How to Care for Your Handmade Bali Bag
One of the things I love about Shiva Urban bags is how beautifully they age. Each bag is handwoven in Bali from ata, a strong natural vine known for its durability. With a little care, these handmade Bali bags can last for many years. In fact, it’s not unusual to hear of people owning their Bali woven bags for 15 years or longer.
Whether you call yours a rattan bag, straw handbag, wicker bag, or woven purse, caring for natural fibers is surprisingly simple. Here are a few things I recommend.
Keep It Out of Prolonged Direct Sunlight
Your bag is made for sunny days, vacations, and summer outings—but when you're not carrying it, keep it indoors and away from direct sunlight.
Enjoy your bag outside, but don't leave it sitting in strong sun for long periods.
Store it in a cool, dry place away from windows.
Avoid leaving it in a hot car for extended periods.
This is especially important for a bag like our Floral Woods, which combines handwoven ata with a beautiful hand-carved teak wood floral design. Keeping it away from prolonged direct sunlight helps protect both the natural fibers and the wood so they stay beautiful for years to come.
If Your Bag Gets Wet, Let It Dry Completely
A little rain doesn't mean your bag is ruined.
Gently blot away excess water.
Let the bag dry completely in a warm, well-ventilated place.
You can place it in the sun to help it dry, but once it's dry, bring it back inside.
Never put your handwoven bag away while it's still damp.
The most important thing is to make sure moisture doesn't remain trapped in the weave or lining.
Clean It Gently—Water Is Usually All You Need
Ata is wonderfully low maintenance.
Use a soft, damp cloth with water to gently wipe away dust or dirt.
Don't soak the bag.
Skip soap, harsh household cleaners, oils, and chemicals.
Take extra care around leather straps and the batik fabric lining.
This simple routine works beautifully for everyday styles like the Sweetgrass Satchel, a handwoven crossbody and top-handle bag designed to be carried often.
See a Little Fiber Sticking Out? Don't Pull It!
Because each Shiva Urban bag is individually handwoven from natural vines, you may occasionally notice a tiny piece of fiber sticking out of the weave.
Don't pull it.
Instead:
Take a small nail clipper.
Carefully clip the loose end close to the weave.
Never tug or pull on it, which could loosen more of the weaving.
I use this little trick myself. It also keeps the fiber from snagging your clothing.
What If a Vine Starts to Unravel?
Here's another trick I use on my own bags.
If the end of a vine begins to loosen, I carefully tuck it back into place and use a small amount of clear super glue applied with a brush applicator to secure it.
The brush is especially helpful because it lets you control exactly where the glue goes, without the risk of accidentally dropping too much or making a mess. The key is still very little—just enough to hold the loose fiber in place.
Help Your Bag Keep Its Shape
Natural woven bags are sturdy, but a few simple habits can help them look beautiful even longer.
Don't overload your bag with very heavy items.
When storing it for a long period, lightly stuff the interior with clean tissue paper to help maintain its shape.
Don't pile heavy handbags, boxes, or clothing on top of it.
Keep it somewhere dry with good airflow rather than sealed tightly in plastic.
Structured styles such as our Sunday Brunch and Nantucket Coast especially benefit from being stored upright rather than crushed underneath other items.
Made to Be Carried—and Loved
Shiva Urban handmade rattan handbags, straw purses, wicker bags, and Bali woven bags aren't mass-produced accessories. Each one is woven by hand in Bali from natural fibers, so small variations are part of its character.
These bags are surprisingly strong. Give yours a little TLC—keep it clean and dry, protect it from prolonged sun, and take care of loose fibers before they become bigger problems—and your favorite Bali bag may stay with you for many summers to come.
Thank you for supporting handmade!