You've invested in beautiful handcrafted clutches and potli bags – pieces that artisans spent hours creating with intricate embroidery, delicate embellishments, and premium fabrics. Unlike mass-produced bags, these artisanal treasures deserve special care to maintain their beauty for years (even generations!).
Unlike mass-produced bags that you replace every season, your handcrafted bag (with proper care) can become a family heirloom. Here are 7 essential care tips that take minutes but add years to your bag's life.
1. Always Store in Dust Bags
Why dust bags matter: They protect against dust, moisture, and sunlight – your bag's three biggest enemies.
How to use dust bags properly:
- Use breathable cotton or muslin bags only (never plastic)
- Store one bag per dust bag
- Keep bags in dust bags even inside your closet
- Label dust bags so you know what's inside
Don't have dust bags? Use clean cotton pillowcases or t-shirts as alternatives.
Pro tip: All Atriya Jaipur clutches and potlis come with individual dust bags included.
2. Clean After Every Use (2-Minute Routine)
The quick post-event routine:
- Brush away dust with soft makeup brush (30 seconds)
- Turn inside out and shake gently (15 seconds)
- Check for stains – treat immediately (30 seconds)
- Air out for 30 minutes
- Stuff with tissue paper (30 seconds)
- Store in dust bag (15 seconds)
Why this matters: Fresh stains are easy to remove. 24-hour-old stains are much harder. Week-old stains are often permanent.
3. Master Quick Stain Removal
Never machine wash or soak handcrafted bags. Spot clean only.
Common stains and solutions:
Makeup (lipstick, powder):
- Let powder dry completely
- Brush gently with soft brush
- Sprinkle cornstarch, wait 30 minutes, brush away
Oil/grease:
- Blot immediately (don't wipe)
- Cover with cornstarch or baking soda
- Leave overnight, brush away
Water spots:
- Blot with dry cloth immediately
- Stuff with tissue paper
- Air dry 24-48 hours (no heat)
Henna/mehendi:
- Prevention is best – use a different bag!
- Let dry 24 hours, use dry cleaning sponge
- May need professional cleaning
When to get professional help: Stains larger than 2 inches, on silk fabric, or near heavy embellishments.
4. Store Correctly With Fragrance
Perfect storage method:
- Clean bag thoroughly
- Stuff lightly with acid-free tissue paper
- Add silica gel packet inside (absorbs moisture)
- Add scented wax sachet in dust bag (not touching bag)
- Place in cotton dust bag
- Store upright or flat (never hanging)
Best storage location:
- Cool, dry bedroom closet
- Away from direct sunlight
Scented wax sachets for luxury fragrance:
Benefits:
- Keeps bags smelling fresh
- Natural fragrance vs chemicals
- Prevents musty odors
Best scents:
- Lavender (repels moths)
- Sandalwood (elegant)
- Rose (classic)
- Cedar (natural)
How to use: Place one sachet in dust bag, replace every 3-6 months. No worries, we provide you one while ordering from.
Monsoon care: Double silica gel packets, check weekly for mildew, air out on dry days.
Need bulk storage for wedding return gifts? Atriya's bulk gifting range (₹499-1,999) comes with proper packaging.
5. Handle With Care Daily
Before using:
- Clean, dry hands only
- Remove rings that might snag
- Don't overstuff bags
- Put sharp objects in separate pouches
During use:
- Hold embellished bags by frame, not fabric
- Set on clean surfaces only
- Never place on floors
- Keep bags close in crowds
Avoid these mistakes:
- Pulling hard on drawstrings
- Leaving bags in hot cars
- Pressing against rough surfaces
- Getting bags wet
6. Do Simple Repairs Yourself
Fix loose beads or crystals:
You need: Fabric glue (E6000), toothpick, tweezers
Steps:
- Apply tiny glue dot with toothpick
- Place bead with tweezers
- Press gently
- Let dry 24 hours
Cost: ₹150 DIY vs ₹500+ professional repair
Fix broken drawstrings:
- Remove old drawstring
- Thread new cord through channel (use safety pin)
- Knot ends securely
- Seal ends with clear nail polish
Get professional help for: Torn embroidery, broken frames, major embellishment loss, or valuable pieces.
7. Essential Care Kit (₹500 Investment)
Must-have supplies:
- Soft brush (₹100-200) – Daily dusting
- Silica gel packets – 20 pack (₹200-300) – Moisture control
- Cotton dust bags (₹50-150 each) – Proper storage
- Fabric glue E6000 (₹150-200) – Quick repairs
- Acid-free tissue paper (₹100-200) – Stuffing bags
Nice-to-haves:
- Dry cleaning sponge (₹200-300) – Spot cleaning
- Scented wax sachets (₹200-400) – Fresh fragrance
- Cornstarch/baking soda (₹50-100) – Stain removal
Where to buy: Amazon India, craft stores (Itsy Bitsy, Hobby Ideas), fabric shops
FAQs: Handcrafted Bag Care
Q: Can I wash my potli bag?
A: Never machine wash. Spot clean only with barely damp cloth.
Q: How often should I clean my clutch?
A: Light dusting after each use. Deep cleaning every 3-6 months.
Q: My bag smells musty. What do I do?
A: Air out in indirect sunlight. Place baking soda inside overnight. Add scented wax sachet.
Q: Can I iron my wrinkled clutch?
A: Never iron directly. Stuff with tissue and let gravity work, or use handheld steamer from 6+ inches away.
Q: How long will my handcrafted bag last?
A: With proper care, decades! Many become family heirlooms.
Shop bags worth caring for: Explore Atriya's artisan-made collections – trendy, traditional, and modern styles from ₹499-6,999.