Can you machine wash a backpack

If there is no label, test-clean a small area of the bag's surface and interior before you wash the whole thing. And take the time to clear everything out of the backpack. Put everything into a plastic bag, so it all stays together while you're washing; clean or replace anything that's soiled, so you're not putting anything dirty back into a clean backpack.

Make sure to get into every compartment, so you don't miss a thing. If there are crumbs and dust in the crevices, use a handheld vacuum get out as much as you can; Shager also recommends a computer-keyboard air blower.

For hard-to-remove muck, try a clean makeup brush, she says: "The soft bristles will help loosen the debris while minimizing damage to the fabric. Leave all the pockets unzipped. Cut away any threads near zipping areas, so they don't get snagged during washing.

Can you put a backpack in the washer? With most bags, the answer is yes. It depends on the material, but most backpacks made of nylon or canvas and are safe to put in the washing machine. If the bag has leather trim, don't machine-wash.

If there are any exterior or interior stains, gently apply some stain remover with a soft brush or toothbrush to affected areas and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Remove any detachable straps, pockets, or smaller bags and hand-wash them separately. How to wash your backpack without a washing machine If the care instructions for your backpack recommend spot cleaning , here's how to do that: If the straps are made of woven fabric and can be removed, first wash them in a warm sudsy solution of water and a deep-cleaning detergent, like Good Housekeeping Seal star Tide Hygienic Clean , to break down any heavy grime embedded in the woven fibers.

Rinse the straps well in cool water, blot them in a clean towel, and air dry. Then, mix a few drops of dish soap in a small bowl of warm water. Dip a sponge or cloth in the sudsy mixture and use it to wipe the interior of the backpack itself. Use a soft scrub brush, or an old toothbrush, to scrub difficult stains.

Using a clean, damp microfiber cloth our favorite is from eCloth , wipe down the entire interior and exterior of the backpack. Rinse the cloth in clean water, wring, and repeat to remove any remaining soapy residue. Hang the backpack upside down to air dry. Do not tumble dry. Tide walmart. Dish Soap 3-Pack. Dawn amazon. Microfiber Cleaning Cloth. Customer Service. Home Advice How to clean a backpack. Cleaning your backpack. Extend the lifespan of your backpack with the right care.

Washing your backpack Can I wash my backpack in a washing machine? Drying your backpack Waterproofing your backpack. When is it time to wash your backpack? Wash your backpack gently and remove any dirt. In the washing machine? Tips on how to clean your backpack.

Empty your backpack completely after each use. Get rid of any dirt with a brush and soapy water. Never machine-wash your backpack or put it in the dryer, as this will damage the PU coating. Backpack materials should not be ironed. Always make sure any zippers are dirt free. Dry your backpack thoroughly and store it correctly. Open all the zippers and place your pack in a dry place or hang it up, upside down. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or near a heat source, like an electric heater or open fire.

Instead, choose a pine oil, phenolic disinfectant, or disinfectant wipe. Pine oil disinfectants are effective in warm water. To be effective, the product must contain at least 80 percent pine oil. Phenolic disinfectants are also effective in warm water and will not harm fabrics.

Lysol disinfectant is available in a liquid, wipe , and spray formulas. To disinfect the inside and outside of the backpack, mix a one-to-one solution of the disinfectant and warm water.

Use a clean sponge or cloth to carefully wipe down the surfaces. You can also add the disinfectant to the wash water follow label directions for the correct amount when hand-washing or machine-washing the bag.

Use an old towel to wipe down the inside of the pack and each of the pockets. Allow the backpack to air-dry by hanging it with the zippers and pockets open as much as possible. Don't place in a hot dryer or dry in direct sunlight because that could damage some fabrics.

A backpack is generally designed to take a beating. Hanging a backpack from a hook or placing it on a chair or table is an ideal way to store your backpack on a daily basis.

If you need to store it long-term, however, make sure it's clean and empty before putting it away. When not in use, store it flat, dry, and clean in a plastic bin, or place it on a closet shelf. A broken backpack is of no use, especially if there are holes and broken zippers that let contents fall out of the bag. Interior pocket rips can be mended with a needle and thread if you can reach the tear, which is typically on a seam. Fix exterior mesh pocket tears with similar fabric patches, which will make the pocket functional again.

Depending on the design of the straps, broken ones can be fixed. If the strap goes through a buckle, you might need to cut down the strap and use an anvil to create another hole for the buckle.

If a strap, zipper, or buckle needs replacement and the fabric is too tough to sew through with a needle and thread, consult a shoe repair professional who also has the right tools to fix handbags.