleach. Definitely call Tom Bihn tech support and find out if that bag was made of piece-dyed or solution-dyed Cordura or ballistic nylon and what chemicals or solvents would actually work against it. You need to know what you've got so you can make good decisions about what chemicals to use.

From the photo, it looks like you have OD Green Cordura, probably 500D, and probably the same stuff used by military bag manufacturers. It should be very tough and solution-dyed. I had a Tom Bihn Large Cafe Bag in that material. Otherwise, it is probably the OD green ballistic nylon that I am not personally familiar with.