Our maintenance tips

From baskets to beach bags to handbags, the ancestral technique of crocheting raffia can be used to create all kinds of bags. Trendy, authentic accessories that you'll want to keep for as long as possible!

How do I clean a raffia bag? What are the characteristics of raffia in terms of resistance and longevity? Specializing in the manufacture of raffia bags from Madagascar, IBELIV offers you its best cleaning tips for preserving and maintaining this handmade fashion accessory.

The advantages of raffia for making bags and baskets

Before we talk about cleaning, let's take a moment to learn more about raffia. It's no coincidence that this natural fiber is our brand's flagship material.

Natural materials sourced in Madagascar, timeless bags with authentic charm

The raffia used in IBELIV bags comes from a variety of palm endemic to Madagascar, that immense island off the coast of Africa. Gone are the days of plastic bags, replaced by a basket made from sustainable, eco-friendly natural fibers. In addition to being environmentally friendly, this bag is also trendy. It meets the ever-increasing demands of consumers looking for authentic accessories, free from chemicals and other controversial materials. The IBELIV bag: a naturally refined work of art!

Flexible fiber, bags that reflect the craftsman's know-how

Known for its suppleness, raffia is widely used in the manufacture of a variety of fashion and decorative products: handbags, baskets, beach bags, clutches, hats, decorative objects, and more. What's more, at IBELIV, each raffia bag is entirely hand-hooked to give you the best possible result, and we guarantee its sturdiness.

Robust material, easy-to-clean bags that last for years

Highly resistant, palm leaf fiber can remain in good condition for many years. All it takes is proper care and regular cleaning. Often, this simply involves wiping the dust off your handbag or beach bag with a cloth.

Please note: some IBELIV raffia bags combine leather and raffia. This is zebu leather tanned using a vegetable process. How to clean the leather part of your raffia bag? To clean the leather, all you need is a moisturizing or nourishing cream identical to the one you use to care for your skin. There are also nourishing creams specially formulated for leather care.

Raffia bag care: 5 tips for cleaning your handbag

Does your raffia bag go everywhere with you? It's often exposed to dust and stains of all kinds. Take a look at the following tips and you'll know how to clean your handbag or basket without risking damage. On the menu: maximum care and attention for your favorite fashion accessory!

Tip 1: handle your raffia bag with care

Since raffia is a plant fiber, we recommend that you handle your handbag or basket with care to keep it in excellent condition. Whether it's a small bag or a beach tote, it deserves all your attention!

Tip 2: For simple maintenance, clean your raffia bag with a damp cloth.

Routine cleaning of a raffia bag or basket simply involves wetting a cloth lightly with clear water and rubbing gently. Afterwards, leave your bag to air-dry.

Tip 3: In the event of stains, clean with a damp cloth and neutral-coloured soap.

Does your bag have a few stains from your latest outdoor escapades? Take this into account when cleaning your bag. You'll need toadd a little neutral-colored soap to clear water to remove the stains with your soft cloth. Be sure to let your raffia bag air-dry after wiping with a dry cloth.

Tip 4: Take care when transporting greasy, coloured products

Raffia from dried palm leaves can absorb color and fat. For example, mascara or lipstick contain fatty oils intended for make-up. This type of stain may require a more thorough cleaning. You can, for example, use a soft-bristled toothbrush soaked in the following preparation: a few drops of white vinegar diluted in a liter of lukewarm water.

Tip 5: Store your raffia bag in a dry, orderly place.

It's important to store your raffia bag or basket in a dry place to prolong its life.

And while raffia is a soft fiber, it still deserves special attention when it comes to storage, especially if you're storing your beach bag or tote in one place for a long time. Make sure you store it in a space where it won't be crushed by the weight of other items.

IBELIV: advice from a brand that reconciles fashion and ethics

As a brand, IBELIV feels responsible for the fashion accessories it produces, and with these tips we want to help you extend the life of your raffia pieces. A way for us to further strengthen our commitment to more responsible and ethical consumption! Indeed, we do our utmost to recreate a link between nature and mankind throughout the manufacturing process of our bags:

  • We use raffia from Madagascar and produce our bags on site, while contributing to environmental protection with reforestation campaigns.
  • We're showcasing the island's know-how by focusing on the ancestral technique of crocheting. A time for 100% handmade creations, which runs counter to today's fashion for fast fashion and disposable products!
  • We offer a brighter future to the Malagasy craftswomen who make the creations in our collection, by providing them with training and stable employment.
  • We are helping to provide schooling for children through the Ibeliv Garden project.

Do you share our values? Do you believe that more responsible consumption, both humanly and ecologically, is possible and necessary if we are to live better tomorrow? If you need to complete your wardrobe with accessories, choose IBELIV bags and clutches! Suggestion: "Sharing our values and our vision of consumption that is more respectful of people and the environment is essential to us. If, like us, you aspire to a more responsible lifestyle and wish to support positive initiatives, discover IBELIV brand bags and clutches, where each piece tells a story of commitment and respect between Man and Nature".