Catalina Deluxe Large Midnight Ash: Color Care and Cleaning

Quick answer

Spot-clean your Midnight Ash Catalina Deluxe Large with a mild soap solution and a soft brush, then air-dry it away from direct heat. Avoid machine washing and harsh detergents to preserve the deep color and eco-friendly canvas.

Step-by-step cleaning for Midnight Ash canvas

1. Empty and brush off loose dirt: Remove all items, including the removable padded insert, and turn the bag upside down. Use a dry soft brush to sweep out crumbs and dust from the main compartment and the shoe pocket. Common mistake: skipping this step and creating mud when you introduce water. Always brush dry first; wetting loose dirt can push it deeper into the canvas.
2. Spot-test a hidden area: Mix a few drops of mild soap in a cup of lukewarm water. Dab the solution on an inconspicuous spot, like the bottom edge, and wait five minutes. If the color looks stable and no ring appears, proceed. Common mistake: testing on a visible area and risking a water mark. If the spot test shows any lightening, stop and consult a professional cleaner.
3. Clean the exterior with gentle circular motions: Dip the soft brush in the soapy water, shake off excess, and gently scrub the canvas in small circles. Work from top to bottom and avoid soaking the fabric. Wipe suds away immediately with a clean, damp microfiber cloth. Common mistake: scrubbing too hard, which can abrade the canvas and dull the color. Rinse the cloth often and change the water when it looks dirty.
4. Treat the shoe compartment and insert separately: Wipe the interior of the bottom zipper pocket with a damp cloth dipped in the soap solution. For the removable padded insert, hand-wash it gently with the same mild soap, then rinse thoroughly. Common mistake: forgetting the insert and letting odors linger. Let the insert air-dry completely before putting it back.
5. Rinse and blot, don’t wring: Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with plain water and wipe the entire exterior to remove soap residue. Blot the canvas with a dry towel to absorb excess moisture. Never wring or twist the bag. Common mistake: leaving soap residue, which can attract dirt and cause yellowing over time. Rinse until the cloth picks up no more suds.
6. Air-dry away from heat and sun: Stuff the bag lightly with white paper towels to hold its shape and place it in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or radiators. Turn the bag occasionally for even drying. Common mistake: using a hairdryer or placing it in direct sun, which can fade the Midnight Ash color. Drying can take 24–48 hours; be patient and avoid heat.
7. Condition and protect: Once dry, apply a canvas-safe fabric protector spray according to the product instructions, testing first on a hidden area. This helps repel water and dirt. Common mistake: spraying too close or unevenly, which can leave dark patches. Reapply protector every few months with regular use.

Product facts

• Catalina Deluxe Large - Eco Friendly Canvas - Midnight Ash: The Catalina Deluxe is the original weekender bag to popularize the bottom shoe compartment design, launched in 2013. The separate shoe compartment keeps dirt and odors away from clean clothes, but it also means you should clean that area regularly to prevent transfer.