How to wash Veloce bag?

have you asked the manufacturer? Or checked the care tag inside?

I'm not being smart, and I don't know the bag, bit that's where I would start....

I assume you mean this bag:
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/ipad-bag

I wash every piece of clothing I buy before I wear it, but can't picture a reason to wash a piece of hand baggage. I doubt it's meant to be washed-- things like this usually have instructions to wipe with a damp cloth if soiled.

I have washed back packs, duffle bags, and things of similar fabric, so personally I would be willing to give a bag a dunking and rub if it was soiled or needed internal crud washed out. I agree, however, that I am unsure why to wash it prior to use. I would be more inclined to put a piece of soap or a dryer sheet inside and hang it outside for a few days to freshen it up...and 'quarantine' it, if that matters to you.

When it arrived I cut off and discarded the tag. I've been quarantining it for over two weeks but would feel better if I could wash it before using it. I was hoping someone from RS could tell us the best way to wash it.

I've been washing other new cordura bags (Red Oxx) in hot soapy water, followed by a good rinse and line dry, and had good luck. I just want to feel comfortable using my new Veloce bag.

I was hoping someone from RS could tell us the best way to wash it.

Email the RS store. Might take a few days for an answer, but it'll be from the horse's mouth so to speak.

Experts have explained that sunlight kills viruses. I would hang it out in the sun if you are still worried, but time already passed will have done the trick.

You haven't used it yet? Don't wash it!
It is just polyester. Hard to do any damage. You can, as others say, dip and dunk it in some hot sudsy water (doesn't need much soap, just a few drops), apply a soft scrub brush to any nasty dirty spots, hang it up in the yard and spray it with the hose to rinse. Hang in the sun to dry. Protect from bird droppings.

I've had the smaller version of this bag for years. It is the perfect travel handbag. After each trip overseas I do wash it. I put in a lingerie bag, wash on gentle, cold and hang up to dry. I don't see a reason to wash before using. You've probably 'quarantined' it long enough.

Per suggestions here I posed this question in an email to RSE and got the following reply, very promptly:

We recommend that all of Rick’s bags are spot cleaned by hand.

This really doesn't answer my question, however. I don't want to spot wash it; I want to covid clean it. I think I'm going to wash it in warm, soapy water, rinse, and line drip dry. I don't think I would feel comfortable using it without washing it first. (Each of us has his or her own idea of safety, so, please, no judgement.) I just wanted to know if anyone here had tried washing it.

Why don’t you spray the bag with Lysol inside and out? That should kill any virus that could be in the bag.
I read that COVID-19 virus can remain on cloth for two days and metal for a week after exposure (can’t site the source since that was a couple months ago). But think about this: every time you go to the store, do you wash all your clothes, purse, wallet, take a shower, wash your hair immediately when you get home? If the answer is ‘no’, you don’t need to wash your new Veloce bag.
I’m not judging because I’m being very cautious too, but I think washing your new bag is overkill.

I have washed my ancient Civita several times and it looks and performs no worse for the dunking. (Note that it was used from a thrift store when I got it, so I was probably less fearful of damaging it than i would have been with a pristine new item.) Machine wash gentle or hand wash, air dry.

horsewoofie, I love the idea of spraying it with Lysol spray. That wouldn't be a bad idea after a trip when it may have been sitting on germy surfaces.

Each of us has his or her own idea of safety

Then consider the judgment of people at NIH who perform research to test various hypotheses and have expertise in the matter
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7201236/

Ultimately, the RS folks gave you their advice for proper treatment. If you choose to ignore it, you will probably risk any warrantee (if there is one). That may still be worth the risk to you, but I don't think anyone other than the manufacturer or seller can give you better advice how to properly care for your purchase. Good luck. I personally would not want my bags to smell like Lysol or any chemicals, but if it doesn't bother you, then go for it.

For backpacks and bags that I don't feel could stand up to washing, I have sprayed Lysol on them. The smell dissipated within a couple of days. I use Clorox wipes on hard-sided luggage, especially the wheels. There are some bags that I will put in the washing machine on the delicate cycle in cold water, such as Eddie Bauer Stowaway backpacks and duffel bags as well as most of my packing cubes. I hang them up and let them drip dry and they are as good as new.

A few years back, we checked our RS convertible backpacks on our return trip laden with liquids and other contraband that kept them from being carry-on acceptable. Unfortunately they were spit out of the luggage carousel covered in a black oily substance not from the contents but something outside the bags. With nothing to lose, I stain sprayed the bags and threw them in the washer. Presto! They came out sparkling clean with no damage. Now I always throw them in the laundry after a long trip.

We use the Civita bag all the time for hiking and as a day bag on trips. My husband and I use the regular day bag and my daughter uses the hemp Civita bag. I can safely say these too are washing machine safe which I do regularly with them. I don’t have the Veloce bag per se but the seem similar in construction. Take it for what it’s worth.