Totesation

Care Guide

Made to Last

Our bags are handcrafted to go the distance. A little care goes a long way — here's how to keep yours looking and feeling its best.

General

Everyday Habits That Make a Difference

☀️

Keep out of direct sunlight

Prolonged sun exposure fades fabric colour over time, especially on printed and dyed pieces. Store your bag away from windows when not in use.

💧

Treat stains quickly

The sooner you address a spill, the easier it is to remove. Blot — never rub — with a clean damp cloth immediately after contact.

🛍️

Don't overload it

Our bags are sturdy, but every fabric has its limits. Carrying more than the handles are designed for strains the stitching at the stress points over time.

🪢

Store flat or loosely folded

Avoid hanging your bag by its handles for long periods — this weakens the strap attachment over time. Fold it loosely and store flat when not in use.

Canvas Bags

Canvas Care

Canvas is durable and forgiving — it's meant to be used daily. Regular light cleaning will keep it looking fresh without weakening the fabric.

✓ Do

  • Spot clean with a damp cloth and a drop of mild liquid soap for small marks.
  • For a full wash, hand wash in cold water using gentle detergent.
  • Reshape while damp and air dry flat in a shaded spot.
  • Use a soft brush to gently loosen dried dirt before wiping.
  • Iron on a low setting with a pressing cloth if the fabric wrinkles.

✕ Avoid

  • Don't machine wash on high heat — it shrinks and distorts the shape.
  • Don't wring or twist the fabric; press out water gently instead.
  • Don't use bleach or harsh chemical cleaners — they weaken canvas fibres.
  • Don't tumble dry — heat causes shrinkage and can warp the base.
  • Avoid soaking for extended periods as it can loosen any glued linings.

Cotton Bags

Cotton Care

Cotton is soft, breathable, and easy to maintain. It responds well to washing but needs gentle handling to preserve its shape and colour.

✓ Do

  • Machine wash on a gentle cold cycle inside a mesh laundry bag.
  • Use a colour-safe, mild detergent — especially for darker shades.
  • Air dry in the shade; lay flat to maintain shape.
  • Spot treat with diluted white vinegar for stubborn marks before washing.
  • Light ironing on medium heat is fine — use steam for best results.

✕ Avoid

  • Avoid hot water — cotton shrinks noticeably with heat.
  • Don't dry in direct sunlight; it causes colour to fade unevenly.
  • Avoid fabric softeners on printed cotton — they can lift or crack the design.
  • Don't scrub embroidery or hand-painted areas; dab gently instead.
  • Don't use the dryer — air drying preserves both shape and print quality.

Denim Bags

Denim Care

Denim is tough and develops a beautiful character over time. Wash it less frequently and let it age — the more you use it, the better it looks.

✓ Do

  • Spot clean whenever possible to preserve the natural denim wear.
  • When washing is needed, hand wash in cold water with a small amount of gentle detergent.
  • Turn the bag inside out before washing to protect the outer surface.
  • Air dry away from direct sunlight to prevent uneven fading.
  • Embrace the natural fading — it's part of what makes denim age beautifully.

✕ Avoid

  • Avoid machine washing frequently — it breaks down denim fibres faster.
  • Don't use hot water or a dryer; denim can shrink and stiffen.
  • Avoid bleach entirely — it creates patchy, irreversible discolouration.
  • Don't iron directly on embroidered or embellished panels.
  • Avoid soaking denim in water for long periods; it weakens the weave.

Special Finishes

Embroidery & Hand-Painted Details

Our embroidered and hand-painted designs require a little extra attention — but with simple precautions, they'll stay vivid and intact for years.

🧵

Never scrub embroidered areas

Rubbing damages the thread fibres and loosens stitching. If the embroidery gets dirty, dab lightly with a barely damp cloth and allow to air dry.

🎨

Protect hand-painted surfaces

Avoid submerging painted panels in water. Spot clean only, using a barely damp cloth and no soap directly on the painted area.

🧺

Wash inside out

Always turn the bag inside out before any wash to shield decorative surfaces from friction and agitation.

🪡

Loose thread? Don't pull

If a thread comes loose, snip it close to the fabric with small scissors rather than pulling — tugging can unravel the surrounding stitches.

A Note from Us

Every bag that leaves our studio is made with care — and we hope these tips help it stay with you for a long time. If you ever have a question about your specific bag, don't hesitate to reach out.

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