How to Clean and Store Your Harvestwear Picking Bags (and Buckets): Dos and Don'ts

by Craig Kelly

How to Clean and Store Your Harvestwear Picking Bags (and Buckets): Dos and Don'ts

Your Harvestwear picking gear—bags and buckets alike—work hard through every harvest. They haul fruit, endure weather, and help you get the job done right. When the season winds down, giving your gear some TLC will extend its life and ensure it’s ready to go when the next harvest rolls in.

Here’s how to do it right:

✅ DO Clean After the Season

  • Brush off debris: Use a soft-bristle brush to remove dirt, leaves, and leftover fruit.
  • Use a food-safe detergent or disinfectant: Whether you’re cleaning bags or buckets, stick with household cleaners safe for use on food-contact surfaces.
  • Spot clean high-wear areas: Pay extra attention to the white and green fabric, where most of the grime builds up.
  • Rinse thoroughly: Even food-safe products need to be washed fully to prevent build up or damage.
  • Air dry completely: Hang or place gear in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sun exposure which can degrade the fabric.

🪣 Special Care for Harvestwear Buckets

Buckets need love too!

  • Clean with a food-safe household detergent or disinfectant.
  • Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before stacking or storing.
  • Don’t seal wet buckets — mould loves that kind of environment.

🎒 Machine-Washable Support + Harness

Got a sweaty season behind you?
Good news—the Harvestwear Support plus harness can be cleaned in your home washing machine. Use a cold or warm wash with mild detergent. Air dry completely before storage.

❌ DON’T Abuse the Gear

  • No pressure washers or harsh chemicals: These can weaken fabrics, damage coatings, and loosen stitching.
  • Don’t machine wash bags or tumble dry anything: It can warp shape or damage waterproof layers.
  • Don’t store while damp: mould, mildew, and bad smells are sure to follow.
  • Don’t throw your picking bag into an apple bin and then leave it in a corner of your outdoor lean-to: That’s a fast track to a ruined bag.

🔧 Need Repairs or Replacement Parts?

If your gear needs a little extra help—liners, side ropes, harnesses, or anything else—send them our way or chat to your local reseller.


Head to the replacement parts section  https://harvestwear.com/collections/replacements-parts-harnesses for service info and ordering.

We’ve also got a YouTube channel with step-by-step “how-to” videos on replacing or repairing your gear. From side ropes to buckles, we show you exactly how to get your gear back in action.

✅ DO Store Properly During the Off-Season

  • Keep it warm and dry: Moisture and too much heat will shorten your gear’s lifespan.
  • Loosen straps and buckles: Avoid tension that can deform your gear over time.
  • Use a breathable storage bag or cover: Keeps dust out while letting air in.

👌 A Little TLC Goes a Long Way

Spending a few minutes to clean and store your Harvestwear gear right means it’ll keep performing season after season. Whether it's a bag or bucket, support system or harness—look after it, and it’ll look after you.

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