A handwoven raffia bag or hat is made to last for years, and with a little care it will. Raffia is a strong, natural palm fiber, but it is still a plant material: it doesn't like soaking, crushing or long hours in a damp, airless cupboard. This guide covers everything you need to keep your raffia pieces looking their best, from everyday cleaning to reshaping a hat that has been squashed in a suitcase.
Everyday care: the basics
- Keep it dry. Natural raffia handles a light splash or a few drops of rain, but it is not waterproof. Avoid soaking it or leaving it wet.
- Keep it out of harsh sun when not in use. Long periods in direct sunlight can fade natural and dyed raffia.
- Don't overload it. A raffia tote is strong, but very heavy or sharp items (wet towels, glass bottles, keys loose at the bottom) put strain on the weave over time.
- Let it breathe. Raffia should never be sealed in plastic. Natural fibers need air circulation.
How to clean a raffia bag
- Shake it out. Turn the bag upside down and gently shake out sand and crumbs. A soft brush or a hair dryer on the cool setting helps lift sand from between the stitches.
- Spot clean only. Dampen a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap. Wring it out well, then gently dab the mark. Don't scrub hard, as this can fray the fibers.
- Work stubborn marks with a soft brush. A soft toothbrush, barely damp, can loosen dirt from the weave.
- Blot and air-dry. Pat the area with a dry towel, then let the bag dry completely in a well-ventilated spot, out of direct heat and sunlight. Never put raffia in the washing machine or tumble dryer.
What to do if your raffia gets wet
Don't panic. Blot off as much water as you can with a towel, stuff the bag or hat crown with clean, dry paper or a cotton cloth to hold its shape, and leave it to dry naturally in a ventilated room. Avoid radiators and hair dryers on hot settings, because fast, high heat can make raffia brittle. Make sure the piece is completely dry before you put it away, since storing raffia damp can lead to mildew.
How to reshape a raffia hat or bag
Raffia has a natural memory, so most dents come out easily:
- Steam. Hold the misshapen area over gentle steam (a kettle or a garment steamer held at a distance) for a few seconds, just enough to make the fibers slightly pliable, not wet.
- Shape by hand. Smooth the brim or the bag's sides back into place with your fingers.
- Stuff and set. Fill the crown or the bag with tissue paper and let it dry and set overnight.
How to store raffia
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Stuff bags with tissue paper so they keep their shape.
- Store hats crown-down or on a hat stand, never with heavy items stacked on the brim.
- Use a cotton dust bag rather than plastic for long-term storage.
Traveling with raffia
For trips, pack hats at the top of your suitcase with the crown stuffed with socks or a T-shirt, or simply wear them on the journey. Some bags are designed for travel: our Carrey Raffia Tote folds fully flat, so it slips into a suitcase and opens up as a beach bag when you arrive.
Small variations are part of the charm
Every Zanatany piece is crocheted by hand in Madagascar, so small differences in color, stitch and size are natural. With regular use, raffia also softens slightly and takes on a lovely relaxed character. That's not wear and tear, it's your bag becoming yours.
Looking for your next piece? Browse our handwoven raffia bags and raffia hats, or read our FAQ for more on care and shipping.
