Carry All, Stain None: How to Clean Canvas Totes at Home

Canvas totes have become a daily essential, whether you're headed to the market, the gym, or just out for the day. They're durable, eco-friendly, and stylish. But over time, spills, dust, and everyday wear can leave your tote looking a little less fresh. Fortunately, you don't have to toss it in the trash or pay for professional cleaning. With the correct methods, you can remove stains from canvas totes and have them looking good as new, all from the comfort of your home.

In this blog, we'll show you how to wash canvas totes, address specific stain situations, and share the best way to clean canvas totes without damaging the fabric or its structure.

Canvas is a sturdy fabric, but that doesn't mean it's indestructible. If you don't treat stains promptly or use harsh cleaners, you can discolour the material, fade any printed designs, or even shrink the bag. Plus, canvas totes often have leather straps, linings, or embellishments that require thoughtful care.

The good news? With a set of simple tools and techniques, you can easily remove stains from canvas totes at home and extend their life.

Whether it's coffee, ink, grease, or dirt, tote bags collect all kinds of stains. The first step is identifying the type of stain so you can treat it effectively.

1. Surface Dirt and General Grime

Before tackling tough stains, start by brushing off dirt using a soft brush or dry cloth. This avoids rubbing dirt further into the fabric during cleaning.

2. Spot Cleaning Techniques

• Food or Drink Stains: Mix a solution of lukewarm water and mild liquid detergent. Dip a soft cloth and blot the stained area. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with clean water.
• Ink Marks: Rub alcohol on a cotton swab and gently dab the spot. This is one of the most effective ways to remove stains from canvas totes without damaging the fabric.
• Grease or Oil: Sprinkle baking soda and cornstarch on the stain to absorb excess oil. Let it sit for 30 minutes before brushing it off. Clean the stain with dish soap and warm water.
• Mud or Dirt: Let the mud dry completely. Once dry, scrape it off and then treat any residual stain with a mix of detergent and warm water.

These spot treatments are a reliable way to remove stains from canvas totes without tossing them into the washing machine.

Once you've treated specific stains, it's time for a full wash, if needed. Whether handwashing or machine washing is appropriate depends on the tote's construction.

1. Handwashing (Recommended for Most Totes)

This is the best way to clean canvas totes when you're dealing with detailed designs, leather straps, or stitched embellishments.

Steps:

1. Fill a basin with warm water and a few drops of mild detergent.
2. Submerge the tote and gently agitate it.
3. A soft cloth or brush should be used for scrubbing the stained areas lightly.
4. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
5. Press out excess water, do not wring.
6. Hang to air dry in a shaded area.

Handwashing helps you remove stains from canvas totes while maintaining their shape and colour.

2. Machine Washing (If Allowed)

Check the care label first. If your canvas tote is machine-washable:

1. Turn the tote inside out.
2. Put it in a mesh laundry bag to protect the structure.
3. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
4. Skip the dryer: Air drying is key.

Machine washing is convenient but not ideal for totes with prints or extra detailing.

3. Drying and Aftercare: The Final Touch

Once you've successfully managed to remove stains from canvas totes, proper drying is essential.

1. Avoid using a dryer; it can cause shrinkage and weaken the fabric.
2. Let the tote dry naturally in a well-ventilated area.
3. Reshape the tote before it dries completely to retain its structure.
4. Avoid hanging from handles, which may stretch the fabric or straps.

While cleaning is easy once you know how, prevention is even better. Here are a few tips to reduce how often you need to clean canvas totes at home:

• Use a fabric protector spray to create a stain-resistant barrier..
• Clean spills immediately: quick action makes it easier to get stains out of canvas totes.
• Designate certain totes for clean uses (like groceries) and others for more rugged tasks.

Cleaning your canvas totes the wrong way can lead to permanent damage. Here are some important things to avoid to keep your totes looking their best:

• Don't use bleach, it weakens canvas fibres and ruins prints.
• Avoid scrubbing too hard; this can wear out the fabric.
• Never soak totes with leather parts for extended periods.

By steering clear of these common mistakes, you'll avoid damaging your tote while working to remove stains from canvas totes.

Canvas totes carry your world: books, groceries, laptops, lunch, and more. But they also carry the burden of daily stains and grime. Knowing how to wash canvas totes empowers you to keep them looking fresh, hygienic, and long-lasting.

From quick spot treatments to full washes, it's entirely possible to clean canvas totes at home without expensive cleaning products or services. And when it comes to stubborn spots, following the right steps ensures you can remove stains from canvas totes gently and effectively.

So next time your favourite tote starts showing signs of wear, don't panic. Just follow this guide, and you'll get stains out of canvas totes like a pro and keep carrying your essentials in style.

Source:

https://www.gootium.com/blogs/news/guide-to-clean-canvas-bag