For children, students, and tourists who need to carry supplies and schoolwork on the go, backpacks are a necessity. Food, dampness and general wear and tear can cause a backpack to become odorous and dirty over time. Fortunately, most backpacks are made to withstand normal wear and tear and are rather easy to clean. You can maintain the cleanliness of your bag and possibly increase its longevity with a few mild cleaning agents and a little bit of patience. Here is method for How to Hand Wash a Backpack.
Empty your backpack
Take everything out of your backpack. Anything in your bag that could be harmed by water is not something you want to wash. To clean the hard-to-reach internal corners of your backpack that may contain tiny bits of trash and dirt, turn it inside out and use a small vacuum. After emptying your backpack completely, do not zip the pockets.
Get your backpack ready for cleaning
To remove outside dust and loose dirt, use your hands. Next, give your bag’s exterior a quick wipedown with a wet cloth. This will help keep your cleaning water as clean as possible while also removing large, surface-level dirt.
Check the backpack care label
To make sure you are washing your bag in a way that won’t damage it, always refer to the backpack’s care instructions, if any exist. Usually found in the main zipper pouch of the backpack, care labels are situated along a side seam. Backpack care labels typically include instructions on how to wash and dry the bag in order to preserve its sustainability.
Pretreat any stains
To address soiled areas, use any pretreatment stain remover of your choice; stay away from bleach. After scrubbing away any remaining stain residue with a soft brush, let the treatment sit in place for up to half an hour. When you wash the bag, the discoloration should mostly go away.
If staining pretreatment is not available, you can use a brush soaked in a 50:50 mixture of water and liquid detergent.
Fill a large sink or bathtub with lukewarm water
Pour warm water into a large bathtub or basin. This can also be done in a laundry sink or basin. Make sure you have enough space to thoroughly clean the backpack’s pockets and compartments. Stay mindful of hot water, as it may cause the backpack’s colors to bleed.
Try using a moistened rag to moisten and clean certain areas of the backpack if the care label advises against soaking it entirely.
Pour some mild dish soap into the water
You must use a mild cleaner devoid of chemicals, dyes and scents while using detergent. This is because strong chemicals may harm the fabric of your backpack and the scents and colors may cause skin irritation.
Use a soft brush or cloth to clean your backpack
You have two options: dip your scrub brush or cleaning rag into the water or completely soak your backpack in it. A rag is a preferable option for basic bag cleaning, while a brush can be used to help clean the dirty spots.
Make sure your backpack is dry
Instead of using a drying machine, let the bag dry naturally. When the backpack dries, if at all feasible, hang it upside down with the pockets open.
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