Daily exposure of backpacks to dust makes them grimy. Especially, the backpacks carried by kids to schools become icky due to spillage of juices, and the stains of the other eatables.
Moreover, your nose is hit with the stink from your backpack when you place your sweaty clothes or shoes in it while going on a tour.
The problem is how can you avoid such a filthy backpack? Can you wash backpack in washing machine?
Yes, of course, you can!
However, most of you fret about how to wash a backpack. Can I put my backpack in the washing machine? Will it be safe?
Undoubtedly, all types of textiles are not compatible with machine washers.
Some materials of backpacks are sensitive to machine washes such as leather and stamps. But, you can wash nylon and canvas bags in washing machines without any hesitation. Plus, you can get help from the care label instructions to wash your backpack.
Through this article, you’ll come across a detailed guide about how to wash a backpack in the washing machine.
Step-by-Step Guide to Wash Backpack in Washing Machine
The simple answer to the question, are backpacks machine washable, is that it entirely depends upon the material or fabric of the bag. Never machine-wash your backpack if it has a leather trim. Once you decide the type of your backpack, whether it is machine washable or not, you have to proceed to the washing steps.
Therefore, let’s step towards the procedure!
1. Collect the Required Materials
Before you set to washing your backpack in the washing machine, make sure you have the following materials;
- A vacuum cleaner
- A mild soap or detergent
- Laundry bag or pillowcase
- Stain remover (non-bleaching)
- Soft-bristled cleaning brush
2. Clear the Backpack
It’s pretty obvious that before cleaning or washing your backpack you need to remove all the items from it. This will allow you to clean it thoroughly, in addition to preventing your gear from any damage due to water. Gather all your removed items in some plastic bag for the safety of your gear.
Ensure, that you empty every small pocket of your bag. Also, keep all the compartments unzipped to remove the debris completely. Usually, there are crumbs present in the bottom panel. So turn it inside out and use a vacuum cleaner to clear them from every part of your backpack.
3. Prepare your backpack for washing
Once you are done with removing the debris and crumbs from your backpack, go for cleaning the stains on the exterior of the backpack. You need to apply the stain remover with the brush gently on the stains. Keep it for a few minutes.
After it, detach the additional straps, small pockets, and chains from the zippers. Wash them separately by hand because they may entangle with some part of the washing machine. Also, cut the unnecessary hanging threads of your bag with the help of small scissors.
Moreover, if there is some kind of metal frame attached to your backpack, make sure you remove it. It may damage your washing machine.
For your further satisfaction, you may pack your backpack in the laundry bag.
4. Read backpack care label instructions
Mainly, backpacks come with the label of care instructions. These instructions very well give you the solution to your query, can I put my backpack in the washing machine?
The instructions usually comprise information about washing and drying the bag. Moreover, you’ll find this care label inside the main compartment of the backpack.
Always try to follow these instructions without ignoring them. The cleansers which are sensitive to the backpack are also mentioned. If not test them on the small portion before using it.
However, backpacks made up of nylon and canvas material are safer for machine-wash.
5. Wash the backpack
As soon as you’re done with all the pre-mentioned steps, move forward to the washing step. Fill the washer with lukewarm water up to a certain point and add a small amount of detergent, i.e, 2 tbsp.
Put the backpack in a laundry bag or an old pillowcase, if you want. Properly spread the backpack in the washing machine to prevent it from losing its equilibrium. Then set the settings of your washing machine to gentle cycle and turn it on.
After the cycle is completed, take out the backpack and wash the inside and outside surfaces thoroughly with clean water.
6. Dry out the backpack
As far as drying the backpack is concerned, I’ll recommend you always air dry it instead of using the dryer machine. Therefore, hang it outside on your lawn. Make sure all the compartments remain unzipped so that air can pass through every section of the bag.
Reuse it after complete drying, otherwise, there may be a chance of the growth of mold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you clean Jansport backpacks?
Jansport backpacks are mainly made up of polyester or nylon. You can wash them in a washing machine by following the above-mentioned method if there is no leather used on it.
How to wash a backpack with a leather bottom?
The backpack that contains leather parts should be hand washed in order to prevent it from color fading. You just need to submerge it in slightly soapy water and then wash it. You may use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub the stains.
Is it safe to wash a backpack in the washing machine?
Yes, it is safe to wash the backpack in the washing machine if you follow all the instructions given on the care label. The only thing you need to care about is the material of your backpack.
Final Verdict
Hopefully, the information provided in this article would be enough for solving your query, about how to wash the backpack in the washing machine.
However, make sure you detect the type of fiber and whether it is suitable for machine wash or not. Moreover, prefer to buy good-quality backpacks with care label instructions.
Arxal, the founder of BackpacksArena.com, shares their outdoor and backpack knowledge through beginner guides and product reviews to help readers make informed decisions. With years of experience and dedication to staying current on trends. The go-to source for backpack enthusiasts.
