On the way to the gym, school, work at the office... our backpacks are usually our practical daily companions to carry everything we need outside our homes, but they inevitably build up dirt, stains and smells. We are going to give you a step by step guide on how to clean your backpack and keep it in perfect condition.
Required materials
- Mild soap or detergent for clothes
- Soft bristle brush
- Sponge
- Clean cloth
- Towel
- Warm water
- Baking powder (optional)
- White vinegar (optional)
1. Empty and get your backpack ready
Empty your backpack: remove all items, paying special attention to the small compartments and pockets. Turn it upside-down and shake it out to get rid of any loose crumbs or dirt and dust.
Remove any removable parts: if it has removable parts such as straps, internal pockets or bottle-holders, remove them and clean them separately.
2. Superficial cleaning
Brush out any loose dirt: Use a soft bristle brush to remove any loose dirt and dust that has built up on the surface and in the corners of your backpack.
Cleaning localised stains: Mix a little mild soap with warm water and use a sponge or cleaning cloth to clean off any visible stains. Rub the material gently to avoid damaging it.
3. Hand washing
Fill the bath tub or sink with warm water and add a little mild detergent.
Submerge the backpack in the soapy water. Use a brush to gently brush off the dirtier areas. Pay special attention to the straps and other areas that come into contact with your body.
Empty the soapy water and rinse the backpack with clean water. Make sure you get rid of all the soap remains; otherwise more dirt could stick to the backpack material.
4.Drying
Use a towel to gently dab the backpack and get rid of excess water. To avoid it losing its shape, do not wring out or squeeze your backpack.
Air drying: Hang your backpack in a well-ventilated place, preferably outside, but away from direct sunlight to avoid damage to the material. Allow it to completely dry out before using it again.
5. Cleaning removable parts
Wash the straps and other removable accessories separately using the same mild soap and warm water solution as before. Rinse them well and allow them to air dry.
If your backpack has a frame, clean it with a damp cloth and allow it to dry before replacing it.
Extra tips
Clean your backpack regularly to avoid dirt from building up and stubborn stains from forming.
To get rid of or prevent bad smells, sprinkle some baking powder inside the backpack and leave it for a few hours. Shake it out afterwards.
You can use cloth covers or water-proofing sprays to protect your backpack from water damage.
