Looking after your bag
A little care keeps your handmade bag looking good for longer. These are Ali’s instructions for washing, drying and storing it.
Washing
Hand wash
Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild soap.
Soak gently
Put the bag in the water for a few minutes, then press it gently to clean it. Don’t scrub hard.
Press out the water
Press out the extra water with a clean towel. Never wring or twist the bag, as this ruins its shape.
Drying
Dry it flat
Lay the damp bag flat on a dry towel.
Don’t hang it up wet
The weight of the water will stretch it out of shape.
Keep it out of the sun
Let it dry somewhere cool and shaded, away from direct sunlight, so the colours don’t fade.
Storing
Store it flat or hang it loosely
Keep the empty bag flat, or hung loosely by its handles, somewhere dry. Stuff it with tissue paper to help it keep its shape.