How to care for and clean an Oh My Maille bag?

A crocheted t-shirt yarn bag is a unique item: sturdy, dense, and pleasant to the touch. But like any textile, it requires proper care to maintain its shape, color, and appearance.

T-shirt yarn is not a fragile material, but it's also not meant for harsh treatments. Here's the most reliable method to care for and clean your bag, stitch by stitch.

1) Washing: the gentle, safest method

Handwashing is recommended to preserve the bag's structure.

What to do:

-Fill a basin with lukewarm (not hot) water

-Add a mild soap or delicate detergent

-Submerge the bag and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes

-Gently press without rubbing

-Rinse with clear water

Why this method?
Crochet depends on stitch tension. If the yarn is treated harshly, the bag can deform or lose its density.

2) Drying: the essential step

Drying is key to maintaining the bag's shape.

Recommended procedure:

-Remove excess water by pressing gently

-Lay the bag flat on a towel

-Allow to air dry, in the shade

To avoid:

-Hanging the bag: the weight of the water risks stretching the stitches

-Direct sunlight: it can fade and stiffen the fabric

3) Stains: Spot cleaning

A stain does not require a full wash.

How to proceed:

-Dab the area with a damp cloth

-Apply a little mild soap

-Rinse locally

-Dry flat

This method avoids full washing, and therefore the risk of deformation.

4) What to avoid at all costs

To preserve the bag's appearance and structure, avoid:

-Washing machine (especially spinning)

-Tumble dryer

-Harsh products (bleach, powerful stain removers)

-Repeated rubbing on rough surfaces