Backpacks are used by various groups: children, students, and travelers, to carry their belongings. After use, food marks, moisture, and minor damage from daily use can make your backpack dirty and smelly. Fortunately, most backpacks are designed to withstand everyday use. Backpacks are also not difficult to wash. Most backpacks can be washed in a washing machine and detergent, but there are also backpacks that must be hand washed, depending on the material. With intention and a little bit of cleaning fluid, you can get your backpack clean again and extend its lifespan.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Hand Washing the Backpack
Step 1. Empty the backpack
Don't let things that shouldn't be in the water in your backpack get washed. Turn the backpack inside and out and use a small vacuum cleaner to clean hard-to-reach corners. After emptying the backpack, leave the pockets open.
- Store items in your backpack in a plastic bag, so you can put them back in your backpack as soon as you wash them. This way your important stuff won't be scattered.
- If your things get dirty, clean them now. Don't put dirty stuff in a clean backpack.
Step 2. Prepare the backpack
Remove visible dirt and dust by hand. Then wipe the outside of the backpack with a damp cloth. This way, you remove visible surface dust and the water you use for washing will stay clean.
- If your backpack has a detachable frame, remove it before washing.
- Remove the removable pouch and straps and clean them separately to keep your backpack completely clean.
- Trim loose thread or fabric around the zipper so it doesn't get caught when moved.
Step 3. Pay attention to the backpack care label
Always follow the care instructions, if any, so you don't damage the backpack. Care instructions are usually located on the inside of the side seam of the largest compartment. The label usually has recommendations for washing and drying the backpack to maintain the backpack's lifespan.
- Certain chemicals and harsh washing methods can damage your backpack (including its ability to hold water), so make sure you follow the instructions.
- If the care label isn't there, test a small area to see how it reacts with the cleaning fluid you're using.
Step 4. Clean the stains first
Use a liquid cleaner to remove stains, but avoid bleach. Use a soft brush (or an old toothbrush) to brush off the stain, then let it sit for 30 minutes. The stains will disappear when you wash.
If you don't have a stain remover on hand, you can also use a brush dipped in a 50:50 mixture of detergent and water
Step 5. Fill a sink or tub with warm water
You can also use a basin. Make sure you have plenty of room for a clean wash.
- Avoid hot water, as hot water can damage the color of the backpack.
- If your care instructions forbid soaking, wet and clean your backpack with a damp washcloth.
Step 6. Put a mild detergent in the water
The detergent used must be a gentle type that is free of dyes, fragrances, and other chemicals. Harsh chemicals can reduce the waterproof coating's ability to retain water and damage the backpack fabric. Fragrances and dyes can irritate your skin.
Step 7. Brush the backpack gently or rub it with a rag
You can completely submerge the backpack or dip your brush or cloth in the water. You can brush the dirty parts and wipe the entire backpack.
- Toothbrushes can be used to clean hard-to-clean and hard-to-reach places.
- If your backpack is made of perishable material, such as netting, replace the brush with a sponge.
Step 8. Rinse thoroughly
Rinse all soap and detergent with warm water until there is no residue.
- Squeeze the backpack as tightly as possible. You can try placing your backpack on a large bath towel and then rolling it up into a tube. This method drains large amounts of water.
- Be careful with zippers, straps and foam.
Step 9. Dry the backpack
Let the backpack dry naturally; avoid using a tumble dryer. Hang the backpack upside down and leave the compartments open.
- Drying by drying in the sun will remove odors in the backpack.
- Before using or storing it again, make sure the backpack is completely dry. If the backpack hasn't dried out during use or storage, there's a chance that mold will grow.
Method 2 of 2: Machine Washing the Backpack
Step 1. Empty the backpack
Empty the backpack of all objects that would break if exposed to water. To remove dust and small objects from hard-to-reach corners, use a small vacuum cleaner. Leave the compartment open after you finish vacuuming, so that all parts can be washed.
- So that your belongings are not scattered, immediately store them in a plastic bag.
- If any of your things get dirty, it's a good idea to clean them now, so you don't put the dirty stuff in a clean backpack.
Step 2. Prepare the backpack for washing
Remove dirt and dust stuck to the outside of the backpack. After the surface dust is cleaned, use a damp cloth to clean it again until there is no dirt and dust left, so that the water you use for washing remains clean and does not mix with dirt.
- Remove the metal frame from your backpack before washing.
- Any pockets and straps that can be removed from the backpack must be removed and cleaned separately. Due to their smaller size, these pockets and straps can get caught and damage your washing machine and backpack.
- Cut any loose thread or fabric around the zipper. The threads and fabric around the zipper tend to fall apart easily and can jam your zipper.
Step 3. Pay attention to the backpack care label
Most backpacks have a label with washing instructions. The label usually includes instructions for washing and drying the backpack so as not to spoil its features, such as the waterproof coating. You can find these care instructions on the inside of the backpack, usually on the side seam of the largest compartment.
- Strong cleaning fluids and harsh washing methods can damage the backpack and its water-holding ability. Follow your backpack care instructions. If there are no care instructions or you are in doubt, use the gentle washing option in the washing machine, or gently wash your backpack by hand.
- Most backpacks are made of canvas or nylon, so they can be machine washed.
Step 4. Clean the stains first
Use your preferred stain remover to first remove any stains, but don't use bleach. Clean the remnants of the stain with a soft brush (such as an unused toothbrush), and let it sit for half an hour. Those stains will come off when you wash the backpack.
If you don't have a stain remover, use a 50:50 mixture of water and liquid detergent. Dip a toothbrush into the mixture and then rub it in the stain
Step 5. Wash the backpack
Put the backpack in an unused pillow or laundry bag, then put the pillow/laundry bag containing the backpack into the washing machine. Add 1-2 teaspoons of mild detergent while the washer fills with water. Wash the backpack in cold or warm water, with a gentle wash option. When you're done, take the backpack out of its pocket, and rub the outside and the inside of the backpack.
- The pillow pocket protects the laces and zippers from getting caught in the washer. You can also turn your backpack inside and out.
- The backpack will often roll up when the washer spins. Make sure you widen your backpack again so you don't disturb the balance of the washing machine. When the backpack is wide again, repeat the cycle.
Step 6. Dry the backpack
Drying the backpack outside or hanging it up is better than drying it in a tumble dryer. Leave the bags open, so that the drying gets inside.
Make sure the backpack is completely dry before using it or putting it back. Backpacks that get wet when used or stored can be a breeding ground for mold
Tips
- The first time you wash your backpack, don't wash it with other clothes or fabrics as the color may leak.
- If your backpack is expensive, has many features, or has a high sentimental value, it is best to have it professionally washed. Call your dry cleaner.
Warning
- These instructions do not apply to backpacks made of leather, flimsy leather or vinyl.
- These instructions also do not apply to camping backpacks with an internal or external frame (carrier).
- If your backpack is lined with a waterproof coating or fabric insulation (which is often found in nylon backpacks), washing it with soap and water will dilute this layer and also make the nylon less shiny. You can buy a water-repellent spray that's specifically designed to coat fabrics and re-spray after your backpack has been washed.
