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How to Properly Care for and Clean Straw Bags and Baskets

Cleaning a Straw Bag
Accessories and decorations made from straw, whether for your wardrobe or home, are in demand year-round, not just in summer. Photo: Getty Images
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September 20, 2025, 10:43 am | Read time: 3 minutes

Accessories and decorations made of straw, whether in the wardrobe or for the home, are not just in demand during the summer. To ensure you enjoy your favorite straw bags and baskets for as long as possible, myHOMEBOOK offers important tips on how to properly clean and care for baskets and straw bags.

Cleaning Straw Bags and Removing Crumbs and Dust

Since woven bags and baskets are made from natural materials, you should proceed carefully when cleaning a straw bag. First, empty the bag and remove large crumbs and dirt by shaking the bag upside down. Then, remove the vacuum cleaner attachment and use only the hose on medium suction power to clean the straw bag. This will remove leftover crumbs, lint, and sand hidden in the corners and grooves of the bag.

Gently Clean the Straw Bag with Water

Externally, a straw bag should be cleaned with a little water, a soft cloth, and some dish soap. Mix lukewarm water with a few drops of dish soap. Be sure not to let the cloth get too wet; wring it out well before applying it to the natural materials. Gently wipe the surface of the straw bag. During cleaning, the bag should not come into contact with too much water, as the material could swell. For stubborn dirt or stains, you can use a clean toothbrush to gently work on the stains.

Let the Bag Dry Thoroughly

After cleaning, bags or baskets should definitely be air-dried. To prevent the material from becoming misshapen while drying, you can stuff it with plenty of old newspaper. Also, be sure to wait until the bag is completely dry before using it again or storing it in the closet.

More on the topic

Bag Organizer

This tip applies not only to straw bags but is suitable for any type of bag. Bag organizers serve multiple purposes. They protect the interior of the bag from dirt and help bags maintain their shape while being carried. As the name suggests, they also help keep the bag organized. This is especially beneficial for large shoppers or beach bags.

What You Should Definitely Avoid

If straw gets wet, you should definitely avoid drying bags and baskets in direct sunlight. They could become brittle, and the material could break. You should also avoid storing a basket bag incorrectly. To ensure you can enjoy your favorite bag next season, pay attention to proper storage. Flat models should be stored either hanging or lying flat. Bulky models should be stuffed with towels, pillows, or clothing and placed upright in the closet. If a dust bag was included with the purchase, you should store your bag in it; a pillowcase can also be repurposed for this.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of MYHOMEBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@myhomebook.de.

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