One of the things we love most about waxed canvas bags is that they're not supposed to stay looking brand new.
Take one walking, travelling or exploring and the fabric will gradually pick up creases, marks and changes in tone. Rather than spoiling the bag, these become part of its character.
With a little care, a good waxed canvas bag can accompany you for years.
Here's how to clean, dry, store and eventually re-wax yours.
What is waxed canvas?
Waxed canvas is a woven fabric that has been treated with wax to create a more durable, weather-resistant surface.
It has a long association with life outdoors, where practical fabrics needed to cope with wind, showers, dirt and repeated use.
Unlike many modern technical fabrics, waxed canvas tends to look better as it ages.
Folds and creases can create subtle variations in colour and texture, while regular use gradually gives each bag its own distinctive appearance.
That's part of the appeal.
Does waxed canvas need much looking after?
Not really.
In fact, one of the most important things to remember is not to over-clean it.
A little mud or dust doesn't mean your bag needs a thorough wash.
Allow the dirt to dry and gently brush it away. Small marks can usually be dealt with individually rather than cleaning the entire bag.
The aim isn't to keep waxed canvas pristine.
It's to help it age well.
How to clean a waxed canvas bag
For everyday dirt, start with the gentlest method.
1. Empty the bag
Remove everything from the pockets and compartments and shake out any loose dirt or debris.
2. Let mud dry
If you've come back from a muddy walk, resist the temptation to immediately start scrubbing.
Allow the mud to dry first.
Once dry, gently remove it using a soft brush or cloth.
3. Spot clean marks
For marks that won't brush away, use a clean cloth or sponge dampened with cold or lukewarm water.
Gently work on the affected area without aggressively rubbing the fabric.
4. Leave it to dry naturally
Once cleaned, leave your bag open in a well-ventilated place and allow it to dry naturally.
Avoid placing it directly on a radiator or using a tumble dryer.
Can you put a waxed canvas bag in the washing machine?
We wouldn't recommend it.
A washing machine can remove or damage the wax finish that gives waxed canvas its distinctive appearance and weather resistance.
For the same reason, avoid soaking your bag in water unless the manufacturer's specific care instructions tell you otherwise.
Gentle brushing and occasional spot cleaning are usually all that's needed.
Should you use detergent on waxed canvas?
As a general rule, avoid ordinary laundry detergent, stain removers and harsh cleaning products.
They're designed to break down oils and grease – which isn't particularly helpful when the fabric you're cleaning has deliberately been treated with wax.
If water and gentle brushing don't remove a mark, check the care instructions supplied with your particular bag before trying additional cleaning products.
What happens when waxed canvas gets wet?
Waxed canvas is water resistant rather than completely waterproof.
A properly maintained waxed canvas bag should cope well with the sort of showers and damp conditions you might encounter on an ordinary day outdoors.
If your bag gets wet, empty it and leave it somewhere well ventilated to dry naturally.
Don't put it directly against a radiator, heater or other intense heat source.
And don't panic about a few rain marks or changes in appearance.
They're all part of how waxed canvas develops its character.
How to store a waxed canvas bag
If your bag isn't going to be used for a while, make sure it's clean and completely dry before storing it.
Keep it somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated.
Avoid sealing a damp bag inside a plastic container or leaving it somewhere susceptible to moisture.
It's also worth loosely filling the bag with clean paper or fabric if you want it to retain its shape during longer periods of storage.
Does waxed canvas need re-waxing?
Eventually, yes.
How frequently depends on how much you use the bag and the conditions it's exposed to.
A bag that's regularly taken outdoors may need attention sooner than one used occasionally.
Rather than following a strict timetable, look at the fabric.
Areas that receive the most wear may start to appear noticeably drier or lighter. You might also notice that water no longer beads on the surface as effectively as it once did.
These can be signs that it's time to refresh the wax coating.
How to re-wax a canvas bag
Before starting, always check the care instructions for your particular bag and the instructions supplied with your chosen canvas wax.
The basic process is usually straightforward.
Clean the bag.
Brush away dirt and make sure the fabric is completely dry.
Warm the fabric slightly.
Working somewhere comfortably warm can help make the wax easier to apply.
Apply the wax.
Work gradually across the canvas, paying particular attention to high-wear areas, seams and folds.
Work it into the fabric.
Follow the wax manufacturer's instructions to help distribute the treatment evenly.
Allow it to cure.
Give the bag plenty of time to dry and settle before using it again.
Re-waxing may temporarily change the colour or appearance of the canvas, so testing a small, inconspicuous area first is sensible.
Don't be afraid of marks and creases
This might be the most important part of looking after waxed canvas.
Don't try to keep it perfect.
Waxed canvas is one of those materials that develops character through use.
The crease from where you always roll the top.
The mark from a weekend in the hills.
The slightly worn area where you always grab the bag.
These aren't necessarily imperfections to remove.
They're part of the reason people love the material.
A bag made to go places
At Wild Isle Outfitters, we're drawn to things that are useful, substantial and made for getting outside.
Our waxed canvas bag collection includes practical styles for everyday use, walking, travelling and weekends away.
The Waxed Canvas Satchel makes a more compact everyday companion, while the Waxed Canvas Cabin Bag provides additional space when the adventure takes you further from home.
The important thing is to use them.
Fill them. Carry them. Take them to the woods, the coast, the hills and wherever you're heading next.
Brush off the mud when you get home.
Then take them out again.
Waxed canvas bag care: quick guide
DO:
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Brush off dried mud and loose dirt
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Spot clean gently with cold or lukewarm water
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Allow the bag to air dry naturally
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Store it somewhere dry and ventilated
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Re-wax it when the finish begins to wear
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Expect the canvas to develop character with age
AVOID:
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Machine washing
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Tumble drying
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Harsh detergents or stain removers
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Soaking the entire bag unnecessarily
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Drying directly on a radiator
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Trying to remove every crease and mark
