The net bag conundrum

16 February 2022



Roger Cawood has bags of advice for dealing with small items


This may seem a mundane subject but net bags are an essential accessory in all cleaning operations. Regrettably they are frequently not used, incorrectly used or are nowhere to be found. So why, when and where do we need to use a net bag? First, let us take a quick look at the types of net bag available to the cleaner. Bags come in a variety of sizes and while most bags are of net construction others may be made from woven fabric. The smallest bags are used for items such as belts with specialist pocket narrow bags being available for ties.

Bag uses

¦ Bags are used to reduce mechanical action, the risk of abrasion and physical damage on very delicate items. In this case a delicate cycle should always be used - a net bag is unlikely to fully protect delicate items against damage in a normal load with robust garments.

¦ To prevent the distortion of dimensionally unstable items and in particular acrylic knitwear and silk ties.

¦ They may also be used to isolate items which may damage other garments such as belt buckles and metal clasps, from the rest of the load.

¦ To safely contain items with feathers, synthetic foam or glitter which if released into the machine would be distributed over the garments, and/or block the button trap or the lint filters.

Woven bags

Selection of the correct type of bag for a particular item can be critical for the safety of the item or the garments in the load. In the case of garments which it is thought might shed lint, glitter or where there might be issues such as colour or adhesive mark off; to prevent transfer to other items, it is essential to choose a bag made from woven fabric. Woven bags should also be used to confine items such as metal buckles.

Net bags

Clean dimensionally unstable fabrics like knitwear, in a net bag with small to medium sized holes. However, it is important that the bag confines the item so that it cannot open out in cleaning. Where necessary, reducing a larger bag to the correct size will ensure that the item will not be stretched out of shape during cleaning. This can be done by knotting the excess part of the bag close to the item or reducing the excess by tying it off with string or use a suitable bag pin.

Important points to consider

In the case of items such as gowns/dresses with diamante trims or similar, a net/ woven bag will not necessarily afford adequate protection as the sharp points on diamante clasps may damage the bagged item. In addition to cleaning in a bag it may be necessary to cover the trim with say cotton sateen to reduce the risk of self inflicted damage on the bagged item. The safest solution is of course to remove the trim before cleaning.

It is important to bear in mind that woven bags limit the interchange of solvent through the bag, delaying the removal of particulate soil from the vicinity of the garment. In the case of heavily soiled white/light items, the risk of greying will be increased.

Silk ties in particular are prone to distortion during cleaning, fold them neatly and confine them closely in a net bag. Better still use a specialist narrow pocket tie bag.

BAG IT: A range of net bags is available
STRIP OFF: If possible remove diamante trims, if not, cover them and clean in a woven bag
PROTECT AND SURVIVE: Sequin trims are best protected in a woven bag
TIED UP: Fold ties neatly…and confine closely in a small net bag


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