HOW TO WASH A BACKPACK IN 5 STEPS
Whether you’re carrying sweaty clothes in a backpack after a workout or using it as an everyday bag, your go-to backpack can collect dirt and odor from frequent use overtime. To help keep your backpack looking good and smelling fresh, you may want to give it a deep clean once or twice a year.
Consider washing a backpack either by hand or in a washer, depending on the material. You can look for laundry symbols—often found on the care label on an inside compartment—for washing instructions. The following step-by-step guide can give you some general tips on how to wash a backpack.
CAN YOU WASH A BACKPACK?
You can usually wash a backpack, but first read the care label instructions to understand the best cleaning method for the fabric type. A standard backpack is typically made of more durable materials like nylon, polyester or canvas, which are usually suitable for machine washing.
If your backpack is made from a different type of material, such as suede or velvet, follow the care instructions specific to your bag. You may want to opt for hand washing or dry cleaning more delicate fabrics.
HOW TO CLEAN A BACKPACK IN THE WASHING MACHINE
Before tossing your backpack in the washer, check the care label to make sure you can submerge it in water and that this process won’t break down a protective coating. If in doubt, consider hand washing it. For tough stains, it may help to determine the type of stain in order to remove it. You can use the following steps to learn how to wash a backpack in the washing machine.
SUPPLIES
- Mild laundry detergent
TOOLS
Sponge or washcloth
Toothbrush or soft-bristled cleaning brush
Pillowcase or laundry bag
Old towels
STEP 1: PREP BACKPACK
Remove all the items from the pockets and compartments and shake out any crumbs or dirt. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt on the outside—a vacuum attachment can also work to pick up lint along the inner and outer seams. If possible, detach any metal frames, straps and hip belts. Trim loose threads around the zippers.
STEP 2: CHECK THE CARE LABEL
Look for the laundry care label on the inside of the backpack and follow the wash instructions. If you don’t have a care label, spot clean a small, hidden area with about ¼ teaspoon of detergent to make sure it doesn’t fade or damage the fabric.
STEP 3: PRETREAT STAINS
Mix a teaspoon of detergent with lukewarm water and use a sponge or brush to gently scrub any stains.
STEP 4: WASH ON A GENTLE CYCLE
Place the backpack in a pillowcase or laundry bag to keep the straps and zippers from getting caught inside the washer or tangled during the wash cycle. Add a small amount of detergent to the dispenser or directly into the tub, depending on your washer model. Wash on a delicate cycle.
STEP 5: HANG DRY
Do not put the backpack in the dryer—you’ll want to air dry it instead. After you remove it from the washer, use a towel to soak up any excess water from the bag and hang it up to dry.
TIPS FOR WASHING A BACKPACK
- Immediately treating stains and washing a backpack on a regular basis can make it easier to keep it clean in the long run.
Consider washing a backpack without other laundry, as the straps and zippers may damage other items.
Avoid drying a backpack in the dryer to keep it from shrinking or damaging the fabric and accessories like zipper pulls.
A freshly washed backpack may take a day or longer to air dry, depending on the type of fabric and the environment where it is drying.
- Apply protective finishes like waterproofing sprays only after the backpack is completely dry and only if your bag allows for it.
HOW DO YOU WASH A BACKPACK BY HAND?
Hand washing a backpack tends to be more gentle on the material than machine washing. Some backpacks, like hiking packs, have a protective coating that can be preserved with hand washing. You’ll also want to hand wash backpacks with leather trim or other embellishments like patches or embroidery.
Use the following for instructions on how to wash a backpack by hand:
Remove all the items from the backpack, shake out crumbs and brush off dirt on the outside.
Follow the care label instructions. If you don’t have instructions, test a small area with about ¼ teaspoon of detergent to make sure it doesn’t damage the fabric.
For stains, mix a teaspoon of detergent with lukewarm water and use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to wipe the spot.
Check the care label to make sure you can submerge the backpack. If you can, fill a sink or bathtub with lukewarm water and a tablespoon of mild detergent. Scrub the backpack inside and out with a sponge or washcloth. Use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to scrub the zippers.
Drain the soapy water and fill the sink or bathtub with cool water to rinse the detergent out of the backpack. If spot cleaning, use a clean sponge to rinse soapy areas.
Use a clean towel to wipe the excess water off the backpack, then hang your bag up to air dry.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® WASHERS
From everyday wear to tougher soils, Maytag® washers are designed with performance and durability in mind, helping you gently clean delicate fabrics or tackle tough stains. Browse the full collection of top load and front load washers by Maytag brand to explore features on select models like the Extra Power button, which boosts stain fighting on any wash cycle with an intense pre-wash and extra agitation. The Deep Fill option—also available on select models—uses extra water and robust wash action to help break down and rinse away messes.
