If you use your backpack all the time, whether for school or some serious hiking and backpacking through the woods, it will get dirty.Leaking food containers, weather, dropping it in dirt, and simply day to day wear and tear will eventually lead to a dirty pack and sticking zippers.
I have found the perfect way to clean and refresh and preserve your pack for another season!
Can You Wash a Backpack?
Yes you can! Since I prefer visual lessons, I found this video that is short and sweet and to the point.
How to Clean a Backpack
The trick is to use the right products. As tough as these packs are, they can be destroyed with harsh chemicals.
Check to see if yours has a cleaning label and follow those instructions first, otherwise start filling the bathtub as the washing machine will be to harsh on it.
I have also found that you can get the special products online. Worth the investment especially if there are a few packs in your household.
Having an old toothbrush around is perfect for the seams and some of the stitching especially if you have food or beverage leaks that get into the stitching and seams.
Sometimes zippers on packs can get sticky from spills, dirt, grime and more. After washing it is good to lubricate the zippers to protect them from damage or wear.
Vacuum Your Backpack
When you empty it, make sure to get into each pocket and then take a vacuum and really get rid of that built up dirt in the corners of pockets before you place it in the tub of water.
Open out all the pockets and then follow the video to gently wash.
Spot Clean with the Oxyclean
Take a old toothbrush and make a solution of oxyclean and some water and use this on the extra dirty bits especially around the seams and edges.
Do not wring your pack, simply swish it around in the tub and then empty and refill with clean water for rinsing.
Find a Place to Hang the Backpack
Away from heat and direct sun. Somewhere where it can totally dry out as you don't want to trade a dirty pack for a moldy one.
Allow lots of time before you need to use it again as it may take a couple of days to totally dry.
Once Dry Lubricate Zippers
Once it it totally dry (check the pockets and seams) then you can use some zipper lube to keep them running smoothly.
How to Clean a Backpack?
With a bit of patience, a few products and a bathtub, you will have that pack looking great in no time. This works for kids school packs too. Sometimes all they need is a good clean instead of replacing them.
Also check out how to wash a baseball cap and how to make a baseball cap holder for some more great ideas to make life just a bit easier!
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