How to Clean a Cork Bag, Purse or Wallet

Cork bags and purses are not only stylish and practical, but they are also eco-friendly and sustainable. Made from the bark of cork oak trees, cork fabric is a renewable and natural material that is durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean.

However, just like any other bag or purse, cork fabric items can get dirty and require cleaning. In this blog post, we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to clean your cork fabric bag or purse to ensure it stays looking great for years to come. 

If you are wondering how to properly clean and care for your cork products, you are in the right place. Still looking for a cork bag? Discover our collection here.

How to Clean Your Cork Bag

To clean your cork bag or purse, all you need is a soft cloth, mild detergent or soap, warm water, and an adequate size bowl or recipient. 

Fill your bowl with warm water - never boiling, just warm enough to help the cleaning process - and, if your bag is very dirty, add a few drops of soap or mild detergent, the water should not be bubbly as the amount of detergent recommended is minimal. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials as they can damage the cork fabric.

After dry-wiping your bag to remove any excess dirt, dip the soft cloth in the warm water solution, remove excess liquid and start by applying gentle circular motions. The stains should be very easy to wipe away, make sure to wipe the entire bag and repeat if necessary. 

If you just need to clean a couple of stains or if you are in a rush, you can use a biodegradable wet wipe and it will be ready to go. 

      

How to Hand-Wash Your Cork Bag

A deeper cleaning may be required if the fabric lining interior of your bag is also dirty or stained. If so, you can immerse your bag completely in warm water and soap to wash it inside out. Then, use a dry cloth to soak up any excess water and let the bag or purse air dry (natural position to help to keep its shape) in a well-ventilated area. Avoid exposing the cork fabric to direct sunlight or high heat as this can cause cracking or fading

You can use this method to clean most high-quality cork fabric products including cork shoes, wallets, belts, hats, yoga mats, etc. 

We do not recommend machine washes. Although you could technically machine wash your cork bag, it would be very harsh for the bag and the cork could delaminate or get scratched.  

How to Store Your Cork Bag

One of the most important things when caring for your cork bag is making sure that it is always completely clean and dry before storing away. Cork fabric can develop creases if stored folded or in an awkward position so make sure your bag is stored in a natural position, preferably in a dust bag. Avoid storing it in humid or damp areas, as this can cause mould or mildew to grow. Instead, store it in a dry and cool place, such as a closet or drawer. 

With these tips, you can keep your cork bag looking its best for years to come.

At The Cork Company we offer a free dust bag with most of ours products to help protect from dust, dirt and even insects when stored away. 

Looking for a new cork bag or wallet? Discover our collection of premium Portuguese cork fabric accessories here. If you have any questions or suggestions please comment below or do not hesitate to contact us.