Sustainable products need a bit of extra love and care, in return for the natural materials they give you. We design our pieces to be timeless, not trendy, and we build them to last — with a little proper care, a raffia bag or hat can easily stay with you for decades. To keep yours looking new, just follow our guide. In this case: less is more. Raffia accessories don't need much — any harsh chemical will do more harm than good.
What Is Raffia, and How Is It Different from Straw?
Care-wise, the two aren't all that different, but raffia is more sensitive to sun and moisture than straw, so it asks for a little extra attention.
Quick distinction, since the two often sit side by side in our collections and get mixed up:
- Raffia comes from the fiber of soft raffia palm leaf.
- Straw is stiffer and more structural
How to Care for Raffia Bags and Hats
How do I take care of it on a daily basis?
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Keep your raffia piece out of direct sun and away from prolonged moisture — too much of either will dry the fibers out and fade the color over time.
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When you're not using your bag, stuff it lightly with tissue paper to help it hold its shape.
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Store it somewhere it can breathe.
What do I do if it gets wet?
A sudden rain shower or a splash at the beach happens, and something that can be solved by following these steps:
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With gentle moves, shake off the water. Do not wring or twist it.
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Stuff it loosely with tissue paper to help it hold its shape as it dries.
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Dry it naturally, away from heat and direct sun.
How do I clean a raffia bag?
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Spot clean only, raffia isn't a machine-washable material.
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Dab (don't rub) any marks with a soft, damp cloth.
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For something more stubborn, make a light paste with a small amount of baking soda and water, and apply it gently with a cloth.
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Wipe away with a clean, damp cloth.
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Let the bag air dry completely, away from heat or direct sun, before using it again.
For anything more involved, a professional cleaner experienced with natural fibers is the safest route, rather than trying to treat it at home.
How do I store it?
The simplest way to store a raffia bag is to hang it in your closet. If you'd rather tuck it away, a breathable cotton dust bag works just as well, kept somewhere cool and dry. Either way, skip the plastic, as it traps moisture, which is something that raffia doesn't do well in.
FAQ
How do I care for a raffia bag or hat on a daily basis?
Keep it out of direct sun and moisture, spot clean with a soft damp cloth when needed, and store it in a breathable dust bag rather than plastic.
How do I take care of a raffia bag or hat?
Spot clean only, air dry away from heat, and avoid overloading it with heavy items. A light baking soda paste handles most marks.
What's the best way to store a raffia bag?
In a breathable cotton dust bag, somewhere cool and dry, and never in plastic as it traps moisture and can cause the fibers to weaken.
How do you care for raffia hat trim?
Handle it gently, avoid bending or pinching, and clean with a lint roller or a soft damp cloth for spots. Keep it out of direct sun and heat.
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