washing a handbag

sandy2_2

On and off during the summer I've been using a reasonably large white heavy cotton handbag, as you can imagine it is now a bit grubby. I think I could wash it in the machine (preferred option)or even scrub it with a nail brush...
but... at the bottom of the bag, there is cardboard stiffening between the outside material and the bag lining, which I think would start to disintegrate if it became too wet.....any ideas on how to proceed.....thanks

buxtonrabbitgreen

Just wondered if you can unpick one end then take it out and put it back in afterwards.

Quasar

I agree with the previous poster - try to get the cardboard out. It would go all mushy and then dry up a bit wonky, or heaven knows what.

hardpressed

Could you try carpet shampoo?

beemuzed

If you can get the cardboard out I think the washing machine would be less patchy and a lot more fiddly than trying to dab with any sort of soap or cleaner - just depends how easy it'll come out. (Can you tell I like "instant" and "easy"???) If not though, the carpet cleaning solution sounds a good bet.

sandy2_2

Just a quick update. Opened up the bag lining and the bottom bag stiffener was a sort of plasticed card with interfacing stitched onto it. Risked it in the washing machine and it was fine. Thannks everyone

Penelope_Penguin

sandy2 wrote: »

Just a quick update. Opened up the bag lining and the bottom bag stiffener was a sort of plasticed card with interfacing stitched onto it.

I was just going to suggest that :T I washed some of the children's bags, and found what I thought was card was actually plastic, and they washed fine.

Same goes for baseball caps.

Penny. x

Churchmouse

Penelope_Penguin wrote: »

I was just going to suggest that :T I washed some of the children's bags, and found what I thought was card was actually plastic, and they washed fine.

Same goes for baseball caps.

Penny. x

Yes I discovered this, thankfully, when I inadvertently *caught up * a beloved baseball cap with some other washing, years ago now:rotfl:

whatatwit

My OH's baseball caps that he wears for work always shrink when they are washed.
He looks like he is wearing a schoolboys cap...pea on a drum springs to mind.

Thanks OP for letting us know the outcome.