Is your backpack dirty on the outside or inside? Below, you’ll learn how to clean your backpack. A backpack should only be washed by hand to avoid damaging the coated material. To ensure the backpack retains its full functionality, it’s sometimes better to simply leave stains in the fabric. Keep in mind that your backpack is a practical item that’s allowed to show signs of wear and tear. By the way, these tips apply to all outdoor backpacks—including daypacks, hiking, climbing, touring, travel, and trekking backpacks.
Here’s how to wash your backpack
Do not put your backpack in the washing machine!
Do not use harsh chemicals when cleaning by hand!
Be especially careful when cleaning the inside of the backpack to avoid damaging the coating. See the step-by-step instructions below.
To clean the outside, use a mild soapy solution with neutral soap or a neutral cleaner. See the step-by-step instructions below.
After cleaning the backpack with a damp cloth, let it dry completely!
Re-waterproof the outside of the backpack if water no longer beads up on the fabric.
Remove dirt from zippers with a toothbrush.
Use silicone spray to make zippers run smoothly again.
Why you shouldn’t put your backpack in the washing machine
The fabric your backpack is made of has an outer and an inner side. The outer side is waterproofed to make it resistant to dirt and water. The inner side is coated with polyurethane (abbreviated as PU) to make the material waterproof. You can tell this by the slight sheen on the inner side of the fabric. This coating is not entirely durable and would be damaged by frequent mechanical rubbing in the washing machine.
Step by step: How to clean the inside of your backpack
Turn the backpack inside out so you can easily reach the dirty areas.
Shake out the backpack and tap it to remove as many large particles (dirt, sand, crumbs) as possible.
If you have a compressed air gun or a can of compressed air, you can try blowing away stubborn dirt particles with it.
If necessary, use a soft brush (such as a clothes brush) and gently brush away the dirt with light pressure.
You can dampen the brush with lukewarm water to try to achieve better results.
If a liquid has spilled inside the backpack (milk, fruit juice, beer, etc.), use a mild soapy solution (add a splash of neutral soap or neutral cleaner to a bowl of lukewarm water), dampen a soft cloth, and wipe down the backpack. Wipe thoroughly with a cloth dampened with clean water to remove any soap residue.
Use a stiff brush (e.g., a nail brush) only in exceptional cases, as it can damage the coating because it acts like sandpaper.
If you used a damp brush or a damp cloth: Let the backpack dry completely before turning it right side out again. Otherwise, mildew spots may form. It’s best to hang the backpack up to dry.
When in doubt, it’s better to leave the stain in your backpack than to damage the coating.
Step by step: How to clean the outside of your backpack
First, give the backpack a good shake to remove any large particles of dirt.
Brush the backpack with a soft, dry brush—such as a clothes brush—to remove dry dirt.
In a bowl, prepare a mild soapy solution using lukewarm water and a splash of neutral soap or neutral cleaner. Dampen the soft brush and gently brush the soiled areas with light pressure.
Then rinse the treated areas thoroughly with clean water.
Let the backpack dry thoroughly. It’s best to hang it up to dry.
If, after drying, you notice that water no longer beads up on the fabric: Re-waterproof the backpack with a waterproofing spray, such as Nikwax. Use the waterproofing spray according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The same goes for the outside of your backpack: it’s better to leave stains on the backpack than to damage it—a backpack is a practical item, and function comes before appearance!
Step by step: How to clean and maintain the zippers on your backpack
Backpacks typically feature zippers with a fabric tape and a nylon coil.
Use a dry toothbrush to brush dirt out of the nylon coil and the fabric tape.
If necessary, use silicone spray to restore the zipper’s smoothness.
Special case: coated zippers: Carefully remove dirt with a dry, soft brush or a soft cloth to avoid damaging the coating.
Should you wash your backpack regularly?
The short answer is: No. Backpacks are everyday items that naturally show signs of wear and tear. They don’t need to be washed regularly to remain functional. You should only wash your backpack if it is exceptionally dirty or if sticky, greasy, or oily substances have spilled inside, or if liquid has leaked out.
How to store your backpack properly
Your backpack should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated, and dark place. Moisture can lead to mildew stains and a musty odor.
