How to Wash a Canvas Bag and How to Care for a Canvas Bag

Canvas bags are all the rage right now for all the right reasons. They are versatile, stylish, and eco-friendly. They can be valuable accessories that you can personalize and wear for any possible occasion. Depending on its design and style, a canvas bag can be a must-have for casual outings, workdays, shopping trips, etc.

However, it is very important to know how to wash a canvas bag properly so that you can keep it in good condition. The fact is that all our canvas tote bags can get dirty. Canvas bags are susceptible to daily wear and tear, we may put them on the floor or ground, throw them in the car and office, and so on.

For all these reasons, canvas bags require proper and regular cleaning and care. That is why today we will learn together how to wash a canvas bag step by step. If you follow the following cleaning steps, you can keep your canvas bag a clean storage bag.

What to do before actually cleaning the bag
Canvas bags are the perfect environment to add some personality and preferred style to your daily carry bag. In other words, canvas bags can be printed with screen printing, embroidery, monogram, hand painting, fabric, button decoration (stitched or glued), etc.

Washing Safety
In this case, the following should be considered:
Water temperature for washing machines and hand washing: If your canvas bag has paintings, sketches or other designs and patterns on it, you should make sure to wash it at a cool temperature.
Color bleeding and transfer: If yours is a colorful canvas bag, or your canvas bag has colorful prints and graphic designs, make sure that the colors will not bleed, fade or transfer in contact with water or other fabrics.

Fading Test
Fill a basin with water and submerge a small part of the bag in it to test for bleeding, fading or transfer on the canvas. Let the wet part of the bag sit in the water for about ten minutes.
Check the color of the water to see if the dye has seeped into the water. Wring the wet part of the bag on a pure white cotton towel or cloth. If the canvas bag has bleed dye on the towel, it is faded. If it is not fade-proof, you must spot clean the bag instead of washing it. Do not wash the bag with other materials because the dye may transfer to the bag. If the bag is pure white, skip this test.

Bag Preparation
Before deciding whether to wash a canvas bag in the washing machine, either manually or by spot cleaning, we have to prepare the bag. Here's what to do:
Empty all bag pockets, then open all zippers and clasps, then shake the bag upside down to remove dirt, trash, debris, coins, papers, and any other small items from the bag.
If possible, pull the bag completely out so you can see the lining. Use a lint roller to remove dust and debris. You can also use the fabric brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove any internal impurities. A bench vacuum cleaner can help, too.
Stain Removal
Heavy stains can be a big problem if your canvas bag is stained, as they often require extra care. Some stains can't be removed with water and a soft cloth, so you may need some liquid detergent or another stain removal product.
Make sure to apply the stain removal product to a small area of ​​the bag to ensure that the powder or liquid doesn't cause canvas burn, discoloration, or bleeding. If everything looks good after a few minutes, use a white cloth and dampening technique to slowly and safely remove the stain. Do not scrub the stain as it may cause color transfer, discoloration, or damage to the canvas.

Manual Washing

Some white or solid colored canvas tote bags are suitable for washing machines. Depending on the technique used to print them, they can also be good candidates for regular washing machines using cold water. However, canvas bags with watercolors, canvas bags with leather trims, or canvas bags with embellishments and other types of sensitive photos need to be washed manually. There are techniques and methods to accomplish a good cleaning without endangering the fabric or damaging the design/graphics/style of the bag.
After emptying the bag and taking the first step to remove dust and debris from the inside and outside, find a clean and soft white cloth (colored cloths may allow dye to seep through the fabric, and a regular dishwashing sponge will also work) and soak the cloth in warm water.
Wring out any excess water from the rag and wipe the canvas bag carefully but firmly. Avoid using colored pieces that may cause fading and bleeding.
If the bag has prints or embellishments that can safely come in contact with water, submerge the entire bag in a basin filled with warm water. Clean the bag with a soft white cloth or a soft-bristled brush in circular motions. Experts recommend this technique if you are washing a regular canvas bag that does not fade.
If after completing the above steps, the bag still has stains and dirt, add a few drops of dishwashing liquid or soap to a bowl. Use the mixture and a white cloth to wipe the dirtier areas. Keep moving to clean spots on the rag as you remove the stains and dirt. Next, rinse the cloth and wipe off any remaining detergent.
If you are cleaning a regular canvas bag in a basin of water and some stains or grime remain, add a few drops of liquid detergent to warm water and gently scrub those areas with heavy stains, dirt, and grime. Make sure you do not allow the color to bleed.

Note: When you are washing canvas bags, totes, and even canvas backpacks, there are a few more tips and tricks you should be aware of. Depending on the situation and your particular type of canvas bag, you may be able to combine one of the following methods with one of the above methods.
Any mild detergent mixed with water can be used as a cleaning solution for regular durable canvas. You can consider using a mild body wash, dishwashing soap, liquid detergent, or even baking soda.
For about a cup of water, consider using about 1/2 teaspoon of a mild detergent.
If the canvas allows, you can also use an old toothbrush to remove heavy stains and dirt. You need a soft toothbrush. The motions should be gentle and circular and should cover a small area.
If some of the stains are incredibly strong, you can also add a drop of bleach to it. Detergent is a safer option, but bleach can help you clean heavily soiled bags. Keep in mind that bleach can yellow canvas. In this day and age, you can find safe bleach and stain removal products, just don't forget to test the inside or bottom of the bag in a very small area.
Remove canvas, cloth or leather laces and drawstrings from the bag and clean them separately. Wash the canvas, cotton cords and laces manually in a cup or bowl with warm water using liquid soap or detergent. For leather accessories, you can wipe with a cloth to remove dust or stains.
For the hardware on your handbag, use a good metal polish or brass cleaner to make them shine again. Dip a cotton swab in the polish and gently apply it to the metal. Use a clean, soft white cloth to remove the finish. Be very careful not to get detergent on the handbag to avoid discoloration.
When you learn how to clean a canvas bag, remember that if the bag has leather trim, inserts, or decals, always wash the bag by hand. While metal accessories can go in the washing machine, make sure they won't damage the canvas or other clothing in your laundry. When it comes to decals, it's safer to clean the bag using a terry cloth soaked in water. Move the cloth around beads, buttons, leather, metal, or sequined appliques to keep them safe.
Rinse
After washing your canvas bag by hand, you can rinse it with another white towel or cloth dipped in cold water. You can also rinse it in a basin filled with clean, cold water. Gently wring out any excess water. Make sure the bag is properly rinsed, as particles from liquid detergents and other cleaning agents can remain in the fabric and thus damage it in time.
Machine Wash
Now that you've taken all possible precautions, it's time to put your canvas bag in the washing machine – if the fabric and design of the bag allow you to do so. When washing solid white or colorfast canvas tote bags in the machine, keep these rules in mind:
Set the temperature according to the recommendations on the label or according to the type of canvas
Printed, painted, or decorated canvas bags do better at low temperatures and lower centrifuge speeds; canvas tends to shrink easily.
Wash the bag alone or with other canvas items.
If you have a lot of colored items, make sure there is no color bleeding and transfer from clothing to the bag or in other directions.
Remove canvas bags from the machine immediately to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Note: You may find that your canvas bag looks the second it was removed from the washer. While canvas bags are not prone to wrinkling, they will regain their shape if you take good care of them. Make sure to reshape them while damp to restore their initial shape and remove some wrinkles