Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Hand wash
• Method 2 of 2: Machine wash
• Tips
• Warnings

Children and students carry their school supplies in their backpacks, and tourists carry their personal belongings and clothes. Over time, food, moisture and daily wear and tear will cause the backpack to become dirty and smell unpleasant. Fortunately, modern backpacks are designed for daily use and are easy to clean. Most of them can be washed in a regular washing machine using powder, but some are only designed for hand washing, depending on the materials used. Mild cleaning agents and a little effort are all you need to get your backpack clean again and extend its life.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Hand wash

1. 1 Take all your belongings out of your backpack. There is no need to be upset about the fact that together with the backpack you washed things that deteriorate from water. Turn the backpack out and use a low power vacuum to clean dirt and debris from every hard-to-reach corner of your backpack. After emptying your backpack and removing debris with a vacuum cleaner, leave the pockets unbuttoned.
   • Put all your belongings from your backpack in a plastic bag so you can put them back after washing. This way you will not forget or lose anything important.
   • If some of your belongings also get dirty, then now is the time to do some cleaning while your backpack is in the wash. No one wants to put dirty things in a clean backpack.
2. 2 Prepare your backpack for washing. Use a brush to remove dry dirt on the outer surfaces from the backpack.Then wipe it down with a damp cloth without applying much force. This will help remove dirt from the outside and the wash water will be less dirty.
   • If there is a rigid frame inside the backpack, remove it before washing.
   • Detach all detachable pockets and straps from the main body of the backpack to clean them separately. This allows you to perform a thorough cleaning of all elements.
   • Cut off any loose threads or frayed fibers near the fasteners. This will help keep your backpack tidy and prevent zippers from jamming.
3. 3 Read the information on the label. Always follow the care instructions for your backpack (if any) to avoid damaging your backpack during washing. Care labels are usually stitched to the side seam inside the backpack, most commonly in the main compartment. They usually provide tips on how to wash and dry your backpack.
   • Certain chemicals and cleaning methods can damage the backpack (for example, reduce moisture resistance), so we strongly recommend that you follow the care instructions.
   • If your backpack does not have a care and wash label, test your detergents on a small area of ​​fabric first to avoid accidentally ruining the entire backpack.
4. 4 Pre-treatment of stains. Particularly dirty areas should be treated with stain remover, but do not use bleach. Using a soft brush (an old toothbrush), apply the product to the stains and leave it on for half an hour. This will remove almost any stains during the main wash.
   • If you do not have a pretreatment product available, brush a 50:50 solution of liquid detergent and water with a brush.
5. 5 Fill a large bowl or tub with warm water. You can also use a large sink. You really need a lot of space to thoroughly wash all the pockets and compartments of the backpack.
   • Do not use hot water, otherwise material may shed.
   • If the label prohibits completely immersing the backpack in water, then you can moisten and clean individual elements of the backpack with a wet rag.
6. 6 Add a mild detergent. Such a product must be free from colorants, fragrances and chemicals. Harsh chemicals can damage the fabric of your backpack (reducing the effectiveness of the water repellent layer), and dyes and fragrances can irritate your skin.
7. 7 Scrub the backpack with a soft brush or rag. You can completely submerge it in water or just wet a brush / rag. A brush will help clean up particularly dirty areas, while a rag is more suitable for general material handling.
   • With an old toothbrush, it is convenient to remove stubborn stains or to clean the backpack in the most difficult to reach places.
   • If the backpack is made of delicate material (for example, mesh), then instead of a brush, you can use a sponge so as not to damage the fabric.
8. 8 Rinse your backpack thoroughly. Rinsing in warm water is necessary in order to remove the remaining detergent from the fabric.
   • Unscrew the backpack. You can put it in a large towel and roll it up with the backpack inside. This will allow the towel to absorb much of the moisture.
   • Be careful not to damage the zippers, belts and foam pads while unscrewing.
9. 9 Dry your backpack. Do not use tumble dryers, the backpack should dry naturally. If possible, hang your backpack upside down and leave your pockets open.
   • You can also dry your backpack outdoors in the sun. This will help remove foreign odors.
   • Make sure the backpack is completely dry before using or storing it in the closet. If the backpack is left wet, mold can form in it.

Method 2 of 2: Machine wash

1. 1 Take all your belongings out of your backpack. Remove from the backpack any items that might deteriorate from water during the wash. To remove debris and crumbs from crevices inside the backpack, try turning it out and using a low power vacuum cleaner.After vacuuming up the debris, leave all the pockets of the backpack open for better cleaning.
   • To avoid losing items in your backpack, put them in a small plastic bag and store in a safe place.
   • If some of the things are dirty, then now is the time to clean them up. After all, no one wants to put dirty things in a clean backpack.
2. 2 Prepare your backpack for washing. Remove dry dirt and dust from external surfaces with a brush. Then wipe the backpack with a damp cloth. This will help remove dirt from the outside and the wash water will be less dirty.
   • Remove the rigid frame (if available) from the backpack before washing.
   • All detachable pockets and straps must be detached and cleaned separately. Due to their size, they can get stuck in the washing machine and damage the drum.
   • Cut off all the threads near the zippers. The fabric is often worn the most near zippers, causing threads to get caught in the fastener and tears in the fabric.
3. 3 Read the information on the label. Almost all backpacks have a care label. As a rule, they contain recommendations for washing and drying the backpack so that the cleaning process does not impair the resistance to external influences - for example, moisture resistance. The label is usually found inside the backpack, on the side seam in the largest compartment.
   • Harsh chemicals and harsh washing methods can damage the backpack or its water repellency, so always follow the care instructions. When in doubt, use a mild detergent and a delicate program, or wash the backpack by hand.
   • Backpacks are usually made of tarpaulin or nylon, which will tolerate machine washing.
4. 4 Pre-treatment of stains. Particularly dirty areas should be treated with stain remover, but do not use bleach. Scrub the stains with a soft brush (old toothbrush) and let sit for half an hour. This will remove almost any stains during the main wash.
   • If you don't have a pre-treatment, apply a 50:50 solution of liquid detergent and water using an old toothbrush.
5. 5 Wash your backpack. Place your backpack in an old pillowcase or laundry bag and place it in the washing machine. Add a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) of soft powder. The backpack should be washed in cold or warm water with a delicate program. After completing the wash program, remove the backpack from the pillowcase / bag and wipe the outside and inside sections.
   • The pillowcase prevents belts and buckles from interacting with the drum of the machine to protect the drum and the backpack itself from damage. You can also turn the backpack outward.
   • During washing, the backpack can repeatedly wrinkle and change its shape. If something happens, pause the wash and evenly straighten it in the drum to prevent imbalance and skewing of the washing machine. Then you can resume washing.
6. 6 Dry your backpack. It is better to dry it naturally outdoors or indoors rather than using a tumble dryer. Leave pockets open to dry all compartments evenly.
   • Make sure the backpack is completely dry before using or storing it in the closet. If the backpack is left wet, mold can form in it.

Tips

• Do not wash your backpack with other laundry the first time, as it may shed.
• If you have a very expensive, fashionable backpack, or it is important to you as a memory, then it is better to take it to a professional dry cleaner. Ask a laundry worker for advice.

Warnings

• These recommendations do not apply to leather, suede and / or vinyl backpacks.
• These guidelines do not apply to backpacks with an inner or outer frame.
• If your backpack has been treated with a water repellent or sealant (often found in nylon backpacks), washing in soapy water can dissolve the seal, making the backpack look dull and worn. You can purchase a water repellent compound to treat fabrics and apply after wash.