Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Backpacks are essential for kids, students and travelers to carry books and supplies with them. Over time, food, humidity and daily sun and rain will cause your backpack to become dirty and smelly. Fortunately, most backpacks are sewn with durability and are not difficult to clean. Usually you can wash your backpack using a washing machine and soap, but some types of backpacks require hand washing, depending on the material of your backpack. With some mild products and a little effort, you can keep your backpack clean and hopefully extend its shelf life.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Hand wash the backpack

1. 

   Take out all the belongings in the backpack. You don't want to leave any potentially water-damaged items in your backpack. Turn the backpack and use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris that may accumulate in the hard-to-reach nooks and corners. Leave the backpack open after you have removed everything in the backpack.
   • Store in a plastic bag all the items you have taken out to return to your backpack after cleaning. This way you will not lose important items.
   • If you find something dirty, take advantage of cleaning while backpacking. You don't want to put dirty items in a washed backpack, do you?

2. 

   
   
   Prepare a backpack for washing. Use your hands to brush off loose dirt that sticks to the outside of the backpack, then gently wipe your hands. This step is to remove large stains from the surface and keep the detergent as clean as possible.
   • If your backpack has a frame, be sure to remove it before washing it.
   • Remove small bags and straps from the backpack and wash separately. This ensures that every part of the bag is washed clean.
   • Cut off any spun or spun threads near the zipper, if any. This helps to ensure that the zipper doesn't get stuck when you wash your backpack.

3. 

   
   
   Check the label attached to the backpack. Always follow the backpack care instruction label (if applicable) to make sure you don't damage the backpack when washing. This label is usually attached inside the backpack, along the seam next to the bag, usually in the main compartment. There is often information on the label about washing and drying recommendations to keep the durability of the backpack.
   • Certain chemicals and manipulations can damage your backpack (such as the material's water resistance). Therefore, it is best to follow the instructions attached to the backpack.
   • If there is no label showing how to wash and care for the bag on your backpack, test a small portion of your backpack first to see how the material reacts to the cleaning products you intend to use.

4. 

   
   
   Pretreat the stains. Use products that will pre-remove stains, but avoid bleach. Use a soft brush (old toothbrush) to scrub away any remaining stains, then let the cleaning product stay on the backpack for up to 30 minutes. Most of the stains will come off when you actually wash the bag.
   • If you do not have a stain removal product first, you can use a toothbrush dipped in a solution of water and detergent at a ratio of 50:50.

5. 

   Fill the sink or tub with warm water. You can also use a laundry tub or laundry tub. Make sure you have ample room to wash all the small bags and every part of your backpack.
   • Avoid using hot water, as hot water can stain the color of the backpack.
   • If the label attached to the backpack recommends not immersing the backpack in water, you can try wetting the backpack and wiping it partially with a wet rag.

6. 

   Add mild soap to the water. The soap you use should be mild, dye free, odorless, and contain no harsh chemicals. This is because harsh chemicals can damage the fabric (reduce the effectiveness of waterproof layers on backpack fabrics), and odors and dyes can irritate the skin.

7. 

   Use a soft brush or rag to scrub the backpack. You can immerse the backpack in water or immerse a brush or a clean rag in water to scrub the backpack. The brush helps to scrub away particularly dirty parts, and the rag is suitable for cleaning the entire backpack.
   • A toothbrush can handle stubborn stains and clear hard to reach nooks and crannies.
   • If your backpack is made of flimsy material like a mesh, you may need to use a sponge instead of a brush to avoid damaging the fabric.

8. 

   Rinse the water thoroughly. Rinse off the soap with warm water to avoid remaining soap marks on the backpack.
   • Wring out the backpack as much as possible. You can try putting the backpack on a large towel and rolled it up into a tube. This step will help absorb a large amount of water.
   • Pay special attention to the zippers, straps and the end of the backpack when spinning to avoid damaging these parts.

9. 

   Dry the backpack. Let the backpack dry naturally instead of using a dryer. If possible, hang your backpack upside down, and unlock the zipper in it while drying it.
   • You can also dry your backpack in the sun. This also has the effect of deodorizing the backpack.
   • Before using or storing your backpack, you need to make sure it is completely dry. Leaving backpacks wet when used or stored may increase the likelihood of mold growth.
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Method 2 of 2: Hand wash the backpack

1. 

   Take out all items in the backpack out. Take out of the backpack anything that could be damaged by water while washing the backpack. To clean any debris or dirt on the bottom of the backpack, you can turn the backpack and use a hand-held vacuum cleaner to clean every corner and inaccessible gap in the backpack. After vacuuming is complete, leave the backpack open so that everything is cleaned.
   • To avoid losing items from your backpack, you should immediately put them in a small plastic bag. This way your items are kept in a safe place.
   • If anything in your backpack gets dirty, now is the right time to clean it up as well. It doesn't make sense to put dirty items in a clean bag.

2. 

   Prepare the bag before washing. Spread loose dirt on the outside of the backpack. After the dust has been removed, use a damp cloth to wipe the backpack again, removing any remaining dirt on the surface of the bag. This helps to ensure that there are no large, hard dirt left over the bag laundry detergent.
   • Remove all metal frames from the backpack before washing.
   • Remove the backpack's pouches and detachable straps for separate washing. These parts are small in size and can get stuck in the washing machine and cause damage.
   • Cut all threads near the zipper. Backpacks are often scrubbed near the zippered area, causing entanglement and spatter.

3. 

   Check the label on the backpack. Most backpacks are labeled with instructions on how to clean the bag. Backpack labels often provide recommendations for bag washing and drying, so you can wash the backpack clean while maintaining its look and durability - for example, with a waterproof layer. You can find this label inside the backpack, usually attached along the seam next to the bag in the backpack's main compartment.
   • Strong detergents and harsh cleaning operations can damage the backpack and its water resistance, so you should follow the backpack cleaning instructions on the attached label. If in doubt, use detergent and gentle washing regimen, or use gentle hand washing.
   • Backpacks are usually made of canvas or nylon fabric, which can be washed by washing machine.

4. 

   Pre-treatment stains. Use products that will first remove stains, but avoid bleach. Use a soft brush (like an old toothbrush) to scrub stains, then leave it on for about 30 minutes. The stains will be washed away when you actually wash the bag.
   • A solution of 50:50 water and soapy water can also be effective if you don't have a stain remover in your home first. Simply dip your toothbrush in the solution and scrub away any stains.

5. 

   Backpack washing. Put the backpack in an old pillowcase or laundry bag and place it in the washing machine. Add a small amount of mild detergent (1-2 tablespoons) when the drum is full of water. Backpack wash in cold or warm water with the gentle wash. When the washing cycle is complete, remove the backpack from the pillowcase or laundry bag, and swipe the outside and inside of the backpack.
   • The pillowcase will help keep the strap and zipper of the backpack from getting caught in the washing machine damaging both the backpack and the washing machine. Alternatively, you can use the left of the backpack before washing.
   • The backpack may be stacked during the spin cycle. Remember to take out the backpack and spread it evenly so that the washing machine does not lose its balance or skew to one side when washing the bag. Reboot the machine once you've spread the rucksack out.

6. 

   Dry the bag. Let the bag dry naturally outside or hang it indoors instead of in the dryer. Open the backpack to dry thoroughly and evenly.
   • Make sure the backpack is completely dry before using or storing. Wet bags will increase the chance that mold will appear.
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Advice

• Do not wash the backpack with other items when first washing it, as they may fade.
• If your backpack is expensive, unique or has emotional value, perhaps you should bring a professional service to the laundry. Ask a dry cleaning service for advice.
• If the backpack is brightly colored or bright, do not expose it to direct sunlight as it may fade.
• If you have ink stains on your backpack, you can use hair spray to cover it!
• Never use the dryer when washing a backpack as it will shrink it.

Warning

• The instructions above do not apply to backpacks made of leather, suede and / or vinyl.
• The above guidelines also do not apply to camping backpacks with internal or external mounting brackets.
• If the backpack is waterproof treated or the backpack has a protective coating (often found in nylon backpacks), washing with soap and water can dissolve this protection, causing the layer to The nylon loses its shine and looks old. You can buy a water repellent spray to treat the fabric after washing is finished.