Merchandise / Product

How to Care for and Maintain Your Tote Bag

How to Care for and Maintain Your Tote Bag

Love your tote bag? Learn how to keep it looking fresh and extend its lifespan, whether it's made of sturdy canvas or adorned with vibrant silkscreen prints. Proper care and maintenance can ensure your bag remains stylish and functional for years to come. Follow these simple tips to keep your tote in top shape!
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Tote Bag Washing and Caring Tips

Care by Material

With the wide variety of tote bag materials available on the market, it’s important to understand how to care for each type to maintain the bag’s shape and ensure maximum durability. Below are some care tips for common fabric materials:
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  • Non-Woven: To clean non-woven tote bags, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth, as they are not designed for machine washing.
  • Canvas: For canvas tote bags, hand wash with mild soap and cold water, then air dry to maintain their shape and color.
  • Nylon: Nylon tote bags can be machine washed on a gentle cycle and should be air dried to prevent damage and maintain their durability.
  • Laminated Canvas: Wipe down laminated canvas bags with a damp cloth to remove stains, as they are water-resistant and easy to clean.
  • Laminated PP Woven: Clean laminated PP woven bags by wiping them with a soft cloth or sponge, as they are designed to resist spills and stains.
  • Jute: For jute tote bags, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent, avoiding soaking to preserve the natural fibers.
  • Environmental Friendly Material: Care for bags made from recycled cotton or polyester by hand washing in cold water and air drying to ensure they remain eco-friendly and durable.

Protecting Silkscreen & DTF Prints

If you’re using printed tote bags, it’s important to carefully check the washing and care instructions for each printing technique to avoid fading or damaging your tote bag. Below are care tips for the two most common printing techniques today:
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  • Silkscreen Prints: To maintain silkscreen prints on tote bags, wash them inside out in cold water and avoid harsh detergents to prevent fading.
  • DTF Prints: For DTF prints, it’s best to hand wash in cold water and air dry, as this helps preserve the vibrancy and adherence of the design.

Situational Care Tips

In addition to the specific cleaning and care instructions for each type of tote bag, you should also learn how to take care of your tote bags daily to extend their durability and keep them looking as good as new. Below are some additional daily care tips:
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  • Clean the Stain: If your tote bag gets everyday stains from food or drinks, be sure to blot the area immediately with a clean cloth to prevent the stain from setting. If it cannot be cleaned with a towel, wash it as soon as possible.
  • After Outdoor Use: After using your tote bag outdoors, shake it out to remove any dust or dirt that may have accumulated. If you use a glossy-finish tote bag, wipe the bag surface with a clean cloth to remove dirt after use.
  • After Washing: After washing your tote bag, air dry it by placing it flat or hanging it up to maintain its shape and prevent damage.


The Rising of Tote Bag Durability & Reuse Trend

Eco-friendly Maintainable Totes

A 2018 life cycle assessment in Denmark found that a cotton tote bag needs to be reused 50 to 150 times in order to have less climate impact than a single-use plastic bag. Consumers are increasingly demanding that eco-friendly bags last longer or maintainable. A recent study of eco-bag packaging shows durability is one of the top attributes people consider—poor quality or bags that wear out quickly even with good care undermine their environmental purpose.

Sustainable Totes

Sustainability performance is being judged not just by material, but by how many times people will use the item. Reuse (and being intentional about how often something is used) is becoming a core part of sustainable care practices. Consumers are more likely to reuse totes if they are sturdy, practical, and attractive. Otherwise, many end up discarding weak or poorly designed totes, sometimes even using them as rubbish bags, which undermines their sustainable purpose.


Tote Bag Maintenance Tips

To maximize the durability of your tote bags, you shouldn’t rely solely on a strict cleaning routine—you also need to learn maintenance tips to keep them looking brand new. Let’s consider the following tips:

  • Avoid Overloading: It is essential to avoid overloading your tote bag, as excessive weight can strain the seams and handles, leading to premature wear. Instead, be mindful of the items you carry to ensure the bag remains sturdy and functional.
  • Store Properly: When not in use, store your tote bag in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture buildup and potential mold growth. Additionally, consider keeping it in a dust bag or on a shelf to protect it from dust and other environmental factors.
  • Clean with Care: Regularly clean your tote bag according to its material to maintain its appearance and longevity. Always follow the specific care instructions to avoid damaging prints or fabric while ensuring it stays fresh and presentable.


Discover the perfect blend of style and functionality with CUSTA’s durable, easy-care tote bags. Explore our collection today to find the ideal bag that suits your lifestyle!

Click here to view our Tote Bag Category

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FAQ

Can I machine-wash a silkscreened tote without damaging the design?

While it is possible to machine-wash a silkscreened tote, it’s recommended to wash it inside out on a gentle cycle to minimize the risk of damaging the design.

What’s the best way to remove stains from CUSTA’s DTF-printed bags?

The most effective method for removing stains from CUSTA’s DTF-printed bags is to gently dab the stained area with a damp cloth and mild detergent, taking care not to scrub too harshly.

Do eco-friendly tote bags last as long as regular canvas totes?

Yes, eco-friendly tote bags are designed to be durable and can last as long as regular canvas totes when properly cared for and maintained.

How do I choose the right tote bag for everyday use versus events or gifting?

To select the ideal tote bag for everyday use, look for one with practicality and durability, while for events or gifting, consider style and aesthetics that align with the occasion.

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