Learn how to clean a backpack with three easy methods
Tracy Guth Spangler is a writer and editor with over three decades of experience in print and digital media. Highlights: * Associate features editor at BRIDE'S Magazine * Managing editor at The Knot * Freelance writer and editor for Real Simple, O: The Oprah Magazine, Elle Decor, The Hollywood Reporter, and Health, among others * Copy chief at Meredith Publishing canvas upholstery
Knowing how to wash a backpack properly can keep it free of germs and smells. Dirty backpacks are inevitable, especially if you have kids or use your bag regularly. You may find juice spills, forgotten food, exploded pens, and even sweaty workout clothes stuffed in there.
Kali Shager of Land's End (who sources fabric and materials for the company's kids' products and backpacks) shares the following tips for cleaning and washing your backpack to help it last longer.
Before you thoroughly wash a backpack, check the care label, likely located in the main compartment. If the label says the bag should not be submerged in water, use a cloth and a small amount of gentle cleanser to scrub dirty areas. If there is no label, test-clean a small area of the bag's surface and interior before you wash the whole thing.
You'll also want to do the following:
You should wash backpacks once or twice a year. Extended school breaks (winter and summer vacations) are the perfect time for cleaning bags. Backpacks used as gym bags for exercise gear or workout clothes may need more frequent washing.
Most nylon or canvas backpacks are safe to put in the washing machine. If the bag has leather trim, don't machine-wash it.
If there are any exterior or interior stains, gently apply some stain remover with a soft brush or toothbrush to the affected areas and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Turn the bag inside out or place it inside a pillowcase or laundry bag to avoid straps and zippers getting caught inside the machine—or damaging the inside walls.
Use a small amount of gentle detergent and wash the bag on the machine's gentle cycle in cold water. If it gets bunched up during the spin cycle, stop the machine and try to spread the bag out to allow it to be thoroughly washed and avoid the machine getting lopsided with a small load.
Leave all the zippers unzipped and hang the backpack upside down to dry. "We recommend that you line dry because tumble-drying could damage the padding of the bag and cause ruptures at the corners," says Shager.
If you can dry it outdoors, that will help any leftover odors drift away. Make sure it's completely dry before using.
A good old-fashioned hand wash will do the trick for backpacks that can't be machine-washed due to the material.
Scrub the bag with a soft brush or cloth, focusing on particularly dirty areas or spots. Turn the bag inside out and clean the interior as well.
A toothbrush is good for ground-in stains and hard-to-reach crevices. A sponge might work better on mesh areas.
Allow the bag to air-dry thoroughly. Leave all the zippers unzipped and hang it upside down.
If you can dry it outdoors, that will help any leftover odors drift away. Make sure the backpack is completely dry before using it again.
Clear backpacks have become necessary at sporting events, concerts, and even some schools for security purposes. However, the clear plastic can easily get foggy and grimy. The method for washing a clear backpack is similar to cleaning other styles.
Empty the backpack and ensure it's completely clear. Brush out crumbs and stray hairs using a vacuum or a brush.
Fill a container with warm water and a touch of either dish soap or laundry detergent. Wash your clear backpack with a washcloth.
Thoroughly rinse the bag to help clear out the grime. Use a clean, dry rag to dry it off, then hang it upside down to air-dry. Don't use until completely dry.
For stubborn spots or as an alternative to soapy water, some clear backpack manufacturers suggest using non-acetone nail polish remover on a cotton pad. Rub it on the bag's exterior and interior, then wipe clean with a fresh cotton pad.
Similar to other leather items such as shoes and garments, leather cannot be tossed in the washing machine or cleaned by hand using soap and water. Instead, a quality leather cleaner or conditioner is needed.
Remove all contents from the backpack and ensure it's completely clear. Brush out any lingering debris with a clean cloth or soft bristle brush.
Add a small amount of quality leather cleaner or conditioner (you can also use saddle soap) to a damp cloth and gently rub away any dirt.
Using a clean, damp cloth, wipe away any additional grime or residue from the conditioner.
Allow the backpack to dry at room temperature, out of direct sunlight.
It's best to wash backpacks alone on a gentle cycle. Adding it to a regular load of clothes could damage your other clothing due to the bag's straps and zippers.
Due to a backpack's thick material, it may take a day (sometimes more) for the bag to fully dry. The time of year also affects the time—hotter months will help a bag dry faster. Using a towel to absorb any excess water or moisture before hanging to dry will help speed up the drying time.
green fabric Yes, drying a backpack in the dryer can cause it to shrink as well as melt other material on the bag. We recommend always air-drying bags to help avoid damaging the material.