Your Poppy Bag was designed to move with you through the everyday moments of motherhood—from coffee runs and doctor's appointments to playground adventures, travel days, and date nights.

A little care goes a long way in helping your bag look beautiful for years to come.

Cleaning Your Poppy Bag

Exterior Care

The exterior of The Original Poppy Bag is made from bio-based leather.

The exterior of The Luxe Poppy Bag is made from responsibly sourced genuine leather.

The exterior of The Everyday Poppy Bag is made from cotton canvas. 

For spills or marks:

1. Mix a small amount of mild soap with water.
2. Using a soft white cloth lightly dampened with the solution, gently clean the affected area.
3. Wipe away any soap residue with a clean cloth dampened with water.
4. Dry immediately using a dry white cloth.

Important Tips

• Clean spills as soon as possible, especially liquids with strong colors.
• Keep cloths damp, not soaking wet.
• Avoid excessive moisture.
• Always test cleaning methods on an inconspicuous area first.

Avoid These Products

Do not use:

• Alcohol
• Acetone
• Bleach
• Oils
• Vinegar
• Waxes
• Silicones
• Harsh solvents
• Detergent-based cleaners

These products can permanently damage the material.

Ink Warning

Avoid marking your bag with ink pens.

Ink can absorb into the material and cause permanent staining.

Interior Lining Care

The interior lining of The Poppy Bag is made from natural cotton on all versions except The Everyday Poppy Bag, which features a wipe-clean interior. 

To clean the cotton lining:

1. Mix a small amount of mild soap or laundry detergent with water.
2. Using a white cloth lightly dampened with the solution, gently clean the affected area.
3. Remove all soap residue with a clean cloth dampened with water.
4. Leave the bag open and allow it to air dry completely.

Important

• Do not soak the interior.
• Do not submerge the bag in water.
• Allow the bag to dry fully before use.

After Cleaning the Cotton Lining

If a particular area feels damp after cleaning, you can use a hair dryer on the cool setting to help circulate air and speed up drying.

Avoid using heat on the cotton lining.

Making sure the lining dries completely helps keep your bag looking and feeling its best for years to come.

Protecting Your Lining

To help keep your lining looking beautiful:

• Store damp items in a wet bag
• Clean spills promptly.
• Keep wipes packages sealed when not in use.

Natural materials perform best when kept clean and dry.

How to Reshape Leather Indents

If your bag develops an indentation from shipping, storage, or being packed tightly, don't worry.

One of the beautiful things about natural leather is that it softens, relaxes, and develops character over time. As your bag is used and loved, many minor indentations naturally work themselves out.

If you'd like to help speed up the process:

1. Empty the bag.
2. Gently shape the area with your hands.
3. Use a hair dryer on a low heat setting from several inches away.
4. Warm the area briefly while gently massaging the leather back into shape.
5. Allow the bag to cool while holding its shape.

The combination of warmth, movement, and regular use typically helps the material return to its intended form.

Important: Use low heat only and avoid concentrating heat in one area for an extended period.

If Your Zipper Feels Stiff

We use premium YKK metal zippers because they're durable, reliable, and built to last.

Like many high-quality metal zippers, they occasionally need a little lubrication—especially when brand new or after long periods of storage.

If your zipper isn't gliding smoothly:

1. Open and close the zipper several times.
2. Apply a small amount of zipper lubricant, beeswax, or paraffin wax directly to the zipper teeth.
3. Zip the bag open and closed a few times to distribute the lubricant.

Be careful to avoid getting lubricant on the leather exterior or cotton lining.

A little maintenance goes a long way, and a properly lubricated zipper should glide smoothly for years to come.

Everyday Care Tips

The best way to keep your Poppy looking beautiful is simple:

• Avoid overstuffing the bag.
• Clean spills promptly.
• Store the bag in a cool, dry place.
• Keep damp items contained in a wet bag.
• Allow the interior to dry completely if it becomes damp.
• Use your bag often and let the leather soften naturally over time.

Remember: your Poppy Bag was designed to be used.

Small signs of love from playground visits, travel adventures, coffee runs, and everyday motherhood are part of its story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I machine wash my Poppy Bag?

No. The Poppy Bag should not be machine washed or submerged in water. We recommend spot cleaning only.

What if my bag arrives with a dent or indentation?

Most indentations naturally relax with use. You can also use the low-heat hair dryer method described above to help restore the bag's shape.

Why is my zipper stiff?

We use premium YKK metal zippers, which sometimes need a little lubrication when new or after long periods of storage. A small amount of zipper wax and a few passes of the zipper usually solves the issue.

Can I use leather cleaner on my Poppy Bag?

We recommend sticking with mild soap and water unless a leather care product is specifically approved for your bag's material.

How should I store my Poppy Bag?

Store your bag in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and excessive moisture.

Still have questions?

We're always happy to help.

Email us anytime at hello@thepoppybrand.com and our team will be glad to assist.

Made with love,

Sharee
Founder, The Poppy Brand