How to Wash a Tote Bag and Keep It Looking Brand New

Tote bags are one of the most useful things you can own — great for the supermarket, the gym, the farmers’ market, or a weekend trip. But over time, they pick up dirt, sweat, food stains, and general grime. The good news? Most tote bags are perfectly washable. You need to know the right method for your specific bag.

This guide covers every situation: canvas bags, cotton bags, bags with prints or logos, designer totes like Marc Jacobs, and bags that have leather handles or trim. Whether you prefer the washing machine or handwashing, we’ve got you covered.

Before You Start: Always Check the Care Label

Before you throw anything in the machine, take thirty seconds to check the care label inside your bag. The label tells you exactly what the manufacturer recommends: the maximum wash temperature, whether it’s machine-safe, and whether it needs to be laid flat to dry.

If the label has been cut out or faded, don’t worry. The guide below is based on materials, so as long as you know what your bag is made of, you’re in good shape.

How to Wash a Canvas Tote Bag in the Washing Machine

Canvas is the most forgiving material when it comes to washing. Most plain canvas tote bags — including the heavy-duty grocery type — can go straight in the machine.

1	Turn inside out. This reduces friction on the outer surface and protects any print or stitching.
2	Use a cold or cool wash at 30°C is the safest option. Hot water can shrink canvas or fade colour.
3	Using a cold or cool wash at 30°C is the safest option. Hot water can shrink canvas or fade colour.
4	Empty the bag. Remove everything, including receipts, coins, or anything hiding in the corners.
5	Air dry only. Hang or lay flat to dry. Keep away from direct sunlight to avoid fading.
6	Choose a gentle cycle. A delicate or gentle programme reduces agitation and stress on seams.

Pro tip: Pop your canvas bag inside a mesh laundry bag before putting it in the machine. It protects the handles and stops them from tangling around the drum.

How to Hand Wash a Tote Bag

Hand washing is the safest method for any tote bag, and it’s particularly recommended for bags with prints, embroidery, leather trim, or any kind of embellishment. It takes a few extra minutes, but it gives you complete control.

What you’ll need

• A clean sink or basin
• Cool or lukewarm water (never hot)
• A small amount of mild washing-up liquid or gentle laundry detergent
• A soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush for stubborn spots
• A clean towel

Step-by-step method

Fill your basin with cool water and add a small squeeze of detergent — about half a teaspoon is plenty. Submerge the bag and gently work the soapy water into the fabric using your hands. Pay extra attention to the bottom of the bag (usually the dirtiest part) and the handles, which absorb sweat and skin oils.

For stubborn stains, dip your brush in the soapy water and gently scrub in small circular motions. Avoid scrubbing too hard, especially on printed areas — you can lift the ink if you’re too aggressive.

Once you’re happy, rinse thoroughly under cool running water until no soap remains. Press the water out gently — don’t wring or twist, as this can distort the shape of the bag. Lay flat on a towel and reshape, then leave to air dry.

How to Wash a Tote Bag with a Print or Logo

Printed tote bags — the kind from galleries, bookshops, events, or festivals — need a little extra care. The print is usually screen-printed directly onto the fabric, and both heat and agitation can cause it to crack or peel.

• Always wash printed bags inside out to keep the print away from friction.
• Use cold water only — heat degrades ink over time.
• If machine washing, use the gentlest cycle available.
• Avoid rubbing printed areas directly with a brush or sponge.
• Never tumble dry — the heat will almost certainly damage the print.

Important: If the print is vinyl or heat-transfer (common on branded promotional bags), do not iron directly over it. If you need to press the bag, iron on the reverse side only.

How to Wash a Marc Jacobs Tote Bag (and Other Designer Bags)

Designer tote bags — including popular styles from Marc Jacobs, such as the Tote Bag in nylon or canvas — usually come with specific care instructions. Always follow those first.

Most Marc Jacobs canvas or nylon totes can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth and a small amount of gentle soap. If a deeper clean is needed, hand washing is the recommended approach. Avoid machine washing unless the label explicitly says it’s safe, as the hardware (zips, clasps, and metal logos) can scratch the drum and get damaged in the process.

For nylon bags, wipe down the interior lining with a damp cloth rather than submerging the whole bag. Nylon dries quickly, but trapped moisture around seams and zip tracks can cause odour over time.

How to Wash a Canvas Bag with Leather Handles

This is the trickiest scenario, because canvas and leather have opposite care requirements. Canvas can handle water, but leather cannot — it will stiffen, crack, and dry out if it gets soaked.

The solution is to spot-clean or hand-wash the canvas body while keeping the leather handles completely dry.

• Lay the bag flat and use a damp cloth to clean the canvas body.
• Wrap the leather handles in cling film or a dry cloth to protect them.
• If hand washing in a basin, keep the handles draped over the edge, out of the water.
• After washing, apply a small amount of leather conditioner to the handles to keep them supple.
• Never put a bag with genuine leather trim in the washing machine.

Good to know: If the leather handles are synthetic (PU leather), they’re slightly more water-resistant than genuine leather, but it’s still best to keep them out of water where possible.

How to Stop Your Tote Bag from Shrinking

Shrinkage is the biggest concern when washing cotton or canvas bags. The two main culprits are hot water and tumble drying. Here’s how to avoid both problems:

• Always wash in cold or cool water (30°C maximum).
• Never put your bag in the tumble dryer — the heat causes fibres to contract.
• After washing, reshape the bag while it’s still damp and lay it flat or hang it to dry naturally.
• If the bag has already shrunk slightly, dampen it again and gently stretch it back into shape while it dries.

Drying Your Tote Bag Correctly

How you dry your bag matters just as much as how you wash it. The golden rule: air dry only.

Hang the bag by its handles on a clothes airer or peg it to a washing line. Make sure it’s fully open so air can circulate inside — folding it shut while damp can lead to musty smells. Avoid drying in direct sunlight for extended periods, as UV light fades fabric over time.

For bags that are prone to losing their shape, stuff them loosely with paper towels or a clean tea towel while they dry to help them hold their structure.