Any one washed their Vera Bradley?

[patissac]

I am in need of washing my Peacock tie tote badly but I am scared to ruin it. The boutique that I bought it from gave me instructions but I can't find them, all I remember is it stating not to use Woolite on them. I also have a Java blue tote that I plan on washing as well but I am debating maybe I should take them to the dry cleaners?
Has anyone washed or cleaned a Vera Bradley bag? If so please give info. Thanks!

Pat

[Hammster]

Could you call the boutique and see if they will tell you the instructions? Then you can write them down?

[dixie]

They have a customer service number listed on their website www.verabradley.com I'm sure they can help you. It must be washable bc the items that come with the stiff bottom have a note that says something about removing before washing...

[patissac]

I might just have to call them after all, but I also wanted to know results of everyone else washing theirs. I'm a bit afraid to toss in a $70 purse in the wash if you know what I mean?;)

[memartha]

Though I haven't washed mine, I do remember the card saying to take the cardboard bottom out of the bag (it's covered in fabric but it's removable). I have seen some faded "Veras" out there. I think if you do a hand wash or delicate cycle, with cold water and Woolite, you will be fine. It will probably be a little "wrinkly" and not as pristine as when new, but it will be cleaner. Good luck.

[GingerPow]

A little embroidery store in our area has sold Vera Bradley bags for years. I first saw them when I ordered logo sweaters for DD1 high school uniform, so that's 8 years ago already! I thought many of them were so pretty, I bought my first one even though both of my DD's said they look like "old lady" purses. Guess who both have Vera Bradley purses now? :D

Anyway, I toss my Vera Bradley bags, as well as DD's Vera bags into the washer regularly. I have a front loading washer, I set it to gentle cycle on cold water which does a very nice job cleaning them.

I use Method brand detergent for delicate fabrics, certainly Woolite would work great as well. Regular laundry detergent also works fine, but I measure out only about 1/4 to 1/3 of laundry detergent in the cap. I put a little white vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser to make sure all of the detergent is rinsed out.

I have used fabric softener, but don't anymore. Maybe it's my imagination, but they seem to get dirty faster afterwards.

The dryer is set to the gentle/delicate cycle for about 20 minutes to fluff them, they I hang them outside to finish drying. Sometimes I'll flip the bag inside out, especially if it is a larger tote, just to make sure it's completely dry.

DEFINITELY remember to remove the cardboard! I learned that the hard way. :rolleyes:

[patissac]

Thanks Ginger for all your good tips! I will brave it then and toss one in the washer and go from there. Wish me luck!