All the reviews talked about the tote being easy to clean. I bought it to hold towels when going to the pool or beach. When we get home we hang our towels in the garage and hang the bag on a hook so it is open to dry. I have had my tote for maybe 2 years and it smells like mold. I have used cleaning products and hung it inside out and entire off season and can’t get the smell to go away. It says not to wash it but that might be the last thing i try since I am now looking at other brands to replace it so i don’t have moldy smell with me at the pool.