How To Wash Your Trusty Canvas Tote, The Bag That’s Been Through It All
Canvas tote bags are quintessential accessories for gals on the go. Whether you’re carrying around veggies from your local farmer’s market, your latest book haul from the library, or any other belongings, these bags put in some serious work.
Plus, they are downright adorable. With so many versatile designs to choose from, it’s easy to mix and match a canvas tote with any cute outfit.
I personally like to swap mine out each season. Throwing a new tote over your shoulder as you spring into summer or get ready for the cozy winter months can really set the vibe (and pull your look together).
Yet, since these bags go through so much, they’re bound to encounter some wear and tear. To keep yours looking pristine as opposed to dirty, here’s everything you need to know about cleaning a canvas tote.
When To Wash Your Tote
If you rely on your bag day in and day out as you go about your busy schedule, then it should be cleaned on a regular basis.
Totes that are used daily should ideally be washed every month, especially if you typically transport groceries or prepared foods. Otherwise, you can go as long as three months.
On the other hand, if you use your tote bag once in a while, it can be washed on a less frequent basis or as needed.
For instance, if you notice any stains, dirt buildup on the bottom of the bag, or grime around the handles, that’s a sign it is time to clean.
makanna – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
Yes, You Can Toss Canvas Totes In The Washing Machine!
You read that correctly! Most canvas tote bags can actually go in your washing machine, and this method is typically the best way to get them looking spotless again.
First, be sure to empty everything out of your bag and make any necessary repairs to loose threads or rips. Next, look for any stains and apply a stain pretreatment product. When it comes to totes, your stains will probably be focused around the bottom corners or the handles.
Once you’re ready to put your bag in the washing machine, select the gentle cycle and use cold water. You can wash your tote alongside other similar items, but it’s best not to include any delicates, as the canvas may damage fragile fabrics.
Additionally, turn your bag inside out if there are any embellishments, logos, or printed images. This will protect the design from any fading.
Finally, after the wash cycle is finished, reshape your bag and lay it flat on a drying rack or towel to air dry. You should never put a canvas tote in the dryer, as canvas material is prone to shrinkage that’s irreversible.
If your bag looks wrinkled, you can smooth it out with your hands and let air-drying do the rest. Or, if the remaining wrinkles still bother you, you can always iron your canvas. Remember to use the “cotton” heat setting!
It’s just important to note that machine washing may alter the canvas texture, causing it to become less structured and softer.
How To Hand Wash Tote Bags
Now, if you’re worried about your canvas tote making it out of the washing machine in one piece, that’s understandable. It may be worn, have special artwork or embellishments, or simply call for hand-washing on the tag.
Regardless, you should begin by making any needed repairs and making sure your bag is completely empty.
Afterward, you will need to fill a sink, tub, or basin with cool water and one teaspoon of detergent. Be wary of using too much detergent, as you don’t want to leave your bag with residue.
Submerge your tote in the water using your hands and make sure the detergent reaches all the fabric. Then, you can leave it to soak for anywhere from 15 minutes to overnight.
When you’re ready to rinse, drain out the detergent water and refill your basin with cool water. Swirl your bag around, dump the dirty water, and repeat as many times as necessary until the water runs clear.
In the end, you’ll want to press down on your bag while it’s inside the basin to drain out excess water. Don’t wring out the canvas, though, since that can damage the material’s fibers.
Lastly, you can reshape your bag using your hands, lay it flat to dry, and iron it to remove any wrinkles later on.
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