.

Our Academy

How to Clean Non-Woven Bags Properly?

Jacky Zhou

April 23, 2025

Yellow non-woven reusable shopping bag featured in an article about how to clean non-woven bags properly.
Non-woven bags are practical and easy to use, but you can’t wash them like cotton bags. Throwing them into the washing machine may ruin them after just one wash. This article will show you safer cleaning methods1 to help your bag last longer.

How to clean non-woven bags? Avoid machine washing. For daily cleaning, use a damp cloth with mild detergent, then wipe again with clean water. If the bag is very dirty, you can hand wash it gently. Do not soak, scrub hard, or use high heat. Let it air dry naturally.

The basic method is simple, but there are many small steps worth paying attention to. Keep reading to learn the full process—from preparation, stain treatment, proper washing, drying, to long-term care.

Table of Contents

Before You Clean: Simple Prep Steps

Before you start cleaning, take a few minutes to prepare your bag. This will make cleaning easier and avoid damage.

1. Empty the Bag

  • Take out everything inside, including coins, receipts, tissues, or small cards stuck in the corners.
  • If there’s any spilled liquid or grease, wipe it off first with paper towels or a clean cloth.

2. Check for Damage

  • Look at the seams, handles, and bottom of the bag.
  • If there’s only slight wear or small cracks, you can still clean it carefully. But if the bag has large tears or layers peeling apart, it’s best to replace it instead of risking more damage during cleaning.

3. Pre-treat Stubborn Stains

  • For oil, ink, or sauce stains, don’t soak the whole bag.
  • Use a damp cloth with a small amount of mild detergent (like dish soap) to gently wipe the dirty spot.
  • Avoid using hard brushes or strong rubbing, as this can cause fuzz or damage the surface.

Recommended Cleaning Methods

Method 1: Wipe with a Damp Cloth (Best for Light Dirt)

This method is perfect for light dust, water stains, or a bit of grease. It’s safe and easy—no need to soak the whole bag.

  • Use a clean, soft damp cloth or sponge. Gently wipe the bag surface.

  • For light grease, ink, or food stains, mix a drop of dish soap in water and use it to wipe the area.

  • After wiping, use a new damp cloth with clean water to wipe several times, making sure all detergent is removed.

  • Use a dry towel to press and absorb any extra moisture.

  • Do not use alcohol, bleach, or strong cleaners. These may damage the material or cause colors to fade.

Method 2: Gentle Hand Wash (When the Bag Is Fully Dirty)

If the bag looks dusty, oily, has sticky stains inside, or smells bad, wiping may not be enough. In this case, you can gently hand wash the whole bag.

  • Use cold or lukewarm water (below 30°C). Hot water can damage the material or printed areas.

  • Add a small amount of mild detergent, and soak the bag for 5–10 minutes only. Do not soak too long.

  • Gently press or shake the bag with your hands to loosen dirt. Do not rub or wring, to avoid damage.

  • If some spots are extra dirty, pre-wipe them with a cloth and soap before soaking.

  • After washing, rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap. Leftover detergent may leave marks or harm the surface.

How to Dry the Bag

  • Do not use a dryer or hot air blower.

  • Do not dry under strong sunlight—it may cause fading or make the bag brittle.

  • Open the bag and let it air dry in a cool, well-ventilated place.

  • Check seams, handles, and corners. Make sure they are fully dry to avoid mold.

A person holding a green non-woven shopping bag with piping in a supermarket aisle

Storage and Care Tips

Once the bag is dry, store it properly so it stays in good shape longer. Here are some easy tips:

  • Make sure the bag is fully dry before storing. Trapped moisture can cause mold or odor.

  • Fold the bag flat and stack as needed. It’s okay to place things on top—as long as the bag is not tightly folded or crushed.

  • If storing for a long time, keep it in a cool, dry place like a drawer or storage box.

  • Avoid putting sharp or very heavy items inside. These can tear the seams or damage the bag over time.

Conclusion

Non-woven bags aren’t meant to be machine washed, but that doesn’t mean they’re hard to clean. With the right methods—like wiping, gentle hand washing2, and proper drying—you can keep your bags clean and usable for a long time. A little care goes a long way toward making your bags truly reusable.

If you’re looking for a custom shopping bag that’s practical and eco-friendly, Yanxin Bag is a trusted non woven bag manufacturer.
We support various custom non woven bag designs for brands, e-commerce shops, and retail stores, offering multiple structures, materials, and print options.

Get in touch with Yanxin Bag, your reliable non woven bag factory partner. We help you create affordable, durable, and reusable bags for your business needs.

Recommended Quick Reads
Related Articles
Additional Resources

1 Discover effective cleaning techniques to maintain your non-woven bags and extend their lifespan.

2 Learn the best practices for gentle hand washing to maintain the quality of your bags.

FAQs for Non Woven Shopping Bags

Q1: Can non woven bags be washed in a washing machine?

Answer: No. Machine washing can damage the structure of non woven bags. The agitation may cause the bag to deform, fuzz, or delaminate, shortening its lifespan.

Q2: How should non woven bags be dried after cleaning?

Answer: Let the non woven fabric bag air dry in a cool, well-ventilated place. Avoid direct sunlight and dryers, which may cause fading or brittleness.

Q3: What should I do if my non woven bag smells bad?

Answer: If the bag has odors, gently hand wash the entire non woven bag with mild detergent, then rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry completely to remove the source of the smell.

Q4: Will the printed design on a non woven bag fade after cleaning?

Answer: Yes, if exposed to strong detergents, hot water, or sunlight. To protect the print, wipe gently with mild soap and avoid harsh chemicals or UV exposure.

Q5: How often should I wash my reusable non woven shopping bag?

Answer: It depends on usage, but cleaning every 2–3 weeks or whenever the bag appears dirty or smells is generally recommended for hygiene and maintenance.

Q6: How do I remove oil stains from non woven fabric bags?

Answer: Dab the stained area with a cloth soaked in diluted mild detergent. Gently wipe, then rinse with clean water. Do not soak the entire bag unnecessarily.

Q7: Can I use alcohol or bleach to clean non woven bags?

Answer: No. Alcohol, bleach, and other strong cleaners can weaken the fabric, cause color fading, or lead to surface fuzzing. Use only mild, neutral detergents.

Q8: Are non woven bags more eco-friendly than biodegradable plastic bags?

Answer: Yes, if reused many times. Non woven bags become more sustainable the longer they are used, especially with proper cleaning and care.

Quick Knowledge
Table of Contents

Custom Bags With Easy

Order or no-order we are Always here to help you!

We will contact you within 1 working day, please pay attention to the email with the suffix “@yanxinbag.com”.

Custom Bags With Easy

Order or no-order we are Always here to help you!

We will contact you within 1 working day, please pay attention to the email with the suffix “@yanxinbag.com”.