How to keep your backpack nice and clean?

Backpack is an essential commodity equally for children, adults, backpackers and travelers to keep their belongings safe on the go. However, the backpacks wear and tear over time due to constant usage, moisture, and dirt. They become dirty and putrid when regularly come in contact with rough surfaces.

The best part is that most backpacks are made with robust and durable materials. As a result, they are resistant to wear and tear. They can also be cleaned regularly through machine wash with soap or detergents.  Some backpacks, on the other require careful hand washing as they are made of delicate material.

Some backpacks are sensitive to either of the washing methods mentioned above. These backpacks come with the instructions on the packaging that they need to be dry-cleaned. So, if you purchase those backpacks that are made from sensitive materials, then you need to give them for dry cleaning for a spotless and immaculate look.  Check out some great tips from Gizmoist.com to keep your travel mate clean 

Cleaning your travel backpack without dipping in bucket of water

Bags that can neither be machine washed nor hand washed, need water immersion or sponging with wet towel. Here, we have discussed step-by-step process of washing a backpack

1. Take a soft cloth and lukewarm water in a bucket without any detergent. Wet the cloth in water and clean the exterior and interior surfaces of the backpack.

2. Allow your backpack to dry for some time. 15 minutes would be enough if the backpack is made from water proof material and the sun outside is hot

3. Once the backpack gets dried, you will be able to see the dirtier spots easily that require detergent induced scrubbing.

4. For this purpose, fill a foaming bucket of water with added detergent, wet the cloth and give these glaring muddy spots a good scrub.

5. After that open all the zippers and apertures of the backpack and hang it upside down for quick drying.

Washing travel backpack in washing machine

1. Empty all the pockets, vents, zipper compartments and exterior side pockets before washing the backpack, and leave them open. This step is to make sure that there is no small valuables or any dirt clogging the pockets.

2. If your travel backpack has a metal frame then remove it before putting it in the machine so that it does not suffer any damage

3. Make sure that your backpack fits inside the machine tub. This is to ensure that there is enough space for the backpack to move around in the machine

4. It is advisable to place your backpack in a netted laundry bag for machine washing so that the straps do not damage the machine or get stuck in any machine parts. 

5. Always use a light detergent that is free of any bleach particles so that the color of the bag does not fade due to washing.

6. Always wash the backpack in cold water.

Drying the travel backpack in dryer

You should never dry the backpack in a dryer as it will damage your bag. It is advisable that you dry your backpack under the sun in natural light so that it doesn’t wear and tear in the dryer. It might take hours or even days to completely dry off your backpack in natural setting.  

Travel backpacks require regular wash for a clean and spotless appearance. So, it is advisable that you handle it with care while washing so that the threads don’t come off. These tips will guide you on how can you dry clean your backpack?