If you’ve splurged on a Vera Bradley bag, you may want to keep it looking pristine and beautiful. But can you wash vera Bradley bags?
Yes, and a No, but with caution.
After all, vibrant colors and patterns are the hallmarks of the brand. Preserving them guarantees an accessory that can repeatedly help you make a fashion statement. But what happens when your designer bag gets dirty? Can you toss it in the washing machine?
The answer is a little more complex than a yes or no.
This article details everything you need to know about cleaning a Vera Bradley bag. From which bags can be washed to how to clean them by hand, no stone will be left unturned.
Our advice is backed up by extensive research and knowledge on how these bags are constructed and what methods work best to keep them looking their best.
Read on for your ultimate guide to washing Vera Bradley bags!
Can You Wash Vera Bradley Bags?
We’ve all been in the same situation—your beloved Vera Bradley bag has seen better days, and it’s time to give it a deep clean. The great news is that you don’t have to retire your favorite bag yet!
Besides, you can easily clean and maintain your Vera Bradley bags to keep them looking great for years.
But you may be wondering: can I wash my Vera Bradley bag? The answer is yes– and no! While most of their bags can be washed and spot-cleaned, some are not machine washable.
Look for a care label inside your bag to find out which is which. It will specify if the item should be hand-washed or dry-cleaned only.
For those that can be hand-washed, use a light detergent solution.
Then rinse it off with cold or lukewarm water, and let it air-dry completely before putting your items back in.
Spot cleaning is also an option—use a gentle detergent or diluted vinegar solution on the affected areas with a damp cloth, then wipe gently with a dry cloth afterward.
Remember that regardless of the cleaning method, always test any solutions on an inconspicuous area before applying them all over your bag!
Cleaning Tips for Your Vera Bradley Bag
Cleaning your favorite Vera Bradley bag can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
Before you begin, check for cleaning instructions that came with your bag. Every owner must follow specific care instructions accordingly.
If there are no instructions, below are a few tips on the best way to clean a Vera Bradley bag without damaging it.
Tips to follow:
Use a soft cloth or sponge and warm, soapy water to spot-clean the bag.
Use mild laundry detergent or soap formulated for delicates.
For stubborn patches of dirt or stains, use a soft toothbrush and lightly scrub the affected areas with soapy water.
Do not machine wash your Vera Bradley bag, as this can cause fabric damage.
Hang up your bag to air dry after cleaning. Do not place your bag in the dryer or in direct sunlight.
Follow these simple steps for deep cleaning, and you can look forward to a good-as-new Vera Bradley bag!
Preparing Your Bag for Washing
Before you go ahead and wash your Vera Bradley bag, you need to prepare it properly.
It starts with emptying your bag’s pockets, compartments, and other sections so that nothing gets ruined during the wash cycle.
Once you’ve emptied the inside of your bag, turn it inside out and close up any zippers—this will help keep the color from fading or bleeding onto other surfaces.
Next, check for stains or dirt spots by gently rubbing the bag with a wet cloth.
Use a gentle soap or stain remover, like the Tide To Go Pen, to tackle any stubborn stains. The thumb rule is to follow the instructions on the bag before using it.
Finally, check your Vera Bradley bag for any metal pieces like rivets or embellishments that may rust when exposed to water.
Cover any metal details on your bag with waterproof adhesive tape before washing to ensure they aren’t damaged when exposed to water.
Washing Instructions for Different Materials
To ensure you keep your Vera Bradley bag looking its best, you’ll want to know what materials you’re dealing with before you attempt to wash it.
Cotton
Cotton bags are generally safe to hand-wash in cold water with a mild detergent or gentle fabric cleaner. So do not put it in the washing machine!
Nylon and Polyester
For nylon or polyester, spot-treat any stains by applying a light amount of detergent and scrubbing with a soft cloth. You can also hand-wash these materials in cold water if you have to. But again, do not put them in the washing machine.
Leather and Vinyl
It’s advisable to wipe down leather and vinyl bags with a damp cloth and mild detergent—but double-check the manufacturer’s instructions first.
Some leathers may need special treatment.
And that’s all there is to washing Vera Bradley bags! Provided you take good care of your bag, it should last happily through years of use – giving your look the signature Vera touch.
Drying and Storing Your Vera Bradley Bag
You need to know all the steps required to clean a Vera Bradley bag if you want it to last for years and years. After washing it, you have to dry it. And after that, you have to store it properly.
Drying
The laundry process doesn’t end with washing your Vera Bradley bag—you must also dry it! You can either go the route of air-drying or machine-drying with low heat.
Air-drying is usually preferred since Vera Bradley bags are made of cotton and other delicate fabrics that can shrink when put in the dryer.
Storing
When air-drying your Vera Bradley bag, stuff it with a few towels and newspaper to retain its original shape.
That also helps keep any dirt or stains from settling on the fabric again, which can happen if you just let your bag hang out in an empty closet or drawer.
You should be careful not to store any pieces of metal, like jewelry or buckles, next to the fabric–it can cause staining or discoloration over time.
But provided you take good care of your bag, you’ll surely enjoy its beauty for a long time!
How to Remove Cardboard From Vera Bradley Bags
Now let’s talk about what to do if your Vera Bradley bag has some cardboard inside, like a tag or a display card. You can remove the cardboard part.
Step 1: Take Out the Cardboard
The first step is to take out the cardboard. It’s possible to rip the cardboard when attached to the fabric. Practicing caution prevents this from happening.
That said, use a needle or tweezers to loosen and pull out any threads holding it in place.
Step 2: Remove Glue Residue
After removing the cardboard, you may notice some glue residue left behind on the fabric. Use rubbing alcohol or a damp cloth with some detergent to remove the residue – make sure not to ruin any of the patterns!
You can try using a bit of nail polish remover for extra-stubborn glue.
Step 3: Let It Dry
After removing any leftover glue residue, let your bag dry completely before putting anything else inside it – otherwise, the moisture from whatever you put inside might damage the fabric.
And there you have it – an easy three-step process for removing cardboard from your Vera Bradley bags!
Conclusion
It’s possible to wash your Vera Bradley bag – but it does require extra care and consideration.
The most appropriate way to clean your bag is to spot-clean the affected area with mild soap and warm water. Vera Bradley also recommends avoiding harsher solvents, chlorine bleach, and fabric softeners.
If your bag has cardboard attached, remove it before washing it.
No matter how careful you are, washing your Vera Bradley bag may cause it to shrink and lose its shape.
Wearing and packing your Vera Bradley bag appropriately can help it maintain its shape and overall look.
You can easily keep your Vera Bradley bag looking its best by taking the proper precautions. With some extra care, you can keep your Vera Bradley bag looking beautiful for years to come.