How to Care for Your AU Bag

Made to be used. Here’s how to keep it that way.

AU bags are built for real life on the Maine coast: wet docks, sandy beaches, muddy trailheads and the floor of the car. They don’t ask for much. A damp cloth, a little patience and, for Sailwax, the occasional re-wax will keep yours going for years.

The golden rules, for every AU bag

• Never put it in the washing machine or the dryer.
• Skip the dry cleaner, the iron and the bleach.
• Let it air dry, away from radiators, heaters and direct sun.
• Empty it, shake it out and make sure it’s dry before you put it away.

Raincoat Cotton™: wipe, rinse, air dry

Raincoat Cotton is our laminated cotton: durable, stain resistant and water resistant. Most spills, sunscreen and beach grime come right off.

1. Empty the bag and shake out the sand.
2. Wipe the outside with a soft cloth or sponge, cool water and a drop of mild soap.
3. Go over it again with a clean damp cloth so no soap is left behind.
4. Blot it with a towel and let it air dry, open, out of direct sun.

Please don’t machine wash it, soak it, scrub it with a stiff brush, or use bleach or solvents. Those can wear the laminate. Raincoat Cotton is water resistant, not waterproof: it’s laminated with a water-based adhesive, chosen with the environment in mind, so don’t leave it sitting in a puddle or submerged.

Harbour nylon: soap, water, done

Harbour is carefree, water-resistant nylon with crazy strength. Sponge it with cool water and a little mild soap, wipe it with a clean damp cloth and let it air dry. A soft brush helps on stubborn spots.

The same goes for the nylon bottom of the 6 Pocket Market Tote and the nylon linings of our toiletry bags and dopp kits: they wipe clean.

The leather

Many AU bags have leather handles or trim. Wipe the leather with a barely damp cloth, let it dry naturally, and treat it to a leather conditioner a couple of times a year. Test the conditioner on a small hidden spot first.