How To Wash Tote Bags
It is critical to wash goods that come into touch with germs to avoid sickness and disease transmission. Clothing, hands, teeth, bed covers, and, you guessed it, tote bags are all included. These reusable bags are available in several fabrics, including nylon, cotton, and plastic, and should be washed regularly depending on the type.
Why Should Your Tote Bags Be Washed?
You undoubtedly use your personalised tote bags regularly. Therefore it’s only natural that you wash them. If you took your tote bag to the beach with towels, flip flops, and sunscreen, sand is likely to have found its way into the bag. Consider what would happen if you didn’t clear out your bag before going food shopping. Your food is now contaminated with bacteria from your beach vacation.
Fabric Tote Bags: How to Care for Them
It’s just as vital to know how to clean your tote bags as it is to know how often you should clean them. Your tote bag might still collect bacteria if it isn’t cleaned correctly.
To clean your fabric bags, follow these simple steps:
- Use your preferred stain-remover or bleach to pre-treat any stains (for white bags only).
- Put your tote in the washing machine. Wash your bag separately if it is non-colourfast (or prone to bleeding colours).
- To avoid shrinking, set the washer to cold water and start it.
- Do not put your totes in the dryer or leave them in the washing machine to dry after the cycle has finished. Instead, allow them to air dry by placing them on a flat surface and realigning the straps to prevent them from becoming wrinkled.
- Once the bags are totally dry, iron them on a medium setting if they are still wrinkled or the straps aren’t resting flat.
Cotton, canvas, and nylon are common materials for tote bags. They’re very easy to clean because most non-plastic totes can be put in the washing. When cleaning your bags, be sure you use a light detergent.
Hand washing is recommended if your bag includes any decorations, such as beads, buttons, leather, metal, sequins, or a water-coloured print. You may hand-wash all of your fabric totes using light body soap, dishwashing detergent, or baking soda combined with water if you prefer to do so. Use a colour-catcher detergent and wash separately to prevent dye from seeping into lighter coloured portions of the bag or onto other clothing items.
Before washing, make sure to read the label on the inside of the bag. Every manufacturer will have their own set of unique instructions for their device. Before using any other techniques, be sure you follow their washing instructions!
Cleaning Plastic Tote Bags
You don’t have to worry about colourfastness with plastic tote bags since they have a laminated-like feel, and the colours chemically bind with the plastic. Although cloth totes may be easy to clean, plastic totes are far easier!
Here’s how to keep your bags gleaming and spotless:
- Fill a 5 to 10-gallon bucket halfway with warm, hot water (approximately 12 to 34 gallons).
- Combine 2 tsp dishwashing liquid and 1 cup hydrogen peroxide in a mixing bowl.
- Set aside for 15 minutes to soak.
- Rinse under cold running water and hang to dry.
Disclaimer: This method is intended for plain plastic bags that are not printed with anything.
How to Care for Customised Tote Bags
Using a cleaning procedure tailored to the material of your tote bags is the best way to ensure that the design does not fade, break, or peel off. If you clean your tote with the improper approach, you risk ruining the entire bag, including removing the pattern.
Follow these simple guidelines to keep your customised tote bags looking new:
- Turn inside out.
- Hand-wash with cold water.
- Don’t oversoak the towel you’re washing with.
- Dip the towel in a delicate or mild soap.
- Wash lightly without scrubbing
- Allow air dry
When it comes to protecting your personalised tote bags, whether the design is printed or embroidered, the essential thing to remember is to stay away from harsh chemicals, excessive heat, and abrasive surfaces like a scrub brush or your washer.
*Warning: This approach isn’t flawless and should be used with caution. Before washing, it’s usually a good idea to read the instructions on the tag.
Final Thoughts
You can guarantee that your tote bags are free of hazardous bacteria by cleaning them regularly. Whether you have fabric or plastic tote bags, keeping them clean will ensure that they last for many years!
