To clean a raffia bag, dust it with a soft brush in the direction of the fibre, dab stains with a clean, barely damp cloth, without soap or rubbing, and never immerse it. Store it somewhere dry, out of the light, with tissue paper inside to keep its shape.
Raffia is a light, strong plant fibre, but it is sensitive to humidity and repeated rubbing. Like any handmade object in a natural material, it needs gentle, regular care. Here are the habits that protect your mada social bags piece, from dusting to storage.
how do you dust a raffia bag?
Use a soft cloth or a soft-bristled brush, brushing gently in the direction of the fibre. This is enough for everyday use and stops dust from settling into the crochet stitches.
how do you clean a stain on raffia?
- Gently dab the stain with a clean, slightly damp cloth.
- Do not use soap or chemical products.
- Never rub hard: it can break the fibres.
Never put your bag in water, even briefly: the raffia may lose its shape and its structure.
what should I do if my raffia bag gets caught in the rain?
Blot it with a dry cloth, without rubbing. Slip tissue paper inside to keep its shape, then let it air-dry, away from heat sources and direct sun.
how do you store a raffia bag out of season?
- Choose a dry place, out of direct light.
- Slip tissue paper inside to hold the shape.
- Avoid airtight plastic bags, which block airflow.
how do you care for the leather parts?
Some mada models pair raffia with French leather from the Sovos tannery in the Vosges. Wipe the leather with a soft, dry cloth, and avoid setting it down on damp or sticky surfaces, which could damage its finish.
what to avoid
- Rain or the beach, without protection.
- Contact with abrasive or rough materials.
- Long exposure to direct sun, especially if the bag is dyed.
These habits prevent loss of shape, stubborn stains and premature fading.
why does a raffia bag deserve this care?
Every mada bag is crocheted by hand, without machines, by our 12 artisans in our workshop near Antsirabe, Madagascar. Looking after your bag extends their work and makes your purchase last. To learn more about how they are made, read the craftsmanship behind our bags or our guide to Madagascar raffia bags, or browse all our bags.
frequently asked questions
can you wash a raffia bag in water?
No. Never immerse it, even briefly: the raffia may lose its shape and structure. For a stain, dab with a clean, barely damp cloth.
how do you remove a stain from a raffia bag?
Dab gently with a clean, slightly damp cloth, without soap or chemicals and without rubbing: rubbing hard can break the fibres.
what should I do if my raffia bag gets caught in the rain?
Blot it with a dry cloth, without rubbing, then let it air-dry away from heat sources and direct sun, with tissue paper inside to keep its shape.
how do you store a raffia bag over winter?
Somewhere dry, out of direct light, with tissue paper inside. Avoid airtight plastic bags, which block airflow.
how do you care for the leather on a raffia bag?
Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth and avoid setting it down on damp or sticky surfaces, which can damage the finish.
updated September 2026