What brand bag? If it is an older Carradice, or similar, it has uncoated 100% cotton duck fabric that is a very dense weave. I would start by sponging the outside of the fabric and see how much of the filth comes off. Dense cotton duck will get stiffer the wetter it gets as the fibers swell (that's how they repel water so well) and so you can work mostly on the surface. You don't want the cotton fabric to get very pliable or soft, as we usually prefer with cotton fabrics. The shape of the old cotton duck saddle bags is supported by this stiffness in the fabric. The waterprofness of the bag also relies on the dense stiffness of the fabric. My best old Carradices hold their shape well with this stiff fabric. Scrubbing the surface like this, you'll be able to avoid saturating the leather trim for the most part. But I wouldn't worry about the leather much, which can be restored with peccards leather treatment afterward if it's really dry. The grey-white leather that Carradice used eventually is heavily treated and difficult to do much damage to. A less treated leather will be very restorable too.
Mitch Harris Little Rock Canyon, Utah,USA
On Sun, Jan 10, 2010 at 11:28 AM, John Siemsen <velorosso@flash.net> wrote:
> Need suggestions on cleaning a canvas with leather trim large saddle bag.
>
> The bag in question accompanied a barn find 1952 Hetchins. It appears to
> have mold residue and is generally very dirty and somewhat stiff. On the
> other hand, it seems in quite good condition.
>
> So how can I do a thorough cleaning on the canvas while not damaging the
> leather?
>
> John Siemsen
> Portland, Oregon