In this era of consumerism, where smartphones are made to last only two years and hi-tech electronics for not more than five years, what we are going to suggest now will be contrary to all popular sales directives – how to make your jute bags last so long that you never need to come back for replacements for many years!

At D'Arts and Designs, we believe sustainability starts with not only what we use but how we care for it. Our jute bags are crafted to be durable, stylish, and eco-friendly. But like all natural products, a little care goes a long way in keeping them in top shape and increase their life span even more.

Whether you use your jute bag for grocery runs, daily errands, or gifting, when life happens and there are spillages, you must know how to recover and truly reclaim your reusable bag. It is easy to discard a jute bag and reach for replacements because they are so cheap, but we would still advise you to keep as many away from the landfill as possible – your jute bags can be functional for decades if handled correctly.

But first, why is jute hard to clean?

Water's Weakening Effect

Jute fibres and woven jute fabrics are significantly weakened by water. For this reason, jute is frequently blended with other fibres, such as cotton or polyester, to increase its strength when used for clothing or furnishing when it needs to be cleaned more often. Any garment or home accessory made of structured burlap should be cleaned in a dry solvent. It is best to deal with stains, if any, on a case-by-case basis and with a gentle hand. Hence, wearables of jute are generally advised to be cleaned by professional dry cleaners only.

Laminated Lining Challenge

The standard jute bag is usually thinly laminated inside to give it a boxy shape and last longer. This coating can get damaged if vigorously squeezed. So the standard ways of washing and cleaning the cotton totes will not work with jute or burlap bags.

Got it. Now how do I care for my jute bag? 

Before starting to roll your sleeves to start cleaning, you must first understand that the jute fabric, sourced from the jute plant, is a strong natural fibre valued for its durability and environmental benefits, and as with all things natural, it is best to follow nature’s plans and not abuse these with a lot of artificial chemicals. Hence, it's important to handle jute carefully when cleaning, as harsh chemicals or abrasive methods can harm its delicate fibres. Follow these clearly labelled jute bag care steps, and you will not go wrong.

With a little jute bag maintenance and understanding, your jute bags will be as vibrant as new.

1. Keep It Dry

• Always air-dry your bag in a shaded, well-ventilated space.
• Avoid direct sunlight for long periods, as it can fade the fabric and make it brittle.
• Never tumble dry or iron directly.
• To prevent mold on jute bag: If your bag gets caught in the rain, empty it and dry it immediately to prevent mold or mildew.

2. Shake Off Dirt

Give your bag a gentle shake or brush to remove loose dirt or sand after use. Lint and other loose fibres may adhere to the surface of jute, as this fabric is a little rough. It is better to remove these first using a lint roller or, more simply, with a piece of adhesive tape to lift them off the surface of jute.

3. Spot Clean — Don’t Machine Wash

Once your bag is cleaned of the dry dirt but you still need to remove stains from the jute bag, we go for the next step. Unlike synthetic bags, jute is made from natural plant fibres and doesn’t respond well to full soaking or machine washing.

Instead:

• Use a soft damp cloth with mild soap to gently clean marks or spills.
• Avoid scrubbing hard — a gentle touch is enough.
• Never soak your jute bag in water. It can weaken the fibres and distort the shape.
• Use gentle detergent if you are trying to remove stubborn stains, but do ensure that you are not soaking the bags for a long duration to avoid water stains.

4. Freshen It Up Naturally

Jute is breathable, but like any natural fibre, it can occasionally pick up odours.

• Air it out every few days if used regularly.
• Place a small sachet of baking soda or dried lavender inside overnight to keep it fresh.

5. Use With Care

Though jute bags are strong, treat them kindly:

• Avoid overloading with sharp, wet, or extremely heavy items.
• Store in a cool, dry place when not in use.
• Avoid folding it for long periods to retain its shape.
• Do not try to iron with a hot press iron.

We have summarised the care of your jute bag in the poster below.

Keep this poster handy if you have your staff handling jute bags for your business or at the jute bags display rack if you retail them in your store. These easy step-by-step instructions should be enough for long-term care and cleaning of your jute bags.

For The Eco-Conscious, Caring is Part of the Culture

Every jute bag you reuse is a small step toward a cleaner planet. When customers care for their bags, they aren’t just preserving a product — they’re nurturing a sustainable habit. A big part of extending the reusability of the product is how well you care for it. By ensuring the right care habits, you will see that your jute bags last much longer and are virtually imperishable.

With a little love, your jute bag can last for years — reducing waste and staying beautiful while doing it. If you care enough for the environment, you will surely care for the jute bags the right way!

We hope that these simple guidelines will help you care for your jute burlap bag. If you have any questions regarding your jute bags, feel free to contact us. We will be happy to answer all your enquiries.

At D’Arts and Designs, we’re proud to create natural, reusable bags that look good, feel good, and do good. Want to know more about our designs or how to customise your own? Explore more eco-lifestyle tips and shop sustainably at D’Arts and Designs.