How to Wash a Backpack? 2 Best Methods

9 min readApr 23, 2023

If you are thinking about a backpack so it gets dirty very quickly. A backpack is a staple item for many people, from students to outdoor enthusiasts. With frequent use, backpacks can gather dirt, stains, and odors, making it necessary to clean them regularly. If you need to use your backpack again, wash it properly before using it.

Properly washing a backpack is crucial to keep it in good condition and ensure its longevity. Hence, people often wonder how to wash a backpack?

In this blog, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to wash a backpack, whether you choose to hand wash or machine wash it. We’ll also share tips on how to spot clean stains and dry your backpack without causing damage. Follow these simple steps to keep your backpack looking and smelling fresh for years to come.

Material You Have Before Cleaning the Backpack

Before cleaning your backpack, it’s important to gather the necessary materials to ensure the cleaning process goes smoothly. Here are the materials you’ll need:

Mild detergent or soap
Soft-bristled brush or sponge
Lukewarm water
Pillowcase or laundry bag
Towel

General Guidelines

By using these materials with the following guidelines, you can ensure a thorough and efficient cleaning process for your backpack.

Use a gentle detergent or soap to clean your backpack. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, as these can damage the backpack’s materials.
You’ll need a soft-bristled brush or sponge to remove any dirt or stains on the backpack’s surface.
Use lukewarm water to wash your backpack, as hot water can damage some backpack materials.
If you’re machine washing your backpack, place it inside a pillowcase or laundry bag to protect it from getting damaged.
You’ll need a towel to dry your backpack after washing it.

How to Wash a Backpack? 2 Methods

There are two best methods for washing a backpack: machine washing and hand washing. These methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately depends on the type of backpack you have and your personal preference.

Method 1: How to Wash a Backpack in a Washer

Step 1: Prepare the Backpack

Empty the backpack and remove any loose dirt or debris from the backpack by gently brushing it with a soft-bristled brush or sponge. Leave all pockets unzipped and remove any detachable straps or metal frames.

Step 2: Follow the care label instructions

Look for any care label inside the backpack to read the instructions for cleaning. In case, there isn’t a label, be careful and use only one-fourth teaspoon of bleach free-detergent to avoid damage or fading.

Step 3: Spot visible stains

Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge and gently scrub the backpack to remove any visible stains or dirt. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can damage the backpack’s materials.

Step 4: Use a gentle cycle to machine wash

Cut any loose threads on the backpack beforehand and put it in a laundry bag or pillowcase to prevent damage to zippers or straps if caught inside the machine. Now fill the first line of the detergent cap and put it inside the machine with a gentle cycle.

Step 5: Air dry

Once the machine cycle is complete, hang the backpack upside down in the shade or indoors to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as they can cause the backpack’s materials to fade or warp. If the backpack is still damp after a few hours, use a clean towel to blot away any excess moisture. Before using the backpack again, let it air dry completely.

Method 2: How to Wash a Backpack by Hand

Hand washing is a gentle and effective method for cleaning backpacks made of delicate materials like leather, suede, or canvas. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to hand wash a backpack:

Step 1: Prepare the Backpack

Step 2: Follow the care label instructions

Step 3: Place the Backpack in Lukewarm Water

Wash it in a sink or bathtub with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild detergent or soap. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage some backpack materials. Put the backpack in soapy water, making sure it’s fully dipped inside. Now let it rest in the soapy water for at least 30 minutes to make sure it’s properly cleaned.

Step 4: Spot Visible Stains

Now gently dip and flip the backpack in the water for a few minutes, paying extra attention to any areas that are particularly dirty. Using a soft-bristled brush or sponge, gently scrub the backpack to remove any stains or dirt. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can damage the backpack’s materials.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Once the backpack is clean, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Hang the backpack upside down in the shade or indoors to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as they can cause the backpack’s materials to fade or warp. If the backpack is still damp after a few hours, use a clean towel to blot away any excess moisture. Before using the backpack again, let it air dry completely.

Bonus Tips:

Here are some of the tips you need to follow for cleaning the backpack:

A. Light Cleaning of Backpack

You can follow a quick and simple process to remove surface-level dirt, debris, or stains without fully washing the backpack. Here are some steps to follow for light cleaning of a backpack:

Empty your backpack: Before cleaning, remove all items from your backpack.
Shake out the backpack: Take the backpack outside and shake it out to remove any loose dirt or debris.
Spot clean any stains: If there are any stubborn stains or spots, use a mild detergent or stain remover and a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the area.
Use a damp cloth: Dampen a clean cloth with water and use it to wipe down the surface of the backpack. Thoroughly clean any areas that are particularly dirty.
Dry the backpack: After wiping down the backpack, hang it upside down in a well-ventilated area to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as they can cause the backpack’s materials to fade or warp.

By following these simple steps, you can effectively perform light cleaning of your backpack and keep it looking fresh and clean. Light cleaning can be done frequently to maintain the appearance of your backpack without the need for a full wash.

B. Deep Cleaning

For deep cleaning your backpack, thoroughly remove the stubborn dirt, stains, and odors. Here are some steps to follow for deep cleaning of a backpack:

Empty your backpack: Before cleaning, remove all items from your backpack.
Shake out the backpack: Take the backpack outside and shake it out to remove any loose dirt or debris.
Spot clean any stains: If there are any stubborn stains or spots, use a mild detergent or stain remover and a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the area.
Hand wash or machine wash the backpack: Depending on the type of backpack you have, you can hand wash it or machine wash it following the appropriate method outlined in the previous sections.
Rinse thoroughly: Once the backpack is washed, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
Use a disinfectant spray: To eliminate any lingering odors or bacteria, use a disinfectant spray to mist the inside and outside of the backpack.
Dry the backpack: After washing, hang the backpack upside down in a well-ventilated area to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as they can cause the backpack’s materials to fade or warp.

By following these steps, you can effectively deep clean your backpack and restore it to its original condition. Deep cleaning should be done periodically or as needed to remove deep-seated dirt, stains, or odors that cannot be removed through light cleaning.

How to Clean and Clear Backpack?

Step 1: Clear debris

First, remove all items from the backpack and brush off stray hairs and crumbs using a brush or vacuum cleaner.

Step 2: Try soapy water

Clean your clear backpack by washing it with dish soap or laundry detergent. Then, rinse it thoroughly to clear out the dirt and use a clean towel or cloth to dry it, and hang it to air dry.

Step 3: Try some nail polish removers (Non-acetone)

Some care labels instruct to use nail polish removers on a backpack with a cotton pad. Scrub it on the bag’s interior and exterior, then use a fresh cotton pad to wipe it off.

Conclusion

In the end, we hope that you are well aware of how to wash a backpack. Cleaning your backpack regularly is necessary to maintain its good condition and longevity. This blog has outlined the 2 best methods for washing a backpack — machine washing and hand washing — and provided step-by-step instructions on how to properly clean it. It has also provided general guidelines and bonus tips to ensure the cleaning process goes smoothly. Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to follow the care label instructions and avoid using harsh chemicals or hot water. With proper care and maintenance, your backpack will look and smell fresh for school and outdoor activities.

FAQs:

Is it safe to wash a backpack?

Yes, it’s important to wash your backpack regularly to keep it clean, fresh, and free from dirt, stains, and odors. However, it’s important to follow the proper cleaning instructions for your particular backpack to avoid damaging the materials or causing any harm. Additionally, some backpacks may have specific care instructions that should be followed to ensure their longevity. Overall, as long as you use the appropriate cleaning materials and methods, washing your backpack should not pose any safety risks.

2. What detergent should I use to clean a backpack?

When it comes to washing a backpack, it is best to use a mild detergent. You can use a regular laundry detergent or a gentle detergent or a detergent specifically designed for washing outdoor backpacks. It is important to avoid using harsh detergents or bleach, as they can damage the backpack material or cause discoloration. Also, be sure to read the care label on the backpack for any specific cleaning instructions or restrictions.

3. How long does a backpack take to dry?

The drying time of a backpack largely depends on the size of the backpack, and the material it is made of, and the humidity and temperature of the surrounding environment. Generally, a backpack can take anywhere from a few hours to a day or more to dry completely.

To speed up the drying process, you can wring out any excess water from the backpack after washing, and then hang it up in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors in a mild sunny spot. You can also use a fan or hairdryer on a low setting to blow air into the backpack and help it dry faster. However, it’s important to avoid exposing the backpack to direct sunlight or high heat, as this can cause the material to fade, shrink, or warp.

4. Is it possible to dry clean a backpack?

Yes, it is possible to dry clean a backpack. However, it’s important to check the care label or manufacturer’s instructions first to see if dry cleaning is recommended for that particular backpack. Some backpacks may have materials or designs unsuitable for dry cleaning.

If dry cleaning is recommended, take the backpack to a professional dry cleaner who has experience cleaning backpacks or other outdoor gear. They will use special solvents and cleaning methods that are safe for the backpack’s materials and won’t damage any zippers, straps, or other components.

It’s important to note that dry cleaning can be more expensive than washing a backpack at home, so it’s usually best reserved for backpacks that are particularly delicate or have intricate designs that may be difficult to clean.

5. How long to soak a backpack?

The length of time you should soak a backpack depends on the level of dirt or stains it has. If the backpack is heavily soiled, you may want to soak it for a longer period of time, whereas a mildly soiled backpack may only need a short soak.

As a general guideline, you could soak the backpack for about 30 minutes to an hour in lukewarm water and detergent. However, it’s always a good idea to check the care label or manufacturer’s instructions to see if they recommend a specific soaking time or method for cleaning the backpack.