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WEDDINGS

Care & Keeping

Everything we make is built to last. A little care goes a long way — here’s how to keep your General Knot pieces looking their best for years to come.

Bags & Totes

Printed Cotton Tote Bags

Printed cotton exterior · water-repellant canvas lining · leather handles · brass hardware
Applies to: Printed Mini Totes, Printed All Day Totes (Japanese indigo, block print, and novelty print styles)

Printed Mini Tote care illustration

Printed Mini Tote & Printed All Day Tote

Step-by-step care

  1. 1
    Empty & shake outRemove all contents and turn upside down to shake out debris. Use a lint roller on the interior lining.
  2. 2
    Spot-clean the exterior gentlyMix a few drops of mild dish soap in cool water. Apply with a soft cloth using light dabbing motions — never scrub directly on the print. Work around the design, not across it.
  3. 3
    Rinse and blotWipe away soap with a clean damp cloth. Blot — don’t rub — and work section by section.
  4. 4
    Wipe the liningThe water-repellant canvas lining wipes clean easily with a damp cloth. Leave the bag open to air-dry completely.
  5. 5
    Air-dry uprightStuff loosely with tissue paper to hold shape. Stand in a well-ventilated spot away from direct sun — prolonged sun exposure can fade prints over time.

Do

  • Spot-clean promptly — don’t let stains set into the print
  • Dab gently around printed areas
  • Store away from prolonged direct sunlight
  • Store upright, lightly stuffed when not in use

Don't

  • Machine wash — it fades and cracks the print
  • Scrub directly on the printed surface
  • Tumble dry or expose to direct heat
  • Use bleach or abrasive cleaners near the print
Japanese indigo & block prints: These specialty prints can bleed slightly when first wet. Always test in a hidden area before spot-cleaning, and use as little water as possible on the printed surface.

Bags & Totes

Solid Canvas Tote Bags

100% cotton canvas body · water-resistant canvas lining · leather handles · brass hardware · bound seams
Applies to: All Day Totes, Mini Totes, Portfolio Totes (all non-waxed canvas colors)

All Day Tote care illustration

All Day Tote, Mini Tote & Portfolio Tote

Step-by-step care

  1. 1
    Empty & brush outTurn upside down and shake out debris. Use a lint roller or soft brush on the interior lining and pocket.
  2. 2
    Spot-clean the canvasMix a few drops of mild dish soap in cool water. Apply with a soft cloth or brush in gentle circular motions. Don’t saturate the canvas.
  3. 3
    Rinse and blot dryWipe away soap with a clean damp cloth, then blot dry with a towel. Work section by section.
  4. 4
    Wipe the liningThe water-resistant canvas lining wipes clean easily with a damp cloth. Leave the bag open to air-dry completely.
  5. 5
    Air-dry uprightStuff loosely with tissue paper to hold shape. Stand in a well-ventilated spot away from direct sun or heat.

Do

  • Spot-clean promptly — don’t let stains set
  • Store upright, lightly stuffed when not in use
  • Air out after heavy or rainy-day use
  • Use a soft brush on textured prints

Don't

  • Machine wash — it stresses seams and hardware
  • Tumble dry or dry near direct heat
  • Use bleach or abrasive cleaners on prints
  • Store flat under heavy objects
Japanese indigo & block prints: These specialty fabrics can bleed slightly when first wet. Test in a hidden area before spot-cleaning, and avoid rubbing the print directly.

Bags & Totes

Waxed Canvas Bags

100% cotton (waxed) · water-repellent surface · develops patina with use
Applies to: Waxed Canvas All Day Totes (Black, Tennis Green, True Navy), Waxed Canvas Mini Tote (Black), Waxed Canvas Portfolio Tote (Black)

Waxed Canvas Portfolio Tote care illustration

Waxed canvas totes — scratch-resistant & water-repellent

Step-by-step care

  1. 1
    Brush off dry dirtUse a soft-bristled brush or dry cloth first. Most light soiling comes right off without any liquid.
  2. 2
    Damp cloth for deeper soilingIf brushing isn’t enough, use a clean damp cloth — no soap. Wipe gently and allow to dry completely.
  3. 3
    Remove scratches with heatUse a hairdryer on low, held 3–4 inches from the surface. Move slowly — the wax softens and scratches blend in as the surface warms.
  4. 4
    Re-wax once a yearWhen water stops beading, apply a thin coat of Otter Wax with a cloth in circular motions. Use a hairdryer to melt it in, then buff with a clean cloth.

Do

  • Embrace the patina — it’s meant to develop
  • Use Otter Wax for re-waxing (we use it ourselves)
  • Store in a breathable bag, not plastic
  • Let it dry fully before re-waxing

Don't

  • Machine wash or submerge in water
  • Use soap — it strips the wax coating
  • Dry in a dryer or near direct heat
  • Use silicone sprays — they seal the canvas
New bag: A fresh waxed canvas bag may leave slight wax marks on light clothing until broken in. This is normal and fades with use. Full waxed canvas care guide: read here →

Neckwear

Cotton Neckties, Bow Ties & Pocket Squares

Applies to: all cotton neckties, self-tie bow ties, pocket squares, and bandanas

Cotton Necktie care illustration

Cotton neckties, bow ties & pocket squares

Step-by-step care

  1. 1
    Spot-clean firstDab — don’t rub — with a clean damp cloth and a drop of mild dish soap. Blot dry immediately with a clean towel.
  2. 2
    Dry-clean recommendedFor a thorough clean, take to a trusted dry cleaner and specify the fiber (cotton) content. Dry-cleaning preserves the drape and sheen better than any home method.
  3. 3
    Steam or press carefullyUse a garment steamer held 2–3 inches away, or a cool-to-medium iron with a pressing cloth. Never iron directly on a printed surface.

Do

  • Untie and hang loosely after wearing
  • Use a pressing cloth when ironing
  • Air out before storing
  • Roll loosely for travel — never knot and pack

Don't

  • Machine wash or tumble dry
  • Wring or twist wet fabric
  • Iron directly on a print
  • Use bleach or harsh stain removers
Pocket squares: Hemmed edges are sturdy but should be treated with care. Wash separately and avoid rubbing the edge against anything abrasive. Press lightly while still slightly damp for a crisp finish.

Formal Neckwear

Silk & Silk Blend Neckwear

Applies to: Formal Classic Neckties, Formal White Pocket Square

Silk Formal Necktie care illustration

Silk/cotton formal neckties & pocket squares

Step-by-step care

  1. 1
    Spot-clean onlyBlot immediately with a clean dry cloth. For stains, use a tiny amount of cool water and dab gently. Never rub — it damages the weave.
  2. 2
    Dry-clean recommendedFor a thorough clean, take to a trusted dry cleaner and specify the silk or silkblend. Dry-cleaning preserves the drape and sheen better than any home method.
  3. 3
    Steam — don’t ironA garment steamer is ideal. If you must iron, use the lowest silk setting with a pressing cloth and test a hidden corner first.
  4. 4
    Store hanging or rolledHang on a smooth hanger or roll loosely. Avoid hard folds that crease the weave permanently.

Do

  • Act quickly on spills — blot immediately
  • Trust a dry cleaner for set stains
  • Steam lightly to remove travel wrinkles
  • Store in a fabric bag away from light

Don't

  • Machine wash or tumble dry
  • Rub stains — it damages the weave permanently
  • Iron on the face of the fabric
  • Use spot-remover sprays without testing first

Small Goods

Travel Kits, Clutches, Laptop Sleeves & Zip Pouches

Cotton or linen exterior · water-resistant canvas lining · leather zipper pulls · brass zippers · taped seams
Applies to: all cotton or linen travel kits, cotton travel clutches, laptop sleeves, and zipper pouches

Travel Kit care illustration

Travel kits, clutches, laptop sleeves & zip pouches

Step-by-step care

  1. 1
    Empty completelyRemove all contents. Open the zipper fully and shake out any debris.
  2. 2
    Wipe the liningDampen a cloth with cool water and a drop of mild soap. Wipe the interior canvas lining thoroughly — it’s water-resistant and wipes clean easily. Rinse with a damp cloth.
  3. 3
    Spot-clean the exteriorUse the same mild soap solution on a soft cloth or brush. Work gently on the exterior fabric, focusing on soiled areas.
  4. 4
    Air-dry openLeave the zipper open and stand or hang to dry fully in a ventilated spot before storing.

Do

  • Wipe the lining regularly — don’t let spills sit
  • Air out after travel before storing closed
  • Leave zipper open while drying
  • Use a soft brush on Japanese indigo and print fabrics

Don't

  • Machine wash — it stresses the taped seams
  • Zip closed while still damp
  • Use bleach or abrasive cleaners
  • Scrub indigo or block prints aggressively
Laptop sleeves & zip pouches: Same care — spot-clean exterior, wipe interior, air-dry open. The leather pull tab can be conditioned lightly if it looks dry.

Small Goods

Velvet Travel Clutches

Velvet exterior · water-resistant canvas lining · brass zipper · embossed leather zipper pull
Applies to: Velvet Travel Clutches, Totes and Jewel Pouches

Velvet Travel Clutch care illustration

Velvet Travel Clutch

Step-by-step care

  1. 1
    Brush the pile gentlyUse a clean soft-bristled clothes brush and brush lightly in the direction of the pile. This lifts crushed fibers and removes surface lint.
  2. 2
    Revive crushed pile with steamHold a garment steamer 2–3 inches from the surface — never touch the nozzle to the velvet. Steam lifts the pile immediately. Brush gently while still warm or place a wash cloth over exterior and lightly steam.
  3. 3
    Blot stains — never rubBlot fresh spills immediately with a clean dry cloth. For set stains, lightly dampen a cloth with cold water only and blot. Rubbing permanently damages pile direction.
  4. 4
    Wipe the liningThe interior lining wipes clean with a damp cloth. Leave open to air-dry fully.

Do

  • Store flat or stuffed — velvet creases under pressure
  • Use steam to restore crushed areas
  • Brush regularly in the direction of the pile with a soft shoe brush
  • Keep away from sticky or rough surfaces

Don't

  • Rub stains — this permanently damages the pile
  • Machine wash or dry-clean without contacting us first
  • Iron directly on velvet— heat will crush the pile flat
  • Press or fold tightly for storage

All Bags

Leather Handles, Straps & Pulls

Mahogany leather and blonde veg-tan leather · hand-cut handles
Applies to: leather handles, center tabs, shoulder straps, and zipper pulls on all bags and totes

Leather Handles Straps and Pulls care illustration

Leather handles, straps & zipper pulls

Step-by-step care

  1. 1
    Wipe cleanFor light soiling, wipe with a barely-damp cloth. Dry immediately — don’t let water sit on the surface.
  2. 2
    Condition periodicallyEvery few months, apply a small amount of leather conditioner with a soft cloth in circular motions. Let absorb 20 minutes, then buff off excess.
  3. 3
    If leather gets wetBlot dry immediately and let air-dry at room temperature. Once fully dry, condition. Never use a hairdryer — it cracks the leather.
  4. 4
    Let veg-tan darken naturallyBlonde veg-tan handles deepen to a warm honey with use. This patina is intentional — it’s the mark of a well-loved bag.

Do

  • Condition once or twice a year
  • Let veg-tan darken naturally with use
  • Store away from direct heat and sunlight
  • Allow wet leather to dry at room temperature

Don't

  • Submerge in water or machine wash
  • Use silicone sprays — they block future conditioning
  • Dry with a hairdryer or near a radiator
  • Store in plastic — leather needs to breathe
Mahogany handles: A small amount of matching dark leather conditioner renews color and adds protection. Apply sparingly, buff to a soft sheen. Tape off surrounding fabrics before applying.

All Bags

Brass Hardware

Solid brass D-rings · copper rivets · brass zippers
Applies to: all hardware on totes, bags, and small goods

Brass Hardware care illustration

Brass D-rings, copper rivets & brass zippers

Step-by-step care

  1. 1
    Keep zippers movingIf a zipper feels stiff, run a small amount of beeswax along the teeth. Never use oil-based lubricants — they stain fabric.
  2. 2
    Polish for shine (optional)Brass darkens over time. If you prefer bright brass, apply a small amount of Brasso or a lemon juice + salt paste, rinse with a damp cloth, and dry completely. Tape off surrounding fabric first.
  3. 3
    Or embrace the patinaAged brass looks intentional on a well-used bag. The hardware is solid — either approach is fine and won’t affect function.
Quick Reference

Key techniques at a glance

Spot-clean photo

Spot-clean Damp cloth + mild soap, gentle circular motion, rinse clean.

Steam photo

Steam Hold 2–3 inches away. Ideal for neckwear and velvet.

Air-dry photo

Air-dry upright Stuff with tissue paper, leave open, away from heat.

Condition photo

Condition leather Small amount of Leather Honey, circular motion, buff dry.

Beyond Home Care

Need a repair?

If a handle needs re-stitching, a seam has given way, a zipper needs replacing, or something just isn’t right — we want to know. We stand behind everything we make.

Contact Us About a Repair →