How to Clean a Tote Bag: Simple Tips for Fresh-Looking Totes
Tote bags are such a versatile accessory. You can use them for work, grabbing groceries, or even on a night out. But do you know how to clean a tote bag? When you use your bag all the time, it's bound to pick up stains and general grime. Tote bags need proper care and attention to keep them looking great and to help maintain their durability.
This guide will talk you through exactly how to clean a tote bag, with cleaning tips for different materials and even some stain-removal techniques. Keep your totes looking (and smelling) fresh and help them last for many years to come by following our tote cleaning guide.
Materials and Methods: Cleaning Your Tote Bag Based on Type
Knowing how to clean a tote bag starts by knowing what material your bag is. Most people own fabric tote bags but if your favorite tote is leather, you'll need to follow a different cleaning process. Some luxury tote bags will have their own care instructions. If not, simply follow the maintenance tips below for your tote bag type.
Canvas Tote Bags
Spot Cleaning: Use a mild laundry detergent and lukewarm water. Liquid detergent is easier to use but you could dissolve some detergent powder in water as an alternative.
Use a clean towel, cloth, or soft brush to gently scrub the dirt until it lifts. Don't scrub too vigorously as this can cause damage. You might leave pale, worn patches on your black everyday tote or darker patches on a natural canvas tote. Rinse well in clean water until all the soapy water has gone. This is an important step as detergent residue can attract dirt and may even cause stains.
Machine Washing: Check the washing instructions on your bag. If the care label says it can be machine washed, this is a true time saver. However, always use cold or cool water, as hot water may distort the shape of your bag. Make sure you choose mild detergent to prevent the color fading. If your washing machine has a delicate or gentle cycle, choose this option. Don't use fabric softeners as these often contain strong chemicals that can damage the fabric.
You may be able to source eco-friendly washing bags. Place the canvas bag into one of these when machine washing for extra protection.
Avoid machine drying as this can distort the bag or damage screen prints and other designs. Take extra care of your totes by air drying them.
Stain Removal: Tough stains might need some additional cleaning power. Baking soda mixed with water makes a simple solution for visible stains. Dab the soda mix onto the stain, leave for a few minutes, then rinse. You can try the same method with white vinegar.
Leather Tote Bags
General Cleaning: Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe dust and dirt away. Don't let the cloth get too wet as this can saturate the leather. Leather can develop mildew if left damp. Allow your leather tote to air dry fully before use but don't hang it near a radiator or other direct heat source. This can distort its shape.
Conditioning: Leather lasts longer if you use a specialist conditioner that stops it from drying out completely and cracking. Apply conditioner sparingly with a soft, dry cloth. Gently work the product into the leather and buff it to create a beautiful, polished look.
Stain Removal: Consider investing in a product to coat your leather bag and protect it from stains. You can usually find these at any store that sells leather shoes or other accessories. If stains do occur, use a leather-safe cleaner to gently blot the area. Don't rub as this can make the stain worse or damage the leather.
Synthetic or Nylon Tote Bags
Wipe Down: Using a soft cloth and warm water (not hot), gently wipe the surface of the bag. Be sure to wring the cloth out to get rid of any excess water.
Hand Wash or Machine Wash: You can hand wash your synthetic bags using mild laundry detergent and cool or cold water. The combination of hot water and detergent can cause colors to fade, so keep the temperature low. If the care label states that machine washing is okay, use a delicate cycle and a low temperature. Always air-dry synthetic tote bags to avoid damaging them.
Stain Removal Techniques for Common Issues
If you want to know how to clean a tote bag properly, you'll need some stain-removal techniques. While loose dirt and general grime can be removed via regular maintenance, stubborn stains need a little extra TLC. Follow these steps to handle multiple, common stains.
Ink Stains
You will need:
- Cotton swabs
- Rubbing alcohol
Put just a small amount of rubbing alcohol on the cotton swab. It shouldn't be soaked and dripping. Gently dab at the ink to lift it from the surface of the bag. Don't rub as this will just spread the ink around.
Once a swab is saturated with ink, dispose of it and start again with a clean swab. Repeat until the stain has gone.
Top tip: Use rubbing alcohol in a well-ventilated area.
Oil and Grease Stains
You will need:
- Cornstarch or baking soda
- A soft brush
- Mild detergent
Start by sprinkling your powdery substance onto the oil stain to soak up as much oil as possible. Leave for 15-20 minutes. Gently brush the powder away and repeat if there's still oil present.
Once the excess oil has gone, use a damp cloth and mild detergent to dab the area clean.
Water Stains on Leather
A water stain on leather can only be fixed by applying more water. Use a soft cloth and cold water to moisten the area around the stain. Gently wipe the area in circular motions then allow the whole bag to air dry. This should blend the original stain in and render it invisible.
Essential Care Tips for Tote Bags
Follow these care tips to keep your bags looking their best and less prone to wear and tear.
Regular Cleaning Schedule
As well as spot cleaning, you should consider setting up a regular tote bag cleaning schedule. If you use your bags daily, wipe them every week and give them a deep clean every three months.
Storage Tips
Keep designer tote bags in the dust bags that came with them. If you don't have a dust bag, a pillow case makes a great alternative. Protecting bags from dust and direct sunlight prevents fading and cracking.
Protection From Elements
Look out for canvas or nylon fabric protector sprays. These help protect your bag while you're out and about, greatly prolonging its life. If you have a leather tote, look for leather conditioners and protector sprays.
Why Choose Canvelle Tote Bags: Easy to Clean and Durable
Learning how to clean a tote bag is easier when you invest in totes with machine-washable, durable fabrics. That's why so many people choose Canvelle tote bags.
Effortless Cleaning With Machine-Washable Fabrics
Canvelle tote bags are made from premium performance materials, resistant to stains and wear. They're also machine washable, making them ideal for busy people or anyone who uses their totes all the time. Canvelle totes are also resistant to the elements, so you can use them anywhere and in any climate.
Machine washable totes are super convenient, as you don't have to put aside time for specialist care. Just toss your tote in the wash and get on with your day. Always follow the care label and avoid hot washing machine cycles.
While some totes can't handle regular washing, Canvelle's performance material won't distort or fade with machine washing. These tough yet stylish bags retain their appearance and functionality, wash after wash.
Perfect for Versatile Lifestyles
Canvelle tote bags were made to handle just about any activity you can think of. Use your tote for a weekend getaway. They're big enough to hold a womens toiletry bag, a change of clothes, or even snacks. Many Canvelle totes have a zippered top to make them as secure as a fanny pack, but so much more spacious. You can also use your tote for errands, grocery shopping, or even a night out.
If you're an eco-conscious shopper, a machine-washable bag is the smart choice. You don't need to spend money on harsh chemicals or wipes that may disrupt the environment. Simply add your bag to your usual wash, using mild detergent that's less likely to cause environmental damage.
Plus, Canvelle totes are made from recycled bottles, so they're already a "greener" choice than many alternatives. Convenient and environmentally friendly, these tote bags are the perfect choice for the modern shopper.
Keeping Your Totes Clean Is Easy
With the right tips and advice, it turns out that cleaning tote bags is simple. Just make sure you have the right products to hand for your bag. Leather totes need leather-specific cleaners and conditioners, for example. Always check the care label and avoid overly strong chemicals, harsh scrubbing, or hot water.
Now you know how to clean a tote bag and keep it looking its best for years to come. Set up a regular cleaning schedule or, if your bags are machine washable, simply pop them in with your laundry load. Check out Canvelle.com for durable, stylish tote options that are a little kinder to the planet.
FAQs
Can tote bags be washed?
Learning how to clean a tote bag is easy as long as you know what material your bag is made from. Use mild detergent and a damp cloth for canvas and nylon bags, and leather cleaner and conditioner for leather bags.
How to clean a plastic tote bag?
Cleaning plastic totes bags is simple. Just use a damp cloth to wipe away any surface dirt, and mild detergent for any stubborn stains. Avoid machine washing unless the care label specifically says it's okay.
How do you wash a tote bag without wrinkles?
Spot-cleaning your tote bags shouldn't cause any wrinkles. However, if you machine wash your bag, you may find that any wrinkles drop out when it's hung to air dry. Avoid using the iron as this can damage colors and prints.
Are cotton tote bags washable?
Most cotton tote bags are washable, although always follow the instructions on the care label. Spot cleaning is best for minor stains. Alternatively, hand wash your tote bag in cool water or machine wash on a cold, delicate cycle.