A reusable bag earns its keep by being used hundreds of times, and a bag that's used that often will need a wash now and then. The good news: recycled polyester (RPET) is easy to look after. Wash it gently and it will stay bright and strong for years. Wash it too hot or tumble it dry, and you'll shorten its life.
Here's how to wash a recycled bag without damaging it, step by step.
Before you start: check the label
Care instructions differ from product to product, so always check the product page or sewn-in label first. As a guide, here's how our range is washed:
- Reusable Bags (Mini, Medium, XL), Recycled Totes, Hackney Backpacks, Pouches and Lunch Bags: machine-wash at 30°C on a delicate cycle, spin speed 600–800 rpm. Do not tumble dry.
- Laptop Sleeves: hand wash only.
Not sure which you have? Your product page lists the care instructions under Product Sizes & Care Instructions.
How to machine-wash a recycled bag
1. Empty every pocket
Take out receipts, keys, crumbs and anything tucked into the built-in pouch or side pockets. Shake the bag out upside down to get rid of grit, which can rub against the fabric in the wash.
2. Close zips, buttons and roll-tops
Fasten any zips, poppers and buttons so they don't snag the fabric or other items in the drum.
3. Choose a cool, gentle cycle
Set your machine to 30°C on a delicate or synthetics cycle, with the spin at 600–800 rpm. Higher temperatures and fast spins aren't needed to get a bag clean, and they put extra stress on seams and prints.
Tip: washing the bag inside a laundry bag or pillowcase gives extra protection, especially for bags with hardware like backpacks.
4. Use a small amount of mild detergent
A little everyday detergent is plenty. Skip bleach and fabric softener: bleach can fade prints, and softener can leave a coating that attracts dirt.
5. Air-dry, never tumble dry
Hang the bag or lay it flat somewhere airy, out of direct heat. Polyester dries quickly, so most bags will be ready in a few hours. Don't tumble dry and don't dry it on a radiator, as high heat can damage the fabric.
6. Make sure it's fully dry before you fold it away
Folding a damp bag back into its pouch can leave it smelling musty. Give it an extra hour if in doubt.
How to hand wash a laptop sleeve
- Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water and a small amount of mild detergent.
- Gently wash the sleeve with a soft cloth or sponge, paying attention to marks. Don't wring or twist it, as this can distort the padding.
- Rinse in clean water and press out excess water with a towel.
- Leave it to air-dry fully, open and upright, before putting your laptop back in.
Spot-cleaning between washes
Most bags don't need a full wash every time they get a small mark. For everyday spills, dab the area with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap, then wipe with clean water and let it dry. Spot-cleaning saves water and energy and puts less wear on the bag.
Lunch bags: a little more often
Because lunch bags carry food, it's worth wiping the inside after any spills and giving them a regular machine wash. Always let them dry completely, inside and out, before packing the next lunch.
How often should you wash a reusable bag?
There's no fixed rule. Wash it when it's visibly dirty, after carrying raw meat, fish or anything that has leaked, and every so often if you use it daily for food shopping. In between, a shake-out and a spot-clean go a long way.
Quick recap
- Check the product's care instructions first.
- Empty pockets and close fastenings.
- 30°C, delicate cycle, 600–800 rpm spin.
- Mild detergent, no bleach or softener.
- Air-dry fully. Never tumble dry.
- Laptop sleeves: hand wash only.
Look after your bag and it will look after your shopping for years. Choosing a new one? Our 5-step checklist covers what to look for, including care.
