Advise needed: How to clean a Vintage Kit Bag AN-6505

[handymike]

Hello All,
Please forgive my spelling error in my foray out of the Outerwear section and into unchartered WWII waters.
I recently purchased a WW2 AN-6505 Aviator’s Kit Bag and while it is in decent condition, it is pretty dirty.



I plan on using it, so I’d like to clean it up a bit. I’ve tried cleaning vintage canvas bags before, but whenever I have, the straps always shrink and pucker-up once the bag has dried even though I hand-cleaned it with cold water and hang-dried it in the bathroom.

I really dislike this look, and I’m hoping that someone can explain how I can clean and dry the bag without this happening again- especially in this area:

I have attempted to steam the puckers out before, but due to the way the straps are stitched down, it doesn’t seem to do any good. If it’s impossible, please let me know as well. I really prefer the nice and flat look like this:

Thanks so much!

 

[Peacoat]

If it isn't too heavy, it wouldn't cost very much to have it dry cleaned. That would eliminate the problems you mentioned.

 

[handymike]

Thanks @Peacoat, I spoke with a dry cleaner and they were unwilling to clean it thinking it might fall apart. I might try another one, but is that the only solution?

 

[Peacoat]

Years ago I used a dry cleaning solution to clean something. Don't remember now what it was or what the chemical was. There are dry cleaning kits one can purchase to dry clean at home. See the link below:

https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-dry-clean-at-home-5076182