Cleaning luggage straps?

[GregP]

Hi,

I recently purchased some used luggage straps. They are pretty grimey. I was thinking of just soaking them in a bucket of soapy water and brushing them off. Then I was going to buff out the buckles.

I assume the soaking won't hurt them. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Greg

[26th-Z]

Soap and water is just fine. Seat belt restoration services: http://www.ssnake-oyl.com/

[ZwolleY]

After they are dry, use some black shoe dye on them if you do not want to use a restoration service. Mine were very faded and the black dye worked very well.

[GregP]

Thanks for the info.

Greg

[ChrisA]

I used some liquid Tide and a scrub brush on mine. I have a set of straps that are kind of faded, could you use some black Rit dye and re-color them?

Chris

[MikeW]

I scrubbed mine with hot soapy water and then used black RIT dye (in a pot on the stove) to make them look like new. I then polished up the hardware using metal polish. It's not easy to get the buckles completely but it can be done.

[ChrisA]

Thanks Mike.

Chris

[GregP]

Has anyone taken the stitches out to remove the buckles then restitched them? My buckles have rust under the straps. Looks like they are stitched in a square patteren, simple to follow with a sewing machine.