How to Clean a Tote Bag | Canvas & Fabric Tote Care Guide

A tote bag gets more daily wear and tear than almost anything else you own — dropped on pavements, stuffed under desks, used as an impromptu grocery bag. A little routine care goes a long way toward keeping it looking (and smelling) the way it did on day one.

For Everyday Dust and Light Dirt

A soft-bristled brush or a dry cloth handles most surface dust and light dirt without any water at all — worth doing every week or two if the bag sees daily use, since it prevents dirt from working its way deeper into the fabric over time.

Spot-Cleaning Stains

For a specific stain, mix a small amount of mild soap with cool water and work it gently into the affected area with a soft cloth, always in small circular motions rather than scrubbing hard. Blot rather than rub to lift the stain, then allow the spot to air dry fully before using the bag again.

Should You Machine Wash It?

Most natural-fibre totes, including hemp and cotton canvas, can typically tolerate a gentle, cold machine wash — but always check the specific care label first, since reinforced handles, leather trims, or structured bases don't always hold up as well to a full machine cycle. When in doubt, hand washing is the safer default.

Drying Properly

Always air dry a tote bag fully, ideally hung by the base rather than the handles to avoid stretching them out of shape over time. Avoid direct, intense sunlight for drying, which can fade natural fabric dyes unevenly over repeated exposure.

Dealing With Odour

If a tote has picked up an odour — common with bags used for groceries or gym kit — a light sprinkle of baking soda left inside overnight, then shaken out the next day, neutralises most smells without needing a full wash cycle.

Storing It When Not in Use

Store an empty tote bag flat or loosely folded rather than tightly compressed, which helps it hold its shape over long periods of storage. If it has a structured base, a light stuffing of tissue paper helps maintain that shape between uses.

Why This Extends the Bag's Actual Lifespan

A tote bag's environmental value comes specifically from replacing dozens of disposable bags over years of use — which only works if the bag itself lasts that long. A few minutes of routine care is a small trade for meaningfully extending that lifespan. More on the philosophy behind our own totes in our tote bag guide.

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