Junco Handbags Care

How to Care for Junco Handbags

Junco is a coastal Peruvian reed — handwoven one row at a time and primarily naturally dyed. Each piece is lightweight and more durable than it looks.

Because junco is a natural material, it benefits from a little care and attention. With the right treatment, your Orange Inca handbag can remain beautiful for many years.

Everyday Care

Dust your handbag occasionally with a soft dry cloth or a soft brush to remove surface dust.

Avoid placing excessive weight inside the bag to preserve its shape and structure.

If the bag becomes slightly misshapen, gently reshape it with your hands and allow it to rest.

Humidity & Natural Fibres

Junco is a natural reed and, like all natural fibres, it reacts to humidity.

In humid environments, natural fibres can absorb moisture from the air. We recommend checking your bag every now and then, even when it is stored in a calico bag, and allowing it to air in a dry, ventilated space if needed.

Avoid storing your bag in sealed plastic containers or damp spaces.

Cleaning Advice

If small spots or surface mould appear, gently wipe the affected area with a soft cloth lightly dampened with white vinegar, undiluted.

If mould or more stubborn marks appear, a soft or medium brush can also be used to gently clean the surface of the weave, after applying white vinegar with a soft cloth. Junco is a durable reed and responds well to careful brushing.

After brushing, wipe the area lightly again with a cloth dampened with white vinegar and allow the bag to dry completely in fresh air before storing it again.

Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals. A splash, a shower or even a soaking will not hurt junco, because the reed is soaked in water as the bags are made. What matters is that the bag dries fully, in shade, before you put it away.

Hardware

The hardware is metal, and metal can rust when the air is humid. Wipe it now and then with a cloth made a little damp with vinegar, and dry it. The best protection is to store your bag somewhere dry.

Storage

Store your handbag in a breathable cotton dust bag in a dry place, standing upright with soft things inside so it keeps its shape.

Avoid storing it under heavy objects, on its side or in compressed spaces to preserve the woven structure.

If the bag is not used for long periods, occasional airing will help maintain the natural fibres.

We also recommend keeping the silica gel sachets provided with your bag inside the handbag or dust bag, especially in humid climates, as they help absorb excess moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my junco handbag get wet?

Yes. A splash, a shower or even a soaking will not hurt it, because the reed is soaked in water as the bags are made. What matters is drying: let the bag dry fully in open air, in shade or indirect light rather than direct midday sun, before you put it away.

How do I remove mould from my bag?

Use a soft cloth lightly dampened with white vinegar and gently wipe the affected area. If needed, use a soft or medium brush to loosen mould from the weave first, and repeat after applying the white vinegar with the cloth. Allow the bag to dry completely afterwards.

How do I look after the metal hardware?

The hardware can rust in humid air. Wipe it now and then with a cloth made a little damp with vinegar, dry it, and store the bag somewhere dry.

Will the colour of my bag fade over time?

Hours in the sun at the beach are not a problem. A bag left in strong sun for days may fade a little, and it still lasts many years. This is a natural characteristic of plant fibres and their dyes. To preserve the colour for longer, avoid leaving the bag in direct sunlight for days, such as near sunny windows.

What do I do if the surface colour gets scraped?

A sharp impact against a hard edge — a table corner, a zip, a door frame — can occasionally scrape the dye from a few fibres, leaving a small patch of natural reed showing through. The fix is simple: a fine-tip permanent marker in a shade close to your bag's colour, applied carefully to the exposed area. The reed takes the ink readily and the touch-up blends in well. It is worth keeping a matching marker if your bag is a colour you carry often.

What are the small silica gel sachets included with my bag?

Silica gel sachets help absorb moisture and protect natural fibres from excess humidity. We include them with many of our handbags to help preserve the material during storage and transport. You can keep the sachet inside your bag or dust bag, especially if you live in a humid climate.

What should I do if my bag loses its shape?

Junco fibres are pliable when damp and firm when dry — which means the bag can be reshaped with water. Wet the areas that have lost their form, with a damp cloth or more water if you like, reshape the bag by hand, and hold the structure in position while it dries fully. A rolled towel or loosely crumpled tissue paper inside the bag will help it hold its shape as it dries. For minor misshaping from everyday use, a gentle reshape by hand without water is usually enough.

How do I remove dust from the weave?

A soft brush or dry cloth is usually enough to remove dust from the surface of the weave.

Can I travel with my junco handbag?

Yes. When packing your bag in luggage, fill it with soft items such as clothing or scarves to help it maintain its shape.

How should I store my bag?

Store the bag in a breathable dust bag in a dry environment, upright with soft things inside, and avoid plastic containers or humid spaces. Check it every now and then.

Still Have Questions?

If you ever have questions about caring for your Orange Inca piece, feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help you keep your bag looking beautiful for many years.

For the full guide, read How to Care for Your Junco Reed Bag.