How to Wash a Backpack

1. Infographics brought to you by: Backpacks are essential for kids, students, and travelers carrying homework and supplies on the go. Over time, food, moisture, and everyday wear and tear can make a backpack not only flthy and Smelly. Luckily, most backpacks are built to endure everyday wear and tear and they aren't that diffcult to clean. Most backpacks can be washed in a regular washing machine using detergent, but others need to be hand-washed depending on the material they are made from. With some light cleaning products and a little bit of elbow grease, you can keep your bag clean, and hopefully extend its lifespan. START Empty your backpack • Clear your backpack of any items. • Try turning the backpack inside out. • Use a vacuum to clean hard to reach corners. 1 Prep your backpack for washing • Wipe off any loose dirt or dust from the outside of the bag. • Use a damp cloth to wipe the bag again, clearing any more dirt or dust still remaining on the bag’s surface. • Remove any metal frames or detachable pockets and straps from the backpack before washing and clean separately from the main bag. • Cut away threads near the zippers. Threading tends to fray near the zippers, causing snags and rips in the backpack material. 2 Check the backpack care label Almost every backpack has a label with care instructions for cleaning the bag. The care labels for backpacks usually have recommended information on washing and drying the bag. • Follow the cleaning guidelines that come with your bag. • When in doubt, use the washing machines gentle cleansing cycle, or just gently wash the backpack by hand. 3 Pretreat any stains • Add a pre-treatment stain remover of your choice to any stained areas of the backpack. DO NOT use bleach. • Scrub away stain residue with a soft brush or an old toothbrush, and let the stain treatment sit for about 30 minutes. • A 50:50 solution of liquid detergent and water can work as a pre-treatment for stains if you don't have other pre-treatment cleaner. 4 HAND WASH 5 MACHINE WASH 5 • Fill a basin with lukewarm water. Make sure you have plenty of room to really wash out all the pockets and sections of the backpack. • Add a small amount (1-2 tbsp) of gentle detergent to the water. • Avoid hot water, as hot water can cause colors of the backpack to bleed. • If your care label indicates not to fully submerge the backpack, wet and clean parts of it with a soaked rag. Wash the backpack • Place the backpack in an old pillowcase or laundry sack • Place the pillowcase/laundry sack with the backpack in the washing machine • Add a small amount (1-2 tbsp) of gentle detergent as the washer flls with water. • Wash the backpack in cold or lukewarm water, using the washer’s delicate or gentle cycle. • Once the cycle is fnished, take the backpack out of its covering and wipe down outside and inside compartments of the backpack. • Scrub your backpack with a soft brush or rag. • You can either fully submerge your backpack in the water, or use the water to dip your scrub brush or cleaning rag in. • Use a brush to clean areas that are particularly dirty. A rag is suited better for general cleaning of the bag. • An old toothbrush can be used for getting tough stains out of the backpack material, as well as getting into the hard to reach areas of the bag. • If your bag is made of a delicate material, like mesh, you might want to use a sponge instead of a brush to prevent damaging the fabric. 6 • Rinse the backpack thoroughly of any soap or detergent in lukewarm water. • Wring out the bag to the best of your abilities. 7 8 Dry your backpack • Naturally dry the backpack by hanging it upside down rather than drying it in a dryer. • Unzip all of the pockets to dry thoroughly and evenly. • Make sure the backpack is completely dry before the next use or storing it away. Leaving the bag wet can increase the chances of mold growing on the bag. SOURCE: https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-a-Backpack For more review and guides for other product visit: or join us on: