Can You Put A Backpack In The Washer? 7 Easy Steps

Your child’s backpack might be a little worn as the school year comes to an end. Fortunately, with a little preparation, a school backpack can be cleaned in the washer! The bag can be cleaned in a washing machine.

But not all backpacks can be washed in a machine, so make sure to read the label. In the washer, a non-washable backpack could cause damage to the washer or the backpack itself. To learn more about how to wash a backpack in a washing machine, please read this article.

Types Of Backpacks That Can Be Washed In The Washer

As we all know that not all backpacks are machine washable, so the very first thing we should do is to check the label given on the backpack and see whether the bag is machine washable or not.

Camping Backpacks with external or internal frames are generally not machine washable but if the frame is detachable then you can remove the frame and put it in the washing machine.

If the frame is not removable, you should avoid washing it in the washer because doing so could cause the frame to bend or break, rip the fabric, or even harm the washer’s drum.

Backpacks made with leather, suede, and vinyl are not at all washable in washing machines and if you try to wash these backpacks in the washing machine then the machine will damage the backpack.

If your backpack is made up of cloth and/or nylon or polyester synthetic materials, then it can be washed in the washing machine but before doing so, you must check zippers, straps, and buckles because these parts can easily get caught in moving parts of the washing machine and can easily become the cause of damage to the washing machine.

As the agitator spins, the straps may also become entangled.

Waterproof Backpacks or Backpacks with fabric sealer (common on many nylon backpacks) should be washed only once or twice every year because too much washing with detergent can lessen the pack’s ability to repel water.

Additionally, I will make the nylon look less brand-new and shiny. The fabric should be treated with water-repellent or waterproofing sprays to restore the worn-out coating.

The backpack should be clean and completely dry before spraying, though. Many believe in the “20/80” Rule and that backpacks with waterproof coating may need to be washed by hand only. By touching the fabric’s surface on both sides, it is simple to determine whether it has a waterproof coating. A waterproof coating might be present if one side is smooth and the other is not as smooth.

A waterproof backpack is said to retain 80% of its initial water-repellent power after 20 washes, according to the 20/80 rule, which some hikers hold to be true.

This rule applies to waterproof-breathable gear, but if your backpack has a polyurethane coating for complete waterproofing then it is not applicable because the material is even tougher.

Remember, all backpack makers do extensive in-house testing to ensure that their backpacks can withstand the rigors of washing. Maintaining cleanliness will prolong the life of your backpack and lower the likelihood of mildew.

The waterproof coating is not destroyed by simply washing your backpack, but it can be damaged by harsh cleaning agents.

So, it is always advisable to check the label first for opting for the best cleaning method. If the label specifically directs hand washing, these backpacks should only be washed by hand and not in a washing machine.

How To Can I Wash A Backpack In The Washer?

Step 1: Empty It Out

It must be empty before washing a school backpack in the washer. Not only the books but also all the tiny crevices and pockets should be thoroughly searched. Make sure no loose gum or pens are still present.

Step 2: Detach Removable Parts

Any backpack component that can be removed should be done so. Remove straps that can be detached. Has anything been added to the accessories? Remove them as well to prevent damage to your washer and backpack.

Any washable detachable parts can be pretreated and put inside a laundry bag, such as the ones shown below. If the straps have odors or stains, soak them for 30 minutes in a solution of one part water and one part laundry detergent, then scrub them with a toothbrush before washing them in the washing machine.

Step 3: Read The Care Instructions Label

The care labels are typically found inside the backpack. Observe the cleaning guidelines. If there is no label, test the fabric in a less noticeable area first with about a teaspoon of detergent to prevent fading or damage.

Step 4: Pretreat Stains

Before washing a school backpack in the washer, pretreat stains with a solution of one part heavy-duty laundry detergent and one part water. To get rid of the gunk, scrub the stains with a toothbrush. Don’t forget to clean the pockets, too!

Put the treated backpack inside a big laundry bag, then throw the bag in the washer.

Step 5: Disinfect (optional)

Has the questioned backpack held drenched workout attire? Have you ever had to clean a backpack in the washer while also wearing your PE shoes? The bacteria and fungus on your feet can spread to other things you come into contact with. A deep clean must include disinfecting a backpack that has held such items.

Add a product containing at least 80% pine oil, such as Pine-Sol, to the wash water before adding the backpack to the washer to disinfect it. Pine oil disinfectants work well, are kind to fabrics, and are a much safer option than bleach.

Step 6: Wash Your Backpack In The Washing Machine

You’re now prepared to wash a backpack in the washing machine, right? Throw the empty backpack into the washer to start the transformation since it is pretreated for stains and is in a laundry bag.

Remember to let the backpack and its components air dry after the wash cycle is finished; do not put it in the dryer.

Step 7: Air Dry

After the wash cycle is finished, gently pat away any remaining moisture with an old towel before hanging the bag up to air dry. Never dry a backpack or bookbag because the heat can ruin the fabric and add-ons as zipper pulls.

What Should I Do If My Backpack Cannot Be Machine-washed?

If the label says that your backpack is not Machine Washable then you shouldn’t wash your backpack in the washing machine. If you do so then the material, accessories, and coatings of the backpack may get damaged or it may wreck the washing machine spinner if it has an iron frame.

It can also compromise the structural integrity of your backpack. If your backpack is not washable at all, then spot-clean it.

Instead of machine washing, you can give the backpack a good old-fashioned hand washing.

Follow these simple steps to wash a backpack by hand:

• Empty your backpack.
• Prep your backpack for washing
• Check the backpack care label
• Pre-treat any stains with stain remover
• Warm water should be added to a bathtub, a sizable vessel, or a laundry sink.
• Gently launder the water with the necessary amount of detergent.
• Scrub your backpack with a soft brush or rag to clean it.
• Rinse your backpack thoroughly
• Dry your backpack naturally

Washing Different Types Of Backpacks

All types of backpacks cannot be machine washed, as was previously mentioned. What is the best way to wash backpacks made of leather, suede, or plastic?

Here are some important methods and tips to keep in mind:

• Plastic or vinyl: Use cool water to wash plastic backpacks to prevent fabric damage or melting. Create the detergent solution in a tub or sink, but use a cloth to dunk instead of the backpack to submerge it. Apply it to the backpack next so that you are only cleaning a small portion of it at a time as opposed to soaking the whole thing.
• Leather: To remove surface dirt and stains, use a dry leather brush or microfiber cloth. Utilize a reputable leather cleaner, like Chemical Guys cleaner, by putting some on a sponge or cloth. After that, gently rub it into your bag. Before applying a conditioner or leather protector, let the cleaner sit for a few minutes (or for the amount of time the manufacturer recommends). Leave on for however long the manufacturer recommends.
• Suede: Before using an unused pencil eraser to rub away stains, gently remove dirt with a specialized suede brush. To prevent new stains from appearing, condition the bag with a suede conditioner.