How To: Wash Your Scout or Onbuhimo

Washing your Sakura Bloom is easy.

Our carriers are made from natural fibers and meant to be lived in. Whether your carrier is made from silk, cashmere, linen, or cotton, the care is the same. Yes, even leather.

What you'll need:

• A clean sink or basin
• Cold water
• A liquid detergent free of optical brighteners and enzymes, or distilled white vinegar for a natural alternative
• A clean towel
• Leather conditioner, if your carrier has leather straps

Spot Clean

Got a little something on your carrier but aren’t ready for a full wash? Spot clean it.

1. Mix equal parts cold water and distilled white vinegar.
2. Gently blot the fabric with a clean cloth.
3. Avoid rubbing and allow the area to air dry.

If the spot needs more attention, we recommend washing the entire carrier so the fabric is cleaned evenly.

Full Wash

Before you begin: choose a liquid detergent free of optical brighteners and enzymes. A detergent labeled “gentle,” “natural,” or “for babies” may still contain these ingredients, so be sure to check the label.

1. Remove chest strap from carrier and wash/dry separately using same instructions.
2. Fill a clean sink or basin with cold water and add a small amount of detergent.
3. Gently swish your carrier around for 1 minute and then rinse with cold water.
4. Remove the carrier from the water and gently squeeze or roll into a towel to remove excess water.
5. Hang to dry, preferably inside and out of the sun. Sunlight can fade natural fibers.
6. Iron the fabric, if desired. Do not iron leather.

Leather Note: If your carrier has leather, it is important to condition the leather after washing to restore moisture and keep your leather supple and in top shape.

Prefer a natural alternative?

We have used both detergent and vinegar over the years, and distilled white vinegar is our personal favorite. It is all natural, less abrasive than many detergents, and already on hand in most households. It also helps soften the fabric and preserve the life of your carrier.

To wash with vinegar:

1. Fill your sink or basin with three parts cold water and one part distilled white vinegar.
2. Follow the same washing instructions above.
3. Rinse well with cold water.
4. Roll your carrier in a clean towel to remove excess water, then hang to dry.

Notes on preserving the life of your carrier:

1. We do not recommend machine washing. Water temperatures can vary, and residue from other laundry products may remain in the machine.
2. Always use cold water. Warm or hot water can cause premature color loss or bleeding.
3. Keep the wash brief and do not soak your carrier.
4. Skip stain sticks, bleach, and concentrated stain treatments.
5. Always hang your carrier to dry indoors and out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade natural fibers.

Keep in mind that all of our carriers are lovingly crafted from all-natural textiles, so just like a pair of black jeans or a colored t-shirt, each time you wash your carrier (even in cold water), it may lose a bit of color.

Pro Leather Care Tip: Conditioning your leather straps once a month, or so as needed, will keep them soft and looking their best.