Cleaning Process

How I Clean Thrifted Finds for My Handmade Bags and Hats.

 

Every bag I create starts with a story and it begins at the thrift store. I handpick secondhand fabrics with unique textures, patterns, and character. This is the most exciting part. But before any of it makes it way into one of my designs, it goes through a thorough cleaning process to ensure it’s fresh, clean, sanitized,and ready to be transformed.

●      Careful inspection

            I start by checking each item for stains, wear, and fabric strength.       This helps me decide the best use for each piece and how to clean it properly.

●        Stain Pre-treatment

              Any visible spots are gently pre-treated with a mild eco-friendly stain remover. I always test a small area first to make sure the fabric reacts well.

●      Machine Washing

            Everything gets washed in cold or warm water with a gentle detergent. I choose settings that are tough on dirt, but gentle and fabric to preserve its quality and character. A natural sanitizer is added in the second rinse cycle.

●      Drying

            After washing, I use the dryer-most often on a low or medium heat setting. This step helps soften the fabric and brings it back to life.

●      Pressing and prep

            Once clean and dry, oppressive fabric to remove wrinkles and prep it for cutting and sewing. This step also lets me get a better sense of how the material will behave in a finish bag.

 

By the time the thrift of fabric becomes part of one of my bags, it’s been through a full refresh-clean, soft, and ready for a new life