Waxed canvas is one of the most durable and rugged fabrics on the market, making it an ideal choice for workwear like duffel bags, backpacks, and other travel gear. Unlike polyester or nylon, which are often sourced from oil and petroleum, waxed canvas is made from cotton and beeswax, making it much more eco-friendly and sustainable. In addition to being tough and rugged, waxed canvas is breathable, water resistant, and relatively waterproof, giving it the ability to handle a variety of conditions.
Waxed fabric is also highly abrasion resistant, so it stands up to the roughest wear and tear much better than its synthetic competitors. Additionally, it is more breathable than leather and can be used to make backpacks, messenger bags, and other types of travel bags that are designed to carry everyday essentials. Because of its abrasion resistance, it is also more tolerant to dirt than leather and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth.
While it’s true that waxed canvas is easy to wrinkle and scratch, these marks are actually part of the bag’s character, adding to its unique style and appearance over time. However, if you want to minimize this effect, there are several steps you can take. You can clean your bag with a damp cloth, hang it up to dry in a warm, dark place overnight (to help loosen any deep creases), or gently steam it with a hair dryer set on low heat.
As a general rule, you should only need to wash your bag if it is particularly dirty or if it contains significant oil or grease stains. In these cases, you can wash it with cold or lukewarm water and a mild detergent. However, you should avoid using hot water as this can cause the wax coating to crack or fade. For more serious stains, you can use an absorbent substance such as corn starch and leave it on for two days. You can then brush the area with a dry cloth to remove the stain.
The wax coating on a Waxed canvas bags is what makes it so resilient and durable, allowing it to resist water and dirt more effectively than other fabrics. While this means that your bag won’t need frequent cleaning, you will need to re-wax it periodically in order to keep the material from fading or rubbing off. This is a fairly simple process that only requires a bar or tin of canvas wax and a hair dryer to soften the wax when applying.
By following these tips, you can keep your Burke & Wills waxed canvas bag looking its best for years to come. The result is a sturdy bag that will withstand the harshest of elements and weather, looking as good as new every day. So whether you’re heading off on your next adventure or simply running some errands, don’t forget to pack your Burke & Wills waxed backpack!