How to Care, Maintain, and Clean a Canvas Bag: 9 Essential Tip

March 14, 2025 Cera Muchiri

Imagine this: You finally found the perfect handmade canvas bag—a stylish, durable, and sustainable gem that fits everything you need. Then, disaster strikes! A coffee spill, an ink stain, or just the daily wear and tear make your bag lose its charm. But wait—do you just toss it away and get a new one? Absolutely not!

Taking care of your canvas bags isn’t just about keeping them clean; it’s about making them last for years while reducing waste. Whether it’s your go-to Ecodunia jute tote bag, laptop backpack bag, Buru sling bag, Umoja canvas sling bag, pencil pouch, Ren makeup bag or round mini shoulder bag, these 9 essential tips will help you keep your favorite bag in top shape.

Let’s look into the secrets of maintaining your sustainable canvas bag like a pro!

Why Proper Care for Canvas Bags Matters

Your canvas bag is more than just an accessory. We all know that a great bag is something to cherish. When you find the perfect bag, you’re likely to hold onto it for a long time like a good companion. Of course, that means knowing how to care for it - especially when it gets dirty or stained.

A great canvas bag can be a statement of sustainability, ethical craftsmanship, and timeless style. But, like any high-quality item, it needs proper care. Here’s why you should give your ethical canvas bag some extra love:

Longevity: Proper cleaning and maintenance extend the life of your bag, so you don’t have to replace it often.
Eco-Friendliness: Taking care of your bag reduces waste, reduces the environmental impact of new production and shipping, and supports sustainable fashion.
Preserves Beauty: A well-maintained handmade canvas bag can look as good as new, no matter how often you use it. Great canvas ages well, like good leather and fine wine, so when it stops looking new, it looks classic and timeless.
Supports Ethical Craftsmanship: Every Ecodunia bag is carefully handcrafted by local Kenyan creative sewers using canvas sourced from African farmers who rely on this trade to support their families. They pour their time, care, and heart into the bags - so that you can love it back!

Protecting Your Canvas Bag Before It Gets Dirty

Wouldn’t it be great if you could stop stains and spills before they even happen? A little preventive care goes a long way in keeping your canvas bag looking fresh for longer.

Many people turn to fabric protectors like Scotchguard, which create a barrier against moisture and stains. However, if you’re looking for a more natural and eco-friendly option, there are PFAS-free, non-toxic fabric protectors available. These alternatives help repel water and dirt without the use of harsh chemicals.

Looking for safe, chemical-free fabric protectors? Here’s a helpful guide on non-toxic stain guards.

To apply a fabric protector:

Ensure the bag is clean and dry before spraying.
Evenly coat the canvas surface with a light mist.
Let it dry completely before using the bag again.

Taking this extra step can extend the life of your bag and make future cleaning much easier. Because let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want a little extra protection for their favorite canvas bag?

9 Essential Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Canvas Bag

1. Regular Cleaning is good practice

The good news is, high-quality canvas like we use at Ecodunia does not require regular cleaning. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t clean it. And I should probably clean mine more than I do. Sometimes, it just needs a little wipe-down If dust, dirt, and everyday grime builds up, little wipe-down or spot-clean will keep your bag looking spotless:

Use a soft-bristle brush or lint roller to remove surface dirt
Wipe it with a damp washcloth.
Let it dry before storing

2. Spot Clean Stains ASAP!

Accidentally spilled coffee or ketchup on your canvas bag? Don’t panic!

Use a damp cloth to blot the stain first
Secondly, I recommend using a mild soap like a non-detergent dish soap on the cloth and rub gently.
For tougher stains, mix baking soda and water into a paste and apply gently.
If necessary, I get a soft-bristled brush (a toothbrush is usually great) to get into the fibers and remove the stain

Sometimes, spot cleaning can leave marks, especially with detergent soaps. In that case, I like to get the whole bag wet and do a light brushing over the whole bag with a little bit of the soap so that any discoloration is unnoticeable. A removable showered is my go-to method.

IMPORTANT: if you don’t get that stain out ASAP, see point 6 below.

3. Hand Wash for a Deep Clean

Think your bag needs more than a simple wipe-down? Hand washing is the safest method!

Fill a basin with lukewarm water and mild detergent.
Submerge your sustainable canvas bag and gently scrub with a soft brush.
OR - use a removable shower head and a spray bottle with a little soapy water.
Rinse thoroughly and avoid wringing it out (this could distort its shape).

4. Machine Washing? Check the Label First!

Some canvas bags, like Amani carry all bag, may be machine washable. However:

Use a gentle cycle in a front-loading washing machine with cold water. (Front loaders are gentler on fabrics.)
Skip the laundry bag or pillowcase unless absolutely necessary. (If your bag is extra delicate, you can use one, but most canvas bags can handle a gentle wash on their own.)
Avoid fabric softeners or bleach. (They can break down the fabric and affect durability.)

5. Air Dry Like a Pro

Never—yes, never—throw your handmade canvas bag in the dryer! That said, I do. I use the Safari Totes and reusable produce bags all the time. They stay in the back of the car as my reusable grocery bags or generally carrying whatever random things need to go from my car to my apartment. And those, I've throw in the dryer without thinking. Now, do I recommend it? No. And over time, I found that they dry best in the air and look better longer if I air dry them.

Let it air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area.
Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause fading.
You can stuff it with towels to help it maintain its shape while drying, but generally they regain their shape within minutes of putting it back to use.
Canvas may have that off-the-clothes-line look at first, but it’s a heavy material that quickly loses its wrinkles and regains its shape.

6. Treat Tough Stains with Natural Solutions

A stain remover will be your best friend! In fact, many stain removers can be easier on the color, as they use enzymes instead of detergents to remove stains.

First:

Find your favorite stain remover. I like Seventh Generation since it’s all-natural and uses four plant-based enzymes that go to work on the tough stains. I’ve also had great luck with Shout and other conventional stain removers.
Spray and let sit for a couple of hours or overnight.
Hand wash the spot with a gentle brush or washcloth.
Always test on a hidden spot first to avoid unwanted color changes.

PRO TIP: if you see a very slight color shift, but you know it’s worth it because it will look better than a stain, do a light spray of the stain remover over the whole bag. You may have a light color shift of the whole bag, but at lest it will be uniform.

If your bag has ink, oil, or makeup stains, here’s what you can do:

Ink stains? Dab with rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball.
Oil stains? Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda to absorb grease before brushing it off.
Makeup stains? Use micellar water on a cotton pad to lift the stain.

7. Store It Properly

Where you keep your bag matters! Dust and oils from household cooking, etc, are tough on fabrics and leathers. There’s no way around that, so it’s nothing to get too worried about. That said, here are a few tips if you’re not going to use it for a while - especially if you want it to look great right away when you pull it out.

Store it in a cool, dry place away from moisture.
Use a dust bag or pillowcase to prevent dirt accumulation.
Avoid folding or crushing it to maintain its structure.
Again, as oils and dust degrade fabrics, cleaning before prolonged storage is a good idea.

8. Waterproof and Protect It

Canvas is durable but not naturally waterproof. Our canvas is a tight weave and is treated to be water resistant, but not waterproof. To protect your bag:

Apply a fabric protector spray for extra water resistance. Look for natural, PFAS-free options like Nikwax Cotton Proof, DetraPel Fabric & Upholstery Protector, or Vectra 16. These help repel water and stains without using harmful chemicals.

9. Inspect and Maintain Regularly

We love canvas not only because it looks good and is made from natural and renewable resources, but also because it’s durable and lasts! At Ecodunia, we use YKK zippers, 3- or 4-ply threads, and employ artisans who make the best bags. That said, life happens and our bags are not military tanks. So, Check your bag for wear and tear.

Loose threads? Trim them with scissors.
Broken zippers? Get them repaired promptly.
Small holes? I have a Safari Bag that I tore a small hole in two years ago. I still use it and it hasn’t grown much. But honestly, a little patch would help them not to grow bigger.

Buru Canvas Sling Bag, Small Crossbody Sling for Men & Women Collection

Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning a Canvas Bag

Even with the best intentions, people make common mistakes that ruin their bags. Avoid these at all costs:

Using hot water or harsh detergents that can weaken fibers.
Scrubbing aggressively, which may damage the fabric.
Throwing your bag in a dryer, causing shrinkage and warping.
Ignoring stains, making them harder to remove later.

Make Your Canvas Bag Last a Lifetime!

Caring for your ethical canvas bag doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes a little effort! With these 9 easy tips, you can keep your Ecodunia tote bag, backpack, Buru sling bag, Umoja sling bag, pencil pouch, Ren makeup bag, or round mini shoulder bag looking fresh, clean, and stylish for years to come.

And the best part? Every time you carry an Ecodunia handmade canvas crossbody bag, you’re supporting local Kenyan farmers and creative sewers, making a real difference in their lives.

So, are you ready to take better care of your canvas bag? Try these tips and share your results! And if you don’t have an Ecodunia bag yet, what are you waiting for?

Explore Our Collection of Handmade Canvas Bags Today!