A well-made bag lasts for years if you look after it. The right care depends on what it is made of.
Nylon and polyester backpacks
Most backpacks, laptop bags and travel bags are made of nylon or polyester.
- Empty every pocket and shake out dust and crumbs.
- Wipe the bag with a soft cloth or brush dipped in lukewarm water and a little mild soap or detergent.
- Scrub stains gently with an old toothbrush.
- Rinse with a damp cloth and let it air-dry fully, open and upside down, in the shade.
Avoid washing machines, bleach, hot water and strong direct sunlight: they can damage the water-resistant coating, the padding and the print.
Matte and PU-coated bags
Wipe with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap, then dry with a soft cloth. Do not scrub hard or use harsh cleaners, which can wear away the coating.
Genuine leather bags, wallets and belts
- Dust with a dry, soft cloth regularly.
- Wipe marks with a slightly damp cloth and let the leather dry naturally, away from heaters and sunlight.
- Apply a leather conditioner every few months to keep it soft and stop it cracking.
- If leather gets wet, blot it with a cloth, stuff the bag with paper to keep its shape and let it dry slowly.
Zips
Keep zips clean of dust and sand. If a zip sticks, rub a little candle wax or a graphite pencil along the teeth. Never force a stuck zip.
Storing your bag
- Store bags empty, clean and fully dry, to avoid mould and smells.
- Stuff them lightly with paper to hold their shape.
- Keep leather in a breathable cloth bag, not plastic.
- In the monsoon, a few silica gel packets inside help keep moisture away.
Everyday habits that help
- Do not overload the bag beyond what it was made for.
- Lift it by the handle or both straps, not by one strap or the zip pull.
- Keep sharp objects away from the fabric and the laptop compartment.
A little care keeps your bag looking good for years. If something goes wrong because of a manufacturing fault, see our warranty page at mascobag.com/warranty.
