A backpack is a must-have for students, commuters, and hikers. You should clean fabric backpacks once or twice a year to get rid of dirt and germs.
It’s easy to wash and clean a backpack by following these 6 simple steps.
Can You Clean a Backpack in the Washing Machine?
You can usually wash fabric backpacks in a machine, but first check for a tag inside with cleaning instructions. For leather or leather-trimmed backpacks, clean them like you would a leather jacket.
Materials and Equipment Needed
- Strong laundry detergent
- Mesh laundry bag or pillowcase
- Handheld vacuum with nozzle
- Washing machine or sink
- Soft-bristled brush
- Absorbent towel
- Drying hook or hanger
How to Wash a Backpack in the Washing Machine
Empty all pockets. Take everything out and leave the pockets unzipped, unfastened, and inside out if possible. Remove any clip-on accessories or detachable straps.
Vacuum the backpack. After emptying the backpack, use a handheld vacuum on all the seams (inside and out) to get rid of dust or debris. If you don’t have a vacuum, shake the backpack hard outside or over a trash bin.
Clean dirty straps and noticeable stains. For heavily soiled straps and stains, apply a bit of strong liquid laundry detergent that can break down stains. Use a soft-bristled brush (or an old toothbrush) to rub the detergent into the stains. Leave the backpack for at least 15 minutes before putting it in the washing machine.
Choose the washer settings. Use warm or cool water and pick the gentle cycle.
Keep the backpack safe. Put it in a mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase tied shut. Add some towels or another backpack to balance the load in the wash
Dry the backpack. Take it out of the protective bag and use a towel to wipe each pocket. Let it air-dry by hanging it up with the zippers and pockets open. Avoid using a hot dryer or placing it in direct sunlight, as this can harm some fabrics.
How to Wash a Backpack by Hand
Get the backpack ready. Empty all the pockets and take off any attachments. Vacuum the inside to clean out dust and debris.
Treat stains first. Apply a small amount of strong liquid laundry detergent or stain remover with enzymes to any stains and very dirty straps. Use a soft-bristled brush (or an old toothbrush) with the detergent to scrub these spots. Let the backpack sit for at least 15 minutes before washing it by hand.
Make a cleaning mixture. Fill a large sink or tub with lukewarm water enough to soak the backpack and add 1 tablespoon of laundry detergent.
Clean the backpack. Put the backpack in the soapy water and let it soak for 15 minutes. After that, move it around in the water to wash off the dirt.
Rinse the backpack. Let out the soapy water and rinse the backpack with clean water until all the soap is gone. Avoid wringing or twisting the bag as it could harm the zippers and trims.
Dry the backpack in the air. Wipe the inside of each pocket with an absorbent towel. Hang the backpack up to dry, leaving the zippers and pockets as open as possible.
How Often Should You Clean a Backpack?
It’s good to clean backpacks thoroughly once or twice a year. Wash young children’s backpacks more frequently, especially after sickness spreads at school or daycare, or if they use the backpack for wet gym clothes.
Additional Tips
- Empty a backpack regularly to get rid of crumbs, dust, and dirt.
- Between deep cleanings, use disinfectant spray or wipes inside the pockets to kill germs.
- If the backpack gets wet, empty it and let it air dry. Always store backpacks in a dry, airy place to avoid smells and mildew.
- After washing or buying new fabric backpacks, spray them with a fabric protector like ScotchGuard to help prevent spills and stains.
FAQs
How can you give a backpack a light cleaning?
To clean a backpack between washes, first empty it. Then, use a handheld vacuum or shake it outside to get rid of crumbs and dust inside the pockets. Next, wipe the outside with a damp microfiber cloth. Clean the inside of each pocket with a disinfecting wipe. Finally, leave the backpack open and empty to dry overnight.
What should you use to clean a backpack?
You can clean most fabric backpacks with a mix of your usual laundry detergent and warm or cool water. Wash the backpack in the washing machine or by hand.