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Over the past few years, backpacks have evolved from being just school necessities to everyday essentials and even fashion trends. Regardless of how you use your backpack, regular usage may require you to give it a thorough wash. Whether you use it for carrying school supplies, sweaty workout clothes, or heavy hiking gear, backpacks come in various sizes, from small to extra-large. Here’s how you can wash them properly.
After several uses, dust, liquids, or even food particles can accumulate both inside and outside your backpack, making it dirty and potentially smelly. Although it might seem challenging, everyday backpacks designed for daily use are generally easy to clean, especially if they’re made of nylon and can be machine-washed.
Some backpacks may need handwashing due to their material. If your backpack has a water-resistant coating, you can identify it by feeling the fabric on both sides. If one side is smooth and the other is not as smooth, it likely has a water-resistant coating. Such backpacks should not be machine-washed and require handwashing. Regularly cleaning your backpack not only keeps it looking clean but also extends its lifespan.
Handwashing Your Backpack
Empty Your Backpack
The first step is to empty your backpack patiently and carefully, ensuring that all items sensitive to water are removed. Flip the pockets inside out and take out larger items that might be inside. Use a dust vacuum cleaner with a laptop-friendly attachment to clean out small debris and dust. Leave the zippers open when done.
Place the removed items in plastic bags or ziplock bags so that you can put them back in their original places once the backpack is clean and dry. It’s also an excellent time to clean your items, like small towels and water bottles, to ensure everything you carry later stays fresh and clean.
Check the Backpack Label
Most backpacks come with washing instructions on a label inside. This label ensures you don’t damage your backpack during washing and indicates whether it’s machine-washable. It is typically found inside the backpack near the zipper.
Read the label carefully as it provides useful information about your backpack. Labels often indicate whether the backpack is water-resistant. If your backpack doesn’t have a label, perform a small test wash to check for any color changes in the fabric. If there’s no change, you can proceed with washing; otherwise, opt for a lighter cleaning solution.
Prepare the Backpack
If your backpack has a metal frame inside, remove it. Some models have detachable metal frames supporting the back, and these should be removed before washing. If your backpack has detachable pockets, remove and soak them separately to ensure a thorough cleaning. Additionally, trim any loose threads that may interfere during washing, ensuring your backpack won’t get damaged.
Use Stain Remover
For tough stains that regular cleaning can’t remove, use a stain remover or degreaser. Spray it directly on the stain and use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the dirt away. Let the stain remover sit for 30-40 minutes to maximize effectiveness. This step helps eliminate most stains before the final wash. Alternatively, for fresh stains, use a mild detergent solution and a toothbrush to gently scrub the affected area.
Use Warm Water
Fill your bathtub, a large basin, or a laundry sink with warm water. Ensure the water is warm but not hot, as hot water may cause colors to fade or damage the fabric. If your backpack is colorful, using hot water may also set the stains instead of removing them. Use a gentle detergent that is free of dyes or fragrances. You want your backpack to have a neutral scent after washing.
Soak the Backpack
Spread your backpack in the water (or don’t if the label instructs against it) and use a cloth or a brush to clean the dirt. You can switch to a coarse brush if the backpack is made of canvas, for example. If your backpack has a lot of mesh or intricate designs, use a sponge. To reach challenging areas, use an old toothbrush. You can perform this step for as long as needed until the backpack is clean.
Rinse Thoroughly
After using soap, rinse your backpack thoroughly to remove any remaining soap. Try to squeeze as much water as possible out of the backpack without altering its shape. If you’re concerned about squeezing, place the backpack on a towel and wrap the towel around it to absorb excess water. This way, you can eliminate a significant amount of water.
Drying Your Backpack
After rinsing off the detergent and water, hang your backpack upside down to allow any remaining water to drip out. This ensures that gravity works in your favor. You can do this indoors, but it’s preferable to do it outdoors when the sun is shining.
Washing Backpacks with a Washing Machine
The preparation until placing the backpack in the washing machine is the same as washing it manually. Steps 1-4 (until using stain remover) remain unchanged. After you have eliminated or reduced stains, it’s time to put the backpack in the washing machine.
Using the Washing Machine
Ideally, do not put the backpack directly into the washing machine. If you have a laundry bag, place the backpack inside it before putting it in the washing machine. The laundry bag will protect hanging zippers or straps securely and prevent them from tangling inside the machine, causing damage to both the machine and the bag. If you don’t have a laundry bag, you can turn the inside out of the backpack to achieve the same result.
Use a mild liquid detergent and set the washing machine temperature to cold or warm. Choose the gentlest setting on your washing machine. After a few spin cycles, the bag may become wrinkled. You need to straighten or flatten it several times before starting the spin cycle again.
Drying Your Backpack
This process allows the moisture inside the backpack to evaporate, preventing mold formation. Just like before, you should wait until your backpack is entirely dry before storing it to avoid mold growth and ensure you’re not in for an unpleasant surprise when you use it next.
Conclusion
If you follow these instructions carefully, your backpack is likely to come out clean. After cleaning and drying, you may need to maintain the zippers by lubricating them to prevent rust. Regular washing of your backpack is not necessary. Cleaning it once or twice a year is enough, as excessive washing can damage the fabric and its water-resistant coating if it has one.
