Cleaning a Backpack and Eliminating Odor

Backpacks are used for many things, including hiking, school, travel, the gym, and more. They eventually gather crumbs from food, sweat, dirt, dust, and even mold. Your backpack needs a thorough cleaning if it appears dirty or has a nasty smell. However, how can you actually wash a bag to remove that lingering smell?

Fortunately, most backpacks can be cleaned thoroughly at home with a few simple tools and a little effort. This comprehensive tutorial will show you how to clean your backpack and get rid of any odors so that it looks and smells brand new again, whether you’re using it for school, hiking, or the gym.

Can a Backpack Be Washed in the Washing Machine?

A lot of backpacks can be cleaned in a washing machine, but not all of them can. Before throwing the backpack in, it is important to read the care label inside. The majority of fabric backpacks composed of canvas, polyester, or nylon can be machine washed on a mild cycle. Leather, suede, or packs with a lot of structure, however, should never be machine washed.

Machine cleaning may not be appropriate if your bag contains any of the following:

Leather trim or portions
Embellishments (patches, beads, etc.)
Potentially peeling waterproof coatings or linings
Sturdy constructions or internal frames

The safer option is to wash your hands when in doubt.

Materials You’ll Require

The following supplies should be gathered before beginning:

Mild detergent that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals or bleach
An ancient toothbrush or a soft brush
A fresh cloth or sponge
White vinegar (for scents) or baking soda
Pillowcase or laundry bag made of mesh (for machine washing)
Towel for drying
Disinfectant spray or essential oils (optional)

How to Wash a Backpack in the Washing Machine

If your backpack is machine-washable, follow these steps to ensure proper cleaning:

Step 1: Shake Out and Empty

Empty your backpack of everything. Unzip every container, then shake it vigorously outdoors to get rid of any dirt or crumbs. Inspect each pocket for any forgotten pens, paper, or strange wrappers.

Step 2: Remove Loose Parts

Remove any metal frames, keychains, or straps that can be removed. These could become broken or become stuck in the machine.

Step 3: Clean Up Any Smells or Stains

Scrub away any obvious stains with a gentle brush and a small amount of detergent. Apply baking soda directly to the fabric or neutralize odor-prone areas with a 50/50 white vinegar and water spray before washing.

Step 4: Make Use of a Washing Bag

Use a large mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect your backpack and your washing machine. Tie it shut or zip it.

Step 5: Gently Wash

Use cold water, a tiny bit of light detergent, and a soft cycle to wash. Avoid using fabric softener or bleach as these might irritate skin and harm the fabric.

Step 6: Fully Air Dry

Drying a backpack in the dryer can cause some materials to melt or distort. Instead, use a towel to wipe dry and hang it upside down with the zippers open so that it dries entirely by air. Pick a spot that is not in direct sunlight and has good ventilation.

How a Backpack Can Be Hand-Washed

If your backpack isn’t machine safe or you’d rather wash it by hand, this is the best option.

Step 1: Shake and Empty

As with machine washing, shake out any debris, unzip all the compartments, and dump the contents.

Step 2: Clean the Dirt Off

To get rid of dust and loose debris from fabric, zippers, and seams, use a dry brush.

Step 3: Fill a Basin or Tub

Pour lukewarm water into a large sink, bathtub, or basin, and then add a tiny bit of mild detergent. Mix by swirling the water.

Step 4: Clean and Immerse

After submerging the backpack in the water, carefully scrub it with a gentle brush, sponge, or towel. Take extra care of the bag’s bottom, straps, and discolored parts.

Step 5: Give It a Thorough Rinse

Rinse the backpack well by emptying the tub of washing water and adding fresh water. Rinsing it a few times might be necessary to get rid of all the soap.

Step 6: Pat Dry

To ensure complete drying, gently squeeze out any extra water (do not wring it out), blot with a towel, and hang upside down.

How to Remove the Odor from a Backpack

It’s possible for your backpack to retain smells even if it appears clean. Here are a few methods to get rid of the smell:

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda works well as an odor remover. Place it inside the bare backpack and let it there all night. Vacuum up the leftover powder after shaking it up the following morning.

2. White Vinegar Spray

In a spray bottle, combine equal parts white vinegar and water. Give the backpack’s outside and interior a quick mist, then let it to air dry. As the vinegar smell fades, unpleasant smells will follow.

3. The Use of Deodorizing Pouches or Activated Charcoal

For a few days, zip up the backpack and put activated charcoal bags or odor-eliminating pouches (such as Moso bags or silica gel) inside.

4. Essential Oils

Place a cotton ball in the bag with a few drops of lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil and let it there for 24 to 48 hours. These oils have antibacterial properties and work as natural deodorizers.

5. The Sun

For a few hours, hang your bag outside in the sun if it is not susceptible to it. UV radiation aids in the natural removal of odors and the death of microorganisms.

Keeping Your Backpack Clean in Between Washes

Once your bag is fresh and clean, maintain its cleanliness by following these tips:

Every week, wipe it down with a moist towel.
Food spills and crumbs can be avoided by keeping it tightly packed in containers or bags.
To keep soiled clothes, workout equipment, and toiletries organized, use pouches.
Regularly unzip compartments and hang it to let it air out.
To eliminate odors, vacuum it out and sprinkle baking soda inside once a month.

Is It Safe to Apply Disinfectant Spray on a Backpack?

Yes, you can lightly sterilize the interior and outside of your backpack with disinfectant sprays like Lysol or Dettol, especially during the cold and flu season. Just make sure there is no residue and that the spray is safe for cloth. Prior to reusing, always allow it to air dry fully.

Is It Possible to Dry a Backpack in the Dryer?

No. Keep away from the dryer. Heat that is too high can destroy waterproof coatings, melt plastic components or zippers, and harm cloth. Always let your backpack air dry instead.

Can a Backpack Be Cleaned with Bleach?

Only in cases where the bag is labeled as bleach-safe and is basic white in color. Avoid using bleach on most backpacks since it might degrade the fabric, cause fading, and leave behind lingering chemical odors.

As your constant companion, your backpack is worthy of occasional pampering. A fresh and clean bag makes all the difference, whether you’re going to the gym, hiking a trail, or to class. Fortunately, following a few easy procedures will make cleaning your backpack and getting rid of odors straightforward.

The next time your bag begins to smell like your gym socks or last week’s meal, wash it and let it breathe again instead of throwing it away. Your backpack will last longer, look better, and smell better with the right maintenance.