These vibrant and intricately woven bags are works of art that deserve the utmost care and attention to maintain their beauty and longevity. In this ultimate guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps of cleaning and washing a Wayuu bag to ensure it stays in pristine condition for years to come, and we'll show you just how easy it is to upkeep these treasures. 1. Handle with Care Before diving into the cleaning process, it's crucial to handle your Wayuu bag with care. Even though these bags are handcrafted to last, avoid pulling on threads and cutting knots which could undo the crochet of the bag. 2. Spot Cleaning a Wayuu Bag Surface clean when necessary, aka when you see a visible stain. Use a soft moist cloth and a little soap to gently remove any surface debris. Pay special attention to the intricate weave and patterns, making sure to clean between the yarns to maintain their vibrancy. 3. Hand Wash The safest method for washing a Wayuu bag is by hand. Fill a basin or sink with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Gently agitate the water to create suds, then immerse your bag in the solution. Use your hands to gently massage the detergent into the fabric, paying attention to any areas with stains. 4. Gentle Rinsing a Wayuu Bag After cleaning the bag, rinse it thoroughly with cold water to remove any soap residue. Avoid wringing or twisting the bag, as this can distort its shape or cause the yarn to stretch. Instead, gently squeeze the excess water out of the bag and pat it dry with a clean towel. 5. Air Dry Once rinsed, lay your Wayuu bag flat or hang to air dry. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can cause the colors to fade or the yarn to weaken. Allow the bag to dry completely before storing it away to avoid musty smells 6. Wayuu Bag Shape Maintenance To preserve the shape of your Wayuu bag, do not leave it hanging with heavy things inside. This will help maintain its structure and prevent stretching. 7. Pre-Washing Steps When it comes to machine washing a Wayuu bag, do proceed with caution! These bags are handcrafted using dyed yarns that can bleed or fade if not properly cared for. Before washing your bag, Flip the bag, inside out and place the tassels and strap inside. If you have a bag for delicates, feel free to use it! 8. Delicate Machine Washing a Wayuu Bag Once you've prepped you Wayuu bag, place it on a short 15-minute delicate cycle with mild detergent and cold water. **4 Easy Steps to Machine Wash Your Wayuu Bag** Cleaning and washing a Wayuu bag should not be complicated! By following these essential tips and precautions, you can ensure that your Wayuu bag remains a cherished accessory for years to come, maintaining its beauty and preserving its cultural significance. So, treat your Wayuu bag with the care and respect it deserves, and enjoy its vibrant beauty!

Originally, I promoted hand washing your Wayuu bags, but in the past 2 years I started machine washing and wanted to show you how you could do the same without damaging your Wayuu bag. Not to mention, this has become particularly important during these times. There is a bit of a trick to it, so be sure to watch the video and let me know if you have any questions! VIDEO TRANSCRIPT In this video I will show you how to wash your Wayuu bag in 4 easy steps. 1. Spot Treat Your Wayuu Bag The first thing I like to do is to spot treat any stubborn stains with a little bit of soap. I rinse and repeat and they should help the stain wash right out in the washing machine. 2. Protect the Strap and Tassels To protect the Wayuu bag from getting damaged, I place the Wayuu bag tassels and straps inside the bag before placing it in the wash to make sure it will stay in perfect condition. I also like to pull the base of the bag down and fold it in half as I feel it helps get a better wash in the machine. 3. Machine Wash On a Short Cycle Here you're going to want to wash the Wayuu bag on its own and put it on the quickest cycle. So in my case it would be the 15-minute cycle. 4. Hang Your Wayuu Bag to Dry Once that's done, hang your Wayuu bag to dry and voila! You have a perfectly clean Wayuu bag ready to be used again. If you don’t have a short cycle on your machine, I do recommend you hand wash your Wayuu bag as tassels and drawstrings get easily get damaged. Check out my tutorial of how to hand wash your Wayuu bag here!