Is your backpack still with traces of past travels? The new school year is starting, and there has been no work in the school portfolio since the beginning of the summer vacation? Got a hot workout and your gym bag is smudged? Is your favorite leather backpack not in the best shape? Any of the described situations can be easily solved by washing! However, you should not rush, as most manufacturers recommend cleaning the product from dirt and dust manually in a dry way as often as possible, and wetting it as rarely as possible. Let’s analyze whether and how to wash a backpack in a washing machine.

The backpack is designed for difficult operating conditions, so clothes and food are usually stored in a tourist bag during a hike, in addition, the material inevitably absorbs sweat. Such conditions lead to the fact that over time the knapsack loses its appearance and acquires an unpleasant smell.

How to wash a backpack in a washing machine

Which ones can be washed and which ones can’t?

There are many types of knapsacks designed for certain operating conditions: school, sports, tourist, fashion. Almost all knapsacks have a tag containing information about the material of the product, as well as the rules for its care. However, what to do if the tag is missing or has been lost?

Not all materials from which knapsacks, backpacks, and satchels are made respond well to washing, and for some, washing is prohibited at all. If the material is not known, it is better to carefully clean the product by hand.

To begin with, we suggest considering the materials that, if possible, must be protected from the effects of water:

  • cordura (a material that is thick nylon);
  • avizent (kapron fabrics);
  • ord (synthetic material made of polyester or nylon).

Proper care of knapsacks, made of the above materials, is carried out with the help of a low-power vacuum cleaner to remove debris and dust. In order to clean the outer and inner surface of such backpacks, a soft brush or a dry cloth is also used.

Next, we will consider materials for which washing in an automatic machine is the right solution!

  • Backpacks made of tarpaulin. Tarpaulin is one of the most undemanding materials used mainly for backpacks. It can be washed both in an automatic machine and in a regular washing machine, it easily tolerates temperature and mechanical impact. A knapsack made of such material can be pressed using a machine at low speeds, followed by drying in the fresh air.
  • Backpacks made from different types of jeans. Jeans are a material that is prone to shedding. In view of this, it is natural that it is necessary to wash knapsacks made of such material separately from other things, in addition, it is necessary to use a special bag for washing or an ordinary pillowcase. You can also use partial drying using an automatic machine at low drum speeds, which is especially important because denim backpacks take a long time to dry. When drying such knapsacks, it is necessary to take into account that the material may shrink.
  • Cotton knapsacks. Even if the manufacturer allows the possibility of using hot water, it is better to wash in cold water. You can dry with the help of an automatic machine, at low revolutions of the drum, it is necessary to remember that the material can settle.
  • Satchels made of hemp. Such products are mainly used as fashion accessories. Washing, even often, makes such knapsacks not only clean, but soft. In terms of washing, this material is not capricious – it easily tolerates temperature effects, drying in an automatic washing machine at low drum speeds is possible.
  • Backpacks made of polyester. Proper washing of such a product using a machine is quite possible, but it is necessary to first make sure that there are no decorations, additional elements and leather inserts. An automatic machine is well suited for washing polyester backpacks, as it is necessary to wash them in cold (30 degrees) water using the delicate mode. A feature of polyester backpacks is that they absorb odors well, which is also true for sweat. As a result, there is a need for more frequent care of belts and various additional inserts. This care is carried out using a soapy solution or liquid detergent and a toothbrush.

So, let’s consider the process of properly washing a backpack in an automatic washing machine in more detail and step by step.

how to wash a knapsack

Preparation for washing

Below is a general algorithm for preparing a knapsack, backpack, duffel bag or briefcase for washing. By following these requirements, you will avoid problems and achieve an excellent result.

  1. Take out the things that are in it from the knapsack. Any thing left in the bag can negatively affect the result of washing, for example, an ordinary pen can leak and lead to the formation of stains. If there are dirty or unnecessary things among the contents – it’s time to tidy up! To keep the contents of your backpack in one place, place everything in a bag.
  2. Use a brush to remove dirt and dust from the outer surface. For additional cleaning of the outer surface, you can use a damp cloth, this will improve the further quality of washing.
  3. You will need to remove the rigid structure, if it is present. Disconnect all additional elements, belts, linings (in the future, all this must be loaded inside the knapsack). So you can avoid damage to the drum of the washing machine. The most contaminated structural elements – belts and inserts, if necessary, can be cleaned manually, using a soapy solution and a brush.
  4. Turn the backpack inside out and thoroughly clean all hard-to-reach places with a vacuum cleaner set to low power. This will help to clean the knapsack from crumbs, small debris and dust. All compartments of the knapsack must be left open during washing, which will significantly improve the quality of cleaning.
  5. Carefully check the places near the zippers for the presence of extra threads and remove them. This way you will avoid fabric tears and zippers failing prematurely.
  6. It is necessary to find a tag with information from the manufacturer on proper care of the thing, usually it is located on the side seam of the main compartment of the backpack. Strictly follow the recommendations on the tag, if it is not there, it is necessary to do with either hand washing or local removal of impurities.
  7. We load belts and pads inside the turned-out knapsack. Place the knapsack itself in a special laundry bag or, as an option, in a regular pillowcase. So the backpack and its elements will not damage the drum of the machine.

how to wash a backpack

Selecting a washing mode

If you are convinced that it is fashionable to wash in a washing machine and have completed the steps described above, proceed to the next stages.

  1. Proper washing, for example, of a school backpack in a washing machine requires that the temperature regime is maintained in the range from 30 to 45 degrees (depending on the material). If there are doubts about the temperature regime, wash the knapsack in cold water, so you will not spoil the product and get a good result.
  2. We choose the most loyal washing mode – “delicate” or “gentle”. If possible, install an additional rinse.
  3. Be responsible when choosing a washing powder, it should not contain bleach. It is recommended to use soft washing powders in small amounts (1-2 tablespoons).
  4. Another feature of washing a knapsack is the need for constant monitoring of the process. Since the knapsack is kept alone in the drum in accordance with the recommendations, an imbalance may occur due to the overall dimensions of the latter. If this happens, stop the machine automatically, fix the bag and continue the process according to the program.
  5. After the machine is finished, take the backpack out of the machine and then out of the laundry bag. Wipe the backpack inside and out with a dry cloth.
  6. It is not recommended to dry it in the machine using a wringer, it is better to hang the knapsack on the street in an inverted state and with open compartments.
  7. It is important to take a responsible approach to the drying process, as even slight residual moisture will lead to the appearance of an unpleasant smell and the formation of mold.

How to properly remove stains from a knapsack

The dirtiest spots on the wound can be removed with a universal stain remover, which should not contain bleach. It is necessary to apply a stain remover with a soft brush and leave for half an hour (or for the time specified in the instructions). In the absence of a stain remover, you can use a solution of water and detergent diluted in a 50:50 ratio.

At the end of the article, we note that the best washing of a knapsack is the one that did not take place. Keep an eye on the condition of the product by periodically cleaning it locally to remove debris, dirt, and dust, and you won’t need to wash the backpack soon. And if there is still a need for washing, then do it correctly!

How to wash a backpack in a washing machine