Washing Backpacks

A backpack is a daily used item. It can be dirty from our daily usage. Have you ever gotten your backpack smelling like a marathon? We use our backpacks for many purposes the time of using backpacks for gym outfits, school supplies, lunch boxes, and from many other pieces of stuff our backpacks get dirty over time. So often, we have sweaty shoes and clothes in our backpacks. So, for this reason, we should clean our backpacks at least once or twice or maybe on a regular basis to make sure our gear will not be affected by dust or dirty smells. Thankfully, most backpacks are easy to clean. Moreover, we can clean them using our hands or the machine.

If you are thinking about how I should clean my backpack? This article could be a solution for you.

We can wash our backpacks using our hands or using the washing machine.

How to clean a backpack by hand

The safest option for cleaning a backpack is using your hand. Washing by hand will not harm your backpack at all. Because you can be more careful and control everything while washing your backpack using your hands. 

Step 1: Empty your backpack

 Make sure you put out everything from your backpack otherwise, all will be damaged by water. If you notice something is dirty, clean that also. Store every belonging of yours in a plastic bag so you won’t lose anything.

Step 2: ready your backpack to wash and check the instruction          label

Use a brush to clean exterior dirt properly and brush off dust. Unzipped every zipper and take off detachable pockets and straps from the main body. If your backpack has any kind of frame make sure to remove this before washing. Cut off any loose threads or fibre from the zipper area. Before using any kind of thing check the instruction label of the backpack, it will drive you through the most suitable process of washing your backpack.

Step 3: fill a large bathtub with warm water and remove stains

Use a basin or laundry sink instead of doing it in the bathtub but make sure you should have enough room to move while washing the backpack with your hands. Try to use water that matches your skin temperature so that your hands won’t get burned while washing your backpack. Do follow the instructions on the label of the backpack and don’t use hot water because it can harm your backpack color.

Remove stains from your backpack with care so that the external or internal part won’t get harmed. Use a soft brush to remove stains with a 50:50 portion of water and liquid detergent. Then use a decent detergent and randomly brush the whole backpack. If there is an instruction not to submerge the backpack, don’t do it. 

Step 4: Dry your backpack

Rains out your backpack and make sure it is washed decently without harming its fabric. Wring out the backpack slowly and after doing that take a dry towel to wipe the inside of the backpack. Take a look at zippers, foam, and straps while wringing not to damage them. 

Allow the backpack to dry naturally if it is possible, and hang this upside down. It is suitable to dry it in the outside sun rather than a dryer machine. Before start using it, make sure it will become fully dry. 

How to Clean by a Machine

Step 1: Make sure everything is out 

While using a machine for washing your backpack you must empty your backpack perfectly. Unzip every zipper and make sure everything that you have taken out is stored in a safe place. If any of the pieces of stuff that come out from your backpack is dirty, make sure to clean them too. 

Step 2: ready for washing and check the instruction label 

Make sure all zippers of the backpack are unzipped. Cut away loose fabric and threads from the zipper area. Remove the metal frame and detachable pockets and straps from the main backpack.

Check the care label of the backpack. Almost all information is written on the backpack care label. So, must read it carefully first and then prepare to clean the backpack.

Step 3: remove noticeable stains

Some strains are not easy to remove by the washing machine, so use a soft brush to remove stains from the backpack. Wash stains with 50;50 portions of water and liquid detergent and brush off the spots carefully. For dry dust and light dirt use a soft cloth to wipe off them. It is fine to use a soft toothbrush.

Step 4: put the backpack into the machine

Use an old pillowcase or laundry sack and place the backpack with the laundry sack/pillowcase in the washing machine. Add a gentle detergent powder (1-2 tbsp) and make sure the water should be lukewarm or cold. Once the cycle is done wipe off the external and internal parts of the backpack with a clean cotton cloth after removing the cover. 

Note:

• The pillowcase or laundry sack is used because of the safety of the backpack’s zippers, strips, and so on to ignore damage.
• Washing in a machine your backpack may bunch up so often while spinning. Be sure to move the bag when it is unbalanced and lopsided as it washes your backpack.

Step 5: dry your backpack

Backpacks are more suitable to dry naturally outside in the sun rather than drying in a dryer. So, it is possible, dry outside at sun temperature.

Make sure your backpack is completely dry to store your belongings and your things should also be cleaned so that they won’t make the backpack dirty.