One of the questions we're asked most often is a simple one: "Can I put this in the washing machine?" For most Kind Bag products the answer is yes, but the details matter, and one or two items need a gentler touch. So we've gathered the care instructions from our product pages into one place, organised by product.
Looking after your bag well is about more than keeping it looking fresh. The longer a bag stays in use, the more value you get from it, and the longer it keeps single-use alternatives out of your routine. (For a step-by-step look at the wash itself, see how to wash a recycled bag without damaging it.)
The quick version
For our reusable bags, totes, backpacks and lunch bags, the care instructions on the product pages are the same:
- Machine-wash at 30°C
- Use a delicate setting
- Spin at 600-800 rpm
- Do not tumble dry
The exception is our laptop sleeves, which are hand wash only. Read on for product-by-product notes.
Reusable shopping bags (Mini, Medium and XL)
Our reusable bags are the hardest-working items we make. The Mini carries up to 10kg, the Medium up to 20kg and the XL up to 25kg, so they see a lot of loose veg, leaky packaging and the odd squashed tomato.
- Shake out crumbs and empty any pockets or the pouch first.
- Machine-wash at 30°C on a delicate setting with a 600-800 rpm spin.
- Do not tumble dry. Hang it up or lay it flat to air dry.
- Make sure it's fully dry before folding it away.
Tip: if you carry raw meat, fish or anything that might leak, keep it in a separate container inside the bag, and wash the bag promptly if there's a spill.
Recycled Totes
Our Recycled Totes go everywhere: work, the market, the beach. They follow the same routine.
- Empty the inner pocket (keys, receipts and lip balm all love to hide in there).
- Machine-wash at 30°C on a delicate setting, 600-800 rpm spin.
- Do not tumble dry. Air dry, ideally hanging by the handles so it keeps its shape.
Hackney Backpacks
The Hackney Backpack is water-resistant without PFA coatings, which makes it a good everyday companion in British weather. When it needs a proper clean:
- Empty every pocket, including the laptop pocket, anti-theft pocket and side slip pockets.
- Machine-wash at 30°C on a delicate setting, 600-800 rpm spin.
- Do not tumble dry. Air dry with the roll top open so the inside dries properly.
Tip: between washes, a damp cloth is often all you need for marks on the outside.
Lunch Bags
Our Lunch Bags probably need washing most often, because food happens. They're BPA-free and have pockets for cutlery and snacks, so check those for crumbs too.
- Empty the bag and shake out crumbs from every pocket.
- Wipe up spills as soon as you can, so they don't have time to set.
- For a full clean, machine-wash at 30°C on a delicate setting, 600-800 rpm spin.
- Do not tumble dry. Leave it to air dry with the roll top open before you pack it again.
Tip: packing food in lidded containers keeps the bag cleaner for longer and means fewer washes overall.
Laptop Sleeves
Our laptop sleeves, like the 13 Inch Laptop Sleeve, have thick quilted padding to protect your laptop, and that's why they need different care.
- Hand wash only. Do not machine-wash.
- Take your laptop out first (it's worth saying).
- Use cool water and a little mild soap, and gently work on any marks with a soft cloth or sponge.
- Press out excess water with a towel rather than wringing.
- Leave it to air dry fully, flat or hanging, before putting your laptop back in.
Anything else? Check the label
We've stuck to products whose care instructions are listed on their product pages. For anything not covered here, check the care label on the item or get in touch with us and we'll help.
Five habits that help between washes
- Empty bags after every use. Crumbs and receipts are easier to deal with on day one than day ten.
- Spot clean early. A damp cloth on a fresh mark often saves a full wash.
- Dry fully before storing. Folding a damp bag away is the quickest route to a musty smell.
- Don't overload. Stick to the stated load limits so seams and handles stay strong.
- Wash less, wash cool. Only wash when a bag needs it, and always at 30°C.
Why care matters for recycled fabric
Our bags are made from RPET, a fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. Like any fabric, it lasts longest when it isn't exposed to high heat, which is why we recommend cool washes and no tumble drying. If you'd like to know more about the material itself, our guide to what RPET fabric is explains it in plain English.
Look after your bag, and it'll look after your shopping, your lunch and your laptop for a long time to come.
