Mildew on a Canvas Tote: How To Deal With It

It can often be rescued if the tote is washable and you can dry it completely. If it stays stained or smelly, or it cannot be dried, let it go. The EPA says washable fabrics may be laundered and dried, and that items that cannot be cleaned and dried should be discarded.

What the sources say

• The EPA says to dry wet items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mould, and that porous materials that are mouldy and cannot be dried may need to be thrown away.
• The National Park Service’s guidance on textiles explains that mould and mildew need moisture, and that controlling humidity is the main way to prevent growth.
• The FTC’s care-labelling rule covers garments rather than bags, so a tote may carry no label. Where there is one, follow it.

Steps

1. Take the tote outside and brush off loose, dry growth. Wear a mask and gloves.
2. Check any label. If there is none and the bag is plain cotton, a gentle machine wash by itself or a hand wash is a reasonable try.
3. Do not mix bleach with other cleaners.
4. Dry the tote completely in moving air, preferably in the sun on a line, not in a closed room.
5. Smell it when it is dry. If the smell or marks remain, replace it.

Where this answer stops

This is general guidance for plain washable fabric. It does not cover coated, lined or leather-trimmed bags, which can be damaged by washing. People with mould allergies should not handle mouldy items.