It is possible to keep a backpack odor- and germ-free by washing it correctly. Backpacks will inevitably get dirty, especially if you use your bag frequently or have children. Juice spills, unfinished meals, exploding pencils, and even drenched gym attire might be discovered inside.
Tips Before Washing Your Backpack
Check the care label on a backpack before giving it a thorough wash; it’s usually in the main compartment. If the label indicates that the bag should not be submerged in water, wipe any soiled parts using a cloth and a small amount of mild cleaner. Before washing the entire bag, test-clean a tiny portion of its outside and inside if there isn’t a label.
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You should also consider doing the following:
- Take everything out of the backpack. Take everything out of the bag and enter each section. To ensure that the contents stay together while being washed, place them in a plastic bag. To avoid reusing anything that has been soiled in a freshly laundered backpack, clean or replace any filthy items.
- Make use of a portable vacuum. Use a vacuum to clear the compartments of the bag of dust and crumbs. Shager suggests an air blower for a computer keyboard as well.
- Make use of a cosmetics brush. Make sure to use a clean makeup brush for stubborn dirt. With the least amount of harm to the cloth, the gentle bristles will aid in removing the debris.
- Get the bag ready for a wash. Remove any metal frames that may be within the pack. Don’t zip any of the pockets.To prevent snagging during washing, trim away any threads that are close to the zipping regions.
How Often to Wash a Backpack
Backpacks should be washed once or twice a year. The winter and summer holidays, which are extended school breaks, are ideal for cleaning bags. Washing a backpack used as a gym bag for exercising clothes or equipment may be necessary more frequently.
How to Use a Washing Machine to Clean a Backpack
You may safely wash most backpacks made of canvas or nylon in the washing machine. Avoid washing the bag in the machine if it includes leather trim.
Get Ready to Wash
If there are any stains on the outside or inside, use a soft brush or toothbrush to carefully apply stain remover to the damaged areas. Then, let it sit for about half an hour.
If you want to prevent straps and zippers from becoming trapped inside the machine and damaging the interior walls, turn the bag inside out or place it inside a wash bag or pillowcase.
Wash the Backpack
Wash the bag in cold water using the machine’s gentle cycle and a tiny bit of mild detergent. In order to give the bag a complete wash and prevent the machine from becoming unbalanced with a light load, unload the bag if it becomes bundled up during the spin cycle.
Air-Dry the Bag
We advise line drying as tumble drying could harm the bag’s padding and result in tears at the corners. Unzip every zipper and hang the backpack upside down to dry.
Any lingering smells will dissipate if you can dry it outside. Prior to applying, make sure it’s thoroughly dry.
How to Hand Wash a Backpack
Backpacks made of materials that are not suitable for machine washing can be cleaned with a good, old-fashioned hand wash.
Get Ready to Wash
Any exterior or interior stains should be gently treated with stain remover using a soft brush or toothbrush. Allow the solution to sit for approximately half an hour. Add approximately 6 inches of warm water to the basin. (Hot water may cause color fading in the cloth.) A tiny bit of mild laundry detergent should be added.
Clean the Backpack
Use a gentle brush or cloth to scrub the bag, paying special attention to any particularly filthy places.
Clean the interior of the bag as well by turning it inside out
For stubborn stains and hard-to-reach areas, a toothbrush works well. For mesh sections, a sponge might be more effective.
Rinse the Bag
After emptying the soiled water, add six inches of cool, clean water to the basin. After giving the bag a thorough rinse, wring it out. Using a thick towel, fold it to absorb extra moisture.
Allow the bag to air-dry
Let the bag air dry completely. After unzipping all of the zippers, hang it upside down. Any lingering smells will dissipate if you can dry it outside. Before using the backpack once more, make sure it is totally dry.
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