Backpacks are essential containers for children, students and travelers to carry books, homework and all the necessary materials. However, with the passage of time, food, humidity and normal wear and tear will dirty the backpack which, inevitably, will also start to smell. Thankfully, most of these products have been built to withstand daily use, so they're not that hard to wash. Very often it is possible to clean the backpacks in the washing machine with a normal laundry detergent, but in other cases you will have to proceed with a hand wash, depending on the material you need to treat. With a little soap and "elbow grease" you can restore your backpack to its former glory and hopefully make it last much longer.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Hand Wash
Step 1. Empty your backpack
You must be sure that it does not contain objects that can be damaged in contact with water. Put the backpack inside out and use a small vacuum to remove any residue and crumbs. Once completely emptied, leave all hinges open.
- Put all the contents of the backpack in a plastic bag, so you can put it back inside once you have washed it; this way you don't risk losing something important.
- If you notice that some personal items are also dirty, take the opportunity to wash them; it is not recommended to store dirty material in a clean backpack.
Step 2. Prepare the backpack for washing
Brush it to remove any encrusted residue on the outside and finally wipe it with a damp cloth. This prevents dirt and large debris from mixing with the clean soapy water.
- If your model has a rigid structure, remember to remove it before washing.
- All detachable pockets and straps must be removed from the main compartment.
- Cut all hanging threads, especially those near the hinges. This way you will not only have a clean backpack, but you will prevent the zips from getting stuck or tearing.
Step 3. Read the care label
Always follow the washing instructions that appear on it (if any), so you can be sure not to damage your backpack. The label is usually found on the inside of the main compartment, along a seam, and will provide you with all the tips on how to wash and dry your backpack safely.
- Some chemicals and powdered cleaners can damage the fabric (or its waterproofness, for example), so you should always follow the washing instructions.
- If your model does not have specific indications, then you should always do a test in a small hidden corner, to understand how the fabric reacts to the detergent you want to use.
Step 4. Pretreat the stains
Choose your favorite stain remover, but avoid bleach. You can also scrub the soiled area with a soft-bristled brush (or an old toothbrush) to get rid of any residue. Wait about half an hour for the stain remover to work on the fabric. Most stains will disappear with washing.
If you don't have any product available to pre-treat the most difficult areas, then you can use a brush dipped in soapy water (which you can make with equal parts soap and water)
Step 5. Fill a large bathtub or sink with cold or lukewarm water
You can also use a large enough basin or bathroom sink. Remember that you will need a lot of space to wash each pocket and section of the backpack.
- Do not use hot water as it may dull the colors.
- If the washing instructions advise not to completely immerse the backpack in water, try to moisten and wash the areas that need to be treated with a wet rag.
Step 6. Add some detergent
Check that it is a delicate product without dyes, perfumes or other chemicals that could damage the backpack (for example by removing the water-repellent layer from the fabric) and / or irritate your skin.
Step 7. Scrub the entire surface with a rag or soft bristle brush
You can also completely submerge the backpack in water or dip only the brush or cloth you intend to use into it. The brush is particularly useful on heavily soiled areas, while the rag is perfect for routine cleaning.
- Try an old toothbrush to treat stubborn stains or to reach hard spots.
- If your backpack is made of a delicate material, such as knit, then you should use a sponge instead of a brush to avoid damaging the fabric.
Step 8. Rinse the backpack thoroughly
Eliminate any soap or detergent residue using cold or lukewarm water, taking care that no trace remains.
- Squeeze the backpack as best you can. Try spreading it out on a large towel and then rolling it up with the backpack inside it, until you get some sort of tube. This technique allows you to absorb a large amount of water.
- Be especially careful with zips, straps and foam-covered areas, as you don't have to damage them while squeezing the backpack.
Step 9. Dry the backpack
Put it in fresh air to dry naturally instead of using the dryer. If possible, hang it upside down with all hinges open.
- You can also lay it out in the sun, this also dissolves odors.
- Before using the backpack again or putting it away, check that it is completely dry because, if it remains damp, mold could form.
Method 2 of 2: In the washing machine
Step 1. Empty your backpack
Remove all personal items that could be damaged by water during washing. To get rid of all the crumbs and debris that have accumulated on the bottom of the pack, turn it inside out and use a small hand vacuum to clean every seam and crevice. Leave the zippers open when you finish this operation, so the entire surface of the backpack will be washed.
- Put all the contents of the backpack in one place, such as in a plastic bag, so it will stay safe.
- If there are any dirty items, this is the right time to clean them up properly. After all, there is no point in storing something dirty in a clean backpack.
Step 2. Prepare the backpack for washing
Remove any residue of dirt and dust from the outer surface, then wipe the backpack with a damp cloth to make sure you remove most of the foreign particles. This way you can be sure that large debris or pieces of encrusted dirt will not mix with the clean soapy water.
- Before washing it, remove any metal structure that is in the backpack.
- If there are any detachable straps or pockets, remove them and wash them separately from the main compartment. Usually these elements are smaller and could be damaged in the washing machine drum or, on the contrary, become trapped in it and ruin the appliance.
- Cut the hanging threads that are near the hinges. These seams have a tendency to fray and, over time, block the zippers or cause tears in the fabric.
Step 3. Check the label
Virtually all models have a label showing washing and drying instructions, so you can wash your backpack without fear of damaging it or compromising some features, such as waterproofing. If your backpack also has a label like this, know that, in most cases, it is inside the main compartment, along a seam.
- Aggressive detergents and abrasive particles of soaps can ruin the backpack and reduce its water resistance capacity; for this reason, strictly follow the instructions that you can read on the label. If in doubt, rely only on mild detergents and set an equally delicate washing program or wash your backpack by hand.
- Most backpacks are constructed of canvas or nylon, and both of these materials withstand a machine wash.
Step 4. Pretreat the stains
Add your favorite stain remover, but avoid bleach. Scrub any residue with a soft-bristled brush (or an old toothbrush) and wait for the product to work for about half an hour. The stains should disappear when you wash your backpack.
An equal parts solution of soap and water is a great stain remover for treating stubborn dirt and you can use it if you don't have a specific stain remover available. Dip an old toothbrush into the solution and scrub the areas to be cleaned
Step 5. Wash your backpack
Put it in an old pillowcase or laundry net bag. Add a small amount of mild detergent (15-30ml) to the dispenser of the washing machine while the washing machine fills with water. Set a mild wash cycle that uses cold or lukewarm water. When the program has finished, remove the backpack from the pillowcase and wipe the inside and outside of the pockets.
- It is important to put the backpack in the pillowcase, to prevent the straps and zips from getting stuck in the washing machine drum and damaging it. Alternatively, you can wash the backpack inside out.
- Check the appliance during the spin cycle. Since the backpack is filled with water and heavy, it could unbalance the washing machine and cause it to move. You will need to reposition it several times during this phase of the wash.
Step 6. Dry the backpack
The best thing to do is to leave it in the open air for natural drying; avoid using the dryer. Leave all zippers open so the backpack will dry evenly and completely.
Before using or storing the backpack make sure it is completely dry; if you put it still damp in the wardrobe there is a risk of mold forming
Advice
- When washing for the first time, wash the backpack yourself, as it may lose some color.
- If your model is very expensive, particular or has great sentimental value, take it to a specialized laundry or ask for advice from the dry cleaning staff.
- If you wash the backpack with the rest of the laundry, remember to put it in a mesh bag or inside a pillowcase to prevent the zips and laces from getting caught in the rest of the laundry.
Warnings
- The instructions described in this tutorial do not apply to backpacks made of leather, suede and / or plastic.
- Also, do not follow these methods to wash camping backpacks that have a rigid internal or external structure.
- If the fabric of your backpack has been treated with a water repellent product or with a specific sealant (which is very common in the case of nylon), remember that washing with soap and water eliminates the waterproof coating and could make the fabric opaque, giving it a "lived" look. You can purchase a spray waterproofer and apply it to your backpack once washed.
