Empty the backpack

You don't want to ruin things you leave in the backpack while you're washing it. Turn the backpack upside down or use a small vacuum cleaner to reach the inside corners of your backpack which may contain small particles of dirt. Once you have finished emptying your backpack, do not close the pockets.Put all the things that were in your backpack in a plastic bag so you can put them back in once the bag is clean. This way you won't lose any important items.If you notice your things are dirty, clean them now while you wash your backpack. You should not put dirty things back in your clean backpack.

Prepare your backpack for washing

Use your hands to remove dirt and exterior dust. Then use a damp cloth to lightly wipe the outside of the bag. This removes dirt buildup and keeps the cleaning water as clean as possible.

If your backpack has a frame, be sure to remove it before attempting to wash the bag.Remove the detachable pockets and shoulder straps from the body of the backpack and clean them separately. This will ensure that every part of the backpack is thoroughly cleaned.Cut the excess threads near the zippers. This allows you to ensure that in addition to your clean backpack, you will also get a backpack without threads blocking zippers.

Check the backpack tag

You should always follow the backpack cleaning instructions (if there are any) to make sure you don't wash your backpack in a way that could damage it. Labels with cleaning instructions are most often found on the inside along a seam, usually near the main zipper. Backpack care labels most often contain information for washing and drying the bag properly and ensuring it lasts longer.Certain chemicals or cleaning techniques can damage the backpack (eg its ability to resist water), so you should follow the instructions that come with the bag.If the backpack doesn't have a label on how to care for the bag or how to wash it, test a small area of ​​the fabric to see how it reacts to the products you want to use.

Pre-treat stains

Use any stain remover as a pre-treatment on dirty spots, but do not bleach. Use a soft brush (such as an old toothbrush) to scrub away stain residue and let the treatment work for 30 minutes. Most stains should disappear when you wash the backpack.If you don't have a pre-treatment cleaner, you can use an old toothbrush dipped in a solution of one part water and one part laundry detergent.

Fill a large sink or tub with lukewarm water

You can also do this in a large basin. Make sure you have plenty of space to wash all the pockets and compartments of your backpack. Avoid water that is too hot, as it may cause the colors to fade.If the backpack label tells you not to fully immerse the bag in water, try dampening the parts you want to clean with a damp cloth.

Add a mild detergent to the water

The detergent you use should be a mild cleaner that is free of dyes, fragrances, and chemicals. Harsh chemicals could damage the fabric of the backpack (which reduces the effectiveness of the airtight layers of the bag), and perfumes and dyes could irritate your skin.Scrub the backpack with a soft brush or dishcloth. You can completely immerse the backpack in water or use a brush or a cloth dipped in water. The brush will help you clean particularly dirty areas while the dishcloth is more suitable for general cleaning of the bag.You can use a toothbrush to remove stubborn stains from the fabric of the backpack and to reach more difficult areas. If your bag is made of delicate fabric, such as mesh fabric, you should use a sponge instead of a brush to avoid damaging the fabric.

Dry the backpack

Allow the backpack to air dry instead of tumble drying. If possible, hang the bag upside down with the pockets open until it is dry. You can also try drying the backpack in the sun. This will also make odors disappear.Before using the backpack or storing it somewhere, make sure it is completely dry. Leaving moisture in it while you use it or put it somewhere increases the risk of mold growth.