How to Clean a Vera Bradley

Reviewed by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann

Last Updated: December 21, 2022 Approved

Vera Bradley bags require very basic cleaning. Harsh chemicals can damage them. It is also wise to treat your new Vera Bradley bag at the outset to stop it from getting dirty in the first place.

Steps

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You should find out if your bag is made of washable materials. If there are no care instructions, go online or call manufacturer for information before ruining your bag.^{[1]
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Prepare your bag. Dust it down to remove any dust, specks, fluff, etc. This is a good time to consider whether spot washing might be a better solution than a whole wash
- Check the bottom of your Vera bag for a cardboard insert that helps keep the bag upright. Make sure you take it out before you put it in the washer.(Not all bags have a slit to take the cardboard out.)
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Select the gentle cycle on the washing machine. Use only cold water.
Add vinegar. This is the only addition that you need - no detergent^{[2]
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Wash. Use a slow spin only.
Try hanging it on a clothes hanger from a hook in the laundry. Over the laundry sink is a good place to allow it to drip gently.
Use Scotchgard on the bag. This will prevent stains in the future. Whenever you purchase a new Vera Bradley, Scotchgard it from the beginning, to avoid having to wash the bag in the first place.

Community Q&A

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Question

I have a backpack and cannot figure out how to take out the cardboard base before washing. Is there a trick to it or can it be left in?

Community Answer

The backpack has a plastic base so it does not need to be removed.

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Question

Does it matter what kind of vinegar?

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White distilled vinegar is what I use in my laundry. The vinegar smell goes away.

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Question

What else can be used to clean the bag?

Community Answer

Use a laundry stain remover and then wash the bag by hand or in the washer on the gentle cycle. Hang the bag to dry.

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Tips

Only wash it with other Vera Bradley items.

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Vinegar is gentle and helps to restore faded colors in the bag.

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Drying flat is also fine; use a sweater rack or similar device to keep it clean and to allow the air to circulate through it.

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Warnings

Don't dry in direct sunlight; it will fade the colors.

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Even mild detergent can fade a Vera Bradley. Use vinegar.

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Don't dry clean Vera Bradley bags.

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