How to Wash Backpacks: The Definitive Guide to Not Ruining Them

From the kids' school backpack that looks like it's survived a sandwich war, to the technical hiking pack full of mud or the laptop bag with coffee stains. At my laundromat, I see backpacks arrive in terrible condition, and often their owners are afraid to wash them in case they deform or lose color.

And they are right to be cautious. A backpack is not a t-shirt. It has foams, reinforcements, metal zippers, and waterproof fabrics that require special treatment. But don't worry, as a technician, I'm going to teach you how to wash backpacks correctly so they come out spotless without having to buy a new one.

Step 0: Can it go in the washing machine?

First of all, check the label. If it doesn't have one or you've cut it off, follow this general rule:

• YES to washing machine: Fabric backpacks (canvas, cotton), simple polyester (basic school bags), and nylon without rigid frames.
• NO to washing machine (Hand wash): Leather or faux leather backpacks, hiking backpacks with internal metal frames, backpacks with integrated electronics (USB ports), or with delicate embellishments.

Preparation: What nobody does and is vital

Don't just throw the backpack in. Follow these preliminary steps or you will regret it:

1. Empty it for real: Check every pocket. A forgotten tissue can disintegrate and cover the whole backpack in white lint impossible to remove. A pen can burst and ruin it.
2. Shake and vacuum: Turn it upside down and shake it hard so crumbs and sand fall out. If you can, vacuum the internal seams.
3. Disassemble: Remove keychains, carabiners, and if possible, removable straps or reinforcements.

Method 1: Hand Wash (The safest)

This is the recommended option for technical, padded backpacks or if you have doubts.

• Fill the bathtub or a large basin with lukewarm water (not hot) and a little neutral detergent.
• Submerge the backpack and use a soft-bristle brush (or an old toothbrush) to scrub stains, straps, and the back area, which is where sweat accumulates the most.
• Rinse with cold water until no more foam comes out. Do not wring it; squeeze gently to remove water.

Method 2: Machine Wash (For the brave and hurried)

If the label allows it and it is a sturdy backpack (like Eastpak or school types), you can use the washing machine, but with precautions:

1. Use a laundry bag: Put the backpack inside a large mesh bag or an old pillowcase tied shut. This prevents straps from getting caught in the drum or buckles hitting the glass.
2. Cold Water: Maximum 30ºC. Hot water can melt internal waterproof coatings.
3. Delicate Program: Short cycle and gentle spin (maximum 600-800 rpm). We don't want the backpack to suffer excessive G-forces that deform the foams.
4. Liquid Detergent: Avoid powder, which can accumulate in seams. And NEVER use fabric softener, as it damages technical fabrics and waterproof membranes.

Drying: Patience is Key

This is where many people fail. NEVER use the dryer. Intense heat will deform foam padding, melt plastics, and shrink fabrics. The backpack will come out misshapen and unusable.

How to dry correctly:

• Hang the backpack upside down, with all pockets and zippers open to the max.
• Do it in a ventilated place and in the shade. Direct sun can fade the color.
• Make sure it is 100% dry before storing to avoid musty smell and mold. Feel the corners and bottoms of pockets well.

Extra Tricks for Tough Stains

If it has ink stains, try a cotton ball and a little alcohol before washing (read our post on removing pen stains). For grease stains, apply a drop of anti-grease dish soap and rub gently.