A handwoven Wayuu bag is made to be used, but gentle care helps the weave, shape and colour stay at their best. Most Mochila bags are made from acrylic yarn, so cool water, mild detergent and air drying are the safest choices.
Before you wash your Wayuu bag
- Empty the bag and gently shake out loose dust.
- Check the individual product description or care label first.
- Spot test any detergent on a small, less visible area.
- Use a mild, bleach-free detergent. Avoid stain removers and fabric softener.
How to hand wash a Wayuu bag
- Prepare cool water. Fill a clean basin with cool or lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent.
- Wash gently. Submerge the bag and move it through the water with your hands. Do not scrub, twist or stretch the crochet work.
- Rinse thoroughly. Replace the water as needed until it runs clear and no detergent remains.
- Remove excess water. Support the whole bag, then press it gently between clean towels. Do not wring it.
- Reshape while damp. Smooth the base, sides, strap and drawstring back into their natural shape.
- Dry in the shade. Lay the bag flat on a dry towel in a well-ventilated place. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat, and let it dry completely before use or storage.
Can a Wayuu bag go in the washing machine?
Hand washing is the gentlest option. Machine agitation and spin cycles can distort the shape, stretch the strap or tangle the drawstring and tassels. Do not tumble dry, iron or use bleach.
Quick spot cleaning
For a small mark, blot it with a soft, damp cloth. If water alone is not enough, use a tiny amount of mild detergent, then blot again with clean water. Avoid vigorous rubbing.
Looking after the strap, drawstring and tassels
Keep the strap supported while the bag is wet. Gently separate tassels with your fingers once they are almost dry. Avoid overloading the bag, as repeated heavy loads can stretch the strap and body.
How to store your bag
Store it clean and completely dry in a cool, ventilated place. Let the strap rest naturally rather than folding it sharply, and avoid sealed plastic if there is any chance of trapped moisture.
If you are unsure about a particular mark or your bag's construction, contact Mochila before washing it. You can also browse our current Wayuu bag collection.
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