So you have created an entire collection of crochet bags and you can’t get enough of them, but what happens when one or more of them gets stained or dirty. Can you actually wash a crochet bag? What about those with reinforcement?
Washing accidents are hard to avoid even when it comes to clothes. To Destroy a work of art you spent so much time and effort on would be a tragedy. But fear not cause It turns out, there are ways to avoid unnecessary disaster while washing and bringing your beloved crochet bags to their prior impeccable state.
Washing Tips for Crochet Bags and other projects
Hand wash:
Even though bags made of synthetic and cotton yarn can take the tortures of the washing machine, the safest and best way to get your crochet bags clean is by handwashing.
Use mild laundry detergents:
Detergent formulated for delicate or baby clothes, work best to wash crochet bags, to avoid chemical reactions.
Use cool to warm water:
Items made of wool yarn should not be submitted to excess heat produced by the washing machine as they tend to shrink. Acrylic yarn and cotton yarn bags can be washed any way you want as they don’t’ tend to shrink, but in any case, don’t boil them. Lukewarm water is just perfect for most cases.
Swish around gently:
By avoiding agitation as much as possible, you will protect the stitches and thread fibers of your back from breaking down.
Rinse thoroughly:
Rinse your crochet bag under cool running water until all suds have disappeared and the water runs clear.
Do not wring:
Never twist and bend your crochet bag to drain the water. This will strain the stitches fiber or any used reinforcement and cause the item to lose its shape. The best way to get rid of excess moisture is to wrap your bag in towels to get rid of the excess water and lay it down to dry
Do not tumble dry:
The heat produced by the washing machine will make woolen bags shrink. For bags like these, the solution is to let them air dry. You may need to leave it to dry for up to 24 hours. . Do not hang your crochet bags on a wire and do not expose them to direct sunlight. They will lose their shape and fade out.
Use the washing machine:
Though hand washing your crocheted bags is the safest way many items can be machine washed and dried too safely. Bags made of synthetic yarns are more resilient to the damage caused by the washing machine.
Use the delicate cycle into a mesh laundry bag if possible. Check the yarn label for proper water temperature settings. If you haven’t saved the yarn label use the cool water setting.
Wash these items alone:
Do not wash your crochet bags together with dirty clothes that need intense washing with hot water and harsh detergents. As there is always a danger of colors bleeding from the rest of your laundry, the safest way is to wash your bags alone.
Use the dryer:
Most synthetic yarns will survive the dryer if set in a low heat temperature. This doesn’t apply if your yarn has attached sequins or metal objects. Always check the yarn label before experimenting. Unlike washing its best to dry your bag together with something that will help absorb moisture, like a pillowcase for instance.
Remove pills:
Use a sweater shaver to remove pills that occurred during washing and refresh the look of your acrylic or woolen crochet bag.
Spot Clean:
Bags with reinforcement or constructed from very fine yarn spot cleaning might be the only solution. Add some mild detergent to a bowl filled with cold water. Soak a clean piece of soft cloth or sponge into the bowl. Wring out excess water and carefully rub your handbag. Rinse your piece of cloth to remove any detergent and soak in clear water and dab to moisten your bag till your remove any detergent residue.
Take your crochet bag to the Cleaners:
When Dry clean only is specifically indicated don’t hesitate to take your bag to the cleaners. If so don’t neglect to give the label to the cleaners with you to avoid having your bag cleaned with the wrong chemicals.