There's a particular satisfaction that comes with a bag that shows its years well. Not worn-out — worn-in. Corners softened, handles darkened just slightly from use, the kind of patina that signals this is a thing someone relies on. We've seen our canvas totes come back for repair after a decade of weekly farmers markets, first-day-of-school handoffs, and cross-country carry-ons. They don't look tired. They look like they've been somewhere.

That doesn't happen by accident. Canvas is honest material — it responds to how you treat it. A little attention early on goes a long way.

Spot clean instead of submerging. When your printed cotton tote picks up a smudge — and it will — reach for a damp cloth and a small amount of mild dish soap, not the washing machine. Machine washing can distort shape, soften structure, and fade the print over time. Work from the outside of the stain inward, rinse well, and let the bag air dry completely before using it again. Stuffing it with a towel while it dries helps it hold its shape.

Keep waxed canvas away from soap. Our waxed canvas pieces have a different set of rules. The wax finish is what makes the bag water-resistant and gives it that signature matte texture — soap strips it. For day-to-day dirt, a damp cloth is all you need. Surface scratches disappear with a little heat: hold a hairdryer on low about three inches away and move slowly until the wax softens and the marks blend in. When water stops beading on the surface — usually after a year or two of real use — re-wax with Otter Wax applied in circular motions, then use the hairdryer again to melt it in before buffing.

Never put it in the dryer. Canvas bags of any kind — printed, solid, waxed — should air dry. Heat sets stains, shrinks fabric, and can warp handles. Stand it upright or hang it from the handles in a spot with good airflow. It will thank you.

Store it with structure. A canvas bag left crumpled at the bottom of a closet eventually takes that shape. Hang it by the handles or stuff it lightly with tissue paper to help it hold its form between uses.

For the full guide — including care instructions for our solid canvas totes, silk and cotton neckwear, velvet, leather, travel kits, and brass hardware — visit our Care & Keeping page. Every material category is covered.