Tote bags are an everyday essential. Perfect for schlepping from A to B, they’re a beachgoer’s best friend, are great for groceries, and make excellent work bags. Planning a last-minute getaway? They’re also the perfect weekender bags. However, if you’re reaching for your favorite tote every day of the week, you need to take cleaning and bag maintenance seriously. Keen to keep your favorite accessory in premium condition? We’ve got you covered.
Why Regular Cleaning of Your Tote Bag is Essential
Just think about how many uses your go-to tote has. Do you use yours for shopping? If so, it’s easy for food residue to get left behind after unpacking. Does your ever-dependable tote join you on trips to the gym? Sweaty gym gear can leave behind unwanted odors and bacteria. Is a tote the first thing you grab when heading out for outdoor adventures? If you’re not paying attention, it’s easy to cart all manner of dirt and debris back home with you in your bag. Unsurprisingly, the average tote can get dirty pretty quickly, meaning cleaning is a must.
How to Clean a Tote Bag Based on Material
Can you wash tote bags? Absolutely. However, you’ll need to take a slightly different approach depending on what your tote bag is made of.
Cleaning a Canvas Tote Bag
Most canvas tote bags can be cleaned in the washing machine. You’ll want to preheat any stubborn stains before throwing your tote into your machine on a cold wash. What’s more, it’s best to choose a delicate cycle to avoid any damage to your favorite accessory. Once the cycle has finished, leave your canvas tote bag to air dry in a well-ventilated area.
Cleaning a Waterproof Tote Bag
By their nature, waterproof bags are resistant to moisture damage. As such, you can be fairly liberal when using water and detergent solutions to clean your tote bag. Just be careful not to damage any waterproof membranes when scrubbing. All that’s left to do now is leave your tote bag to dry.
Cleaning a Polypropylene Tote Bag
Bags made from plastics like polypropylene are incredibly hard-wearing, but eventually, they’ll need to be cleaned. To keep yours in shape and looking its best, simply mix together a solution of warm water and detergent before applying it with a sponge to get rid of any surface stains. You can use the same approach for cleaning tote bag interiors.
Quick Tips for Daily Tote Bag Maintenance
To ensure your tote remains clean for as long as possible, commit to a daily habit of emptying out and shaking your tote bag. This way, any loose debris will be removed from your tote and you’ll be able to keep a running inventory of all your little essentials.
You’ll also want to clean the outside of your bag regularly. For fabric totes made from things like cotton and canvas, use a soft brush to get rid of any dust or loose dirt.
Only need to clean a specific stain? Throwing your tote in a washing machine doesn’t make sense in this scenario, so think about spot cleaning or using a stain remover instead.
When the time does come to throw your tote into the washing machine, make sure you’ve turned your bag inside out. This prevents premature fading and reduces the risk of your bag picking up stains while in the wash. What’s more, always stick to a cold cycle. This will prevent material shrinkage.
Finally, avoid the temptation to put canvas totes in the dryer. Instead, lay your freshly laundered tote flat in a well-ventilated area and allow it to dry naturally. This will prevent material and straps from becoming wrinkled.
Best Practices for Long-Term Tote Bag Care
With the right care and attention, the best tote bags can last for years. Eager to get the most out of your new tote bag? Below are a couple of best practices and tips you’ll want to observe to ensure your tote lasts for as long as possible.
Proper Storage
Not storing your tote correctly can lead to premature wear and tear. Before storing away your tote, make sure it’s completely emptied of any food particles, dust, or debris. If you’ve been caught in the rain or recently cleaned your tote, you’ll also want to ensure it’s been left to dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated area before storing it. Ideally, you’ll want to store your tote somewhere dry, out of the glare of direct sunlight.
Using Protective Sprays
Want to ensure your tote is protected in any weather? With protective sprays, you can increase the durability of your bag with relative ease. You’ll find a range of waterproofing sprays on the market that can seriously enhance the water-resistant credentials of your accessory. What’s more, stain-resistant sprays are perfect for the more clumsy amongst us.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Hulken Tote Bag for Long-Lasting Use
If you’ve been searching for a low-maintenance tote to add to your accessory collection, look no further than the Hulken. This spacious tote has been designed with heavy loads in mind, with a generous open-plan interior that can comfortably accommodate up to five full bags of groceries. What’s more, the Hulken is one of the most durable totes on the market. A reinforced baseboard and sturdy polypropylene fabric means the Hulken can carry loads of up to 66 pounds (around 30 kilos). Meanwhile, unbreakable grab handles mean you never have to worry about losing hold of your essentials while you’re on the go.
Prefer shoulder straps to grab handles? You’ll be glad to know that the Hulken has an adjustable one. You can even roll the Hulken alongside you thanks to 360-degree swivel wheels. If you need any more convincing, there are also several eye-catching color options to choose from, with everything from classic black totes to luxurious rose gold.
The Hulken also impresses when it comes to easy cleaning and maintenance. Wondering how to clean the tote bag of your dreams? To keep the polypropylene fabric looking its best, simply mix together a solution of warm water and mild detergent, before applying it with a wet sponge. When it comes to cleaning the Hulken’s wheels, simply use a soft-bristled brush to get rid of any trapped dirt. You can also sanitize the Hulken with mild disinfecting wipes, without the worry that you’re damaging the finish of the tote itself.
Choose the Hulken for Minimal Maintenance
Cleaning a tote bag doesn’t have to be taxing, but some totes are easier to clean than others. If you’ve had enough of dealing with delicate cotton totes or subpar plastic designs, it’s time to switch to something more durable like the Hulken. As well as being incredibly functional and fabulously stylish, the Hulken scores top marks for easy maintenance. The hard-wearing polypropylene material can be wiped down with ease, while it’s easy to sanitize the bag’s surfaces and wheels. Perfect for those who take hygiene seriously and want to ensure their bag lasts for as long as possible.
Ready to join the Hulken revolution? Take the effort out of everyday tasks and say hello to your new best friend by exploring the full range online at the Hulken website. Alternatively, you can browse and shop at Hulken’s Amazon storefront.
