Canvas bags are coming back into popularity due to their classic fashionable appearance, reusability, and low maintenance. Many style icons have used and will continue to use handbags constructed out of canvas due to how sturdy they are.
Normal wear and tear are inevitable. However, stains such as chocolate and the stubborn ink can be visually unappealing, but once you follow these simple care instructions, you will restore the handbag’s original appearance.
Contents
Pretreatment for Cleaning
Here are a few things you should do before cleaning a canvas bag:
- Prepare the bag by emptying all the pockets. Leave all the clasps and zippers
- Shake the bag upside down to remove all loose dirt.
- Remove any tassels, decorative panels, and ornaments that are removable and not washable.
- Remove the bag’s internal frame if it has one.
- Examine the bag for any labels with care instructions and follow them accordingly.
- For heavy stains, treat the stains separately before washing the whole bag. Dampen the stain and scrub it with a mild detergent.
- Attempt to identify the type of stain. Doing so will enable you to find out the correct remedy to remove the stains.
The Right Way to Clean a Canvas Bag at Home
Here’s how you can clean a canvas bag in three simple steps.
Supplies you’ll need:
- Liquid dish soap - 2 drops
- Water - ¼ cup
- Old Toothbrush
- Soft clean cloth
Step 1. Mix the liquid dish soap with water
- Combine 2 drops of liquid dish soap with ¼ cup of water.
- Mix both the ingredients well.
Step 2. Dip a clean cloth in water and wipe the bag
- Soak a clean white cloth in water and wring out the excess.
- Wipe the outside of your canvas bag using the cloth to get rid of the exterior dust.
Step 3. Use a brush to scrub the stains
- Using a toothbrush, scrub the outer layer of your canvas bag.
- If the stains remain, then add a few drops of liquid dish soap directly on the stain and scrub it.
- Follow up by wiping soapy water off the bag using a clean damp cloth.
- Continue this process until the water you wring out of the cloth comes out clean. This is a crucial step as any soap residue left on the textile will leave a stain.
- Allow the bag to dry in a cool place away from direct sunlight or heat as this can fade the color of the bag.
- Fill the bag with white tissue paper if the bag doesn’t hold its shape.
Some helpful tips
- Always handwash your bag to revive it back to its original state.
- Do not use a colored cloth to wipe the bag as it can bleed dye onto the bag.
- Ensure that you use only white tissue paper to fill the bag. Do not use newspaper as the ink may bleed into the bag when exposed to moisture.
- Do not use the bag while it is damp as it can pick up stains and scents faster than dry fabrics.
- Use a good-quality metal polish for the hardware of the handbag to bring back its shine.
- Keep the metal polish away from the bag’s fabric as it can cause discoloration.
- You can also learn how to clean and maintain your coach handbag here.