BonBon Mesh Tote Care: How to Wash and Store Your Tote Bag
By Swedish Candy Store NYC | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Tips & Care
Keep your BonBon Mesh Tote looking new with simple washing and storage habits. Learn the step-by-step routine that protects the mesh, straps, and shape.
Quick answer
Hand wash your BonBon Mesh Tote in cool water with a drop of mild soap, rinse well, and air dry it flat away from direct sun. Store it stuffed with a clean towel or hanging by the straps so the mesh keeps its shape between uses.
Why mesh totes need a gentler routine
Mesh fabric is woven to be light and breathable, which also means it snags easily on rough surfaces and can stretch if you wring it out. The BonBon Mesh Tote is designed for beach days, farmers markets, and park picnics, so it picks up sand, crumbs, and sunscreen residue. A quick shake after each use prevents most of that from working into the weave, and a gentle wash every few weeks keeps the bag from looking tired.
Spot-clean small marks before they set
For a single smudge, dampen a soft cloth with cool water and a tiny amount of mild dish soap, then dab the spot instead of rubbing. Rubbing spreads the mark and can fray the mesh edges. Rinse the cloth and dab again with plain water, then let the area air dry. If the mark is from oil or sunscreen, a second pass with the soapy cloth usually lifts it.
Air-dry flat and reshape while damp
After washing, lay the tote flat on a clean towel in a shaded spot. Direct sun can fade the color over time, and a hot dryer can warp the straps. While the bag is still slightly damp, smooth the mesh with your hands and gently pull the straps back into their original line. This is the easiest moment to correct any twisting or folding that happened in the wash.
Store it so the mesh does not crease
Hang the tote by its straps on a hook, or fold it loosely and place it in a drawer with nothing heavy on top. Avoid stuffing it into a tight cubby where the mesh presses against itself for weeks, because those creases can become permanent. If you rotate between several totes, keep each one in its own breathable cotton bag rather than a sealed plastic bin.
Step-by-step mesh tote wash and storage routine
- Empty and shake out the tote: Turn the bag upside down over a trash bin and shake gently to release sand, crumbs, and loose debris. Check the corners for wrappers or receipts before washing. Common mistake: skipping this step and letting sand grind into the mesh during washing.
- Pre-treat stains with mild soap: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with cool water. Dab the solution onto visible marks with a soft cloth and let it sit for two to three minutes. Checkpoint: do not use bleach or harsh cleaners, which can weaken the mesh fibers.
- Hand wash in cool water: Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of mild soap. Submerge the tote and gently squeeze the water through the mesh with your hands. Avoid twisting or wringing. Common mistake: using hot water, which can shrink or distort the straps.
- Rinse until the water runs clear: Drain the soapy water and refill with cool water. Press the bag down and lift it several times until no suds remain. Checkpoint: leftover soap residue attracts dirt and can leave a dull film on the mesh.
- Air dry flat in the shade: Lay the tote flat on a clean towel away from direct sunlight. Reshape the mesh and straps with your hands while it is still damp. Never put a mesh tote in a dryer; heat can warp the shape and weaken the seams.
- Store hanging or loosely folded: Once fully dry, hang the tote by its straps or fold it loosely in a drawer. Keep heavy items off it and avoid cramming it into tight spaces. Next step: rotate your totes so each one gets a rest and keeps its shape longer.
Product facts
- BonBon Mesh Tote: Our lightweight mesh tote is made in Mexico City and designed to go wherever the day takes you. The light mesh construction is what makes the bag easy to rinse and quick to air-dry, but it also means you should avoid heavy scrubbing or machine drying.
- Sour Mix: A mix of our top selling sour candies weighing at 1lb. If you carry a Sour Mix bag in your tote, double-bag it or use a small pouch so sugar dust and sticky residue do not transfer to the mesh.
- The Lilla Gubben Tote Bundle: The set includes one canvas tote, a bag of Pippi Longstocking's Gold Coins, and gold coin keychain. The Lilla Gubben Tote Bundle is canvas rather than mesh, so it needs a different care routine: spot-clean canvas and keep the keychain dry to prevent tarnish.
