Backpack

A backpack is a convenient and practical product. It is used in everyday life, people travel with it, go to educational institutions, and go to sports training.

During active use, the accessory inevitably gets dirty. To keep it clean, you need to know important washing rules.

Is it possible and how to wash a backpack in an automatic washing machine and by hand, how to clean a backpack that cannot be washed from dirt? You will find answers to these and other questions in the article.

Is it washable?

Every backpack needs to be cleaned from time to time. To understand how to properly care for your product, you need to refer to the manufacturer's recommendations.

They are encrypted in the form of icons, which are presented on the product label. Most often it is located inside.

It is not recommended to machine wash backpacks made of delicate fabrics. Other contraindications include:

1. The presence of a large number of stripes and reflective details.
2. The presence of a solid non-removable frame or USB port.
3. Availability of photo print.
4. The presence of obvious defects, broken fittings, unraveling seams.

Do not automatically wash bags impregnated with a water-repellent compound or other coating that changes its characteristics upon contact with liquid.

How to use an automatic washing machine correctly, on what mode?

Before loading your backpack into the washing machine, you need to prepare it. This stage includes the following activities:

1. Remove all items from the product, check pockets and sections. Little things left inside can cause damage to both the backpack itself and the washing machine.
2. Remove dust. To do this, wipe the surface of the product with a damp cloth or a soft-bristled brush soaked in water.
3. Clean the seams. They accumulate a lot of dust and small debris. If you cannot remove dirt with a rag, you can use a vacuum cleaner.
4. Remove decorative elements from the backpack, such as key chains.

Spin should be turned off or reduced to minimum speed. The optimal washing temperature is 30-40 degrees.

Once completed, you can turn on an additional rinse. This will get rid of any remaining detergent. Its particles are difficult to wash out of dense fabrics.

Therefore, preference should be given to liquid formulations, for example, gel capsules. They effectively remove dirt, working even at low temperatures.

Washing instructions backpack in the automatic machine:

1. The prepared item is placed in a mesh bag. Such devices are used for washing things to protect them from friction against the drum of the washing machine.

   Even if during the cleaning process any element comes off the backpack, it will remain inside the bag and will not damage household appliances. If there is no mesh, you can replace it with an old pillowcase.

2. Pour the selected detergent into the washing machine compartment.
3. Turn on the washing mode and wait for it to complete.
4. Remove the product from the drum and leave to dry in natural conditions.

Even the most durable-looking items can become damaged if washed intensively.

Wash by hand

Hand washing allows you to carefully clean the fabric without damaging the main elements of the backpack.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Remove all items from the bag, turn out and empty the pockets, vacuum the seams, cut off any protruding threads.
2. Rinse the backpack under running cool water to remove any accumulated dust.
3. Prepare a cleaning solution. You can use hand washing powder, gels, or regular soap. The main thing is that the detergent particles are completely dissolved in the water.
4. Apply the composition to the product using a sponge, distribute it evenly over the entire surface, and leave for 15 minutes. If the stains are difficult to remove, then the backpack is completely immersed in water.
5. Gently rub the contaminated areas with a soft cloth or sponge.
6. Rinse the product under running water. Let it drain, do not twist or wring out the backpack.
7. Dry it naturally.

If there is a rigid frame inside the product, then it must be removed.

How to clean dirt from a backpack that cannot be wet?

Dry cleaning involves avoiding the use of water. Products made of suede, vinyl, wool, Oxford fabric, bags with a permanent frame or with water-repellent impregnation are subjected to this treatment.

You can remove dirt as follows:

• Vacuum the backpack outside and inside. This will get rid of dust.
• Use starch. Sprinkle it on greasy stains, press lightly and leave for 2-3 hours.The backpack is then vacuumed or the powder is removed using a soft brush.
• Using special brushes. There are devices on sale that allow you to clean backpacks made of suede or nubuck without water.
• Using soda and salt. These components are mixed in equal proportions, applied to the item and left for 1-2 hours. The fabric is then either vacuumed or brushed. This method allows you to get rid of dust, grease stains and unpleasant odors.

Features for different types of products

Some branded backpacks require special washing conditions. There are also rules for processing products with USB and an orthopedic back. There are certain features of caring for leather and suede backpacks.

Beckman

Manufacturers of Beckmann backpacks do not recommend machine washing. However, most users load models into the machine, since it will be difficult to manually get rid of dirt.

Basic recommendations:

1. Remove the hard metal insert from the product. The plastic elements are non-removable, so they are left inside.

   Be sure to unscrew the light bulb with batteries; they are attached with double-sided tape, so they can be easily removed. There is no point in twisting a raincoat and Velcro decorations in the machine, so they are unfastened before washing.

2. Set the machine to a “gentle” or “delicate” wash program with a temperature setting of 30 degrees. The spin is turned off.
3. To prevent the backpack from hitting the walls of the drum, a terry towel is loaded with it. You can protect the print with a mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase.
4. A gel or liquid concentrate is used as a detergent.
5. After the cycle is completed, the product is dried under natural conditions.

With USB cable

If the backpack is equipped with a USB port or headphones, then you can wash it only after disconnecting them. Most often, such devices are removable, so there are no problems with caring for the product.

A bag with a USB cable can be washed in the same way as other similar products.. The type of fabric and the manufacturer's general recommendations must be taken into account. The method of cleaning will depend on this: manual, machine or dry.

If the USB is not removable, then getting such backpacks wet is strictly prohibited. Contact with water will damage the device.

Swissgear

Branded Swiss backpacks Swissgear are washed both manually and automatically.

The exception is products equipped with a rigid, non-removable frame and impregnated with a water-repellent composition. They are not loaded into the washing machine drum.

To remove dirt from them, use a soap solution, in which a sponge is moistened and stains are carefully removed. You can also vacuum the product to rid it of dust.

If machine wash is selected, use only liquid detergents. The water temperature should not exceed 30 degrees. The spin is turned off.

After washing, the product is not wrung out or twisted., leaving it to dry naturally.

Leather

A leather backpack is protected from prolonged contact with water and machine washable. It is not allowed to be machine washed. To care for the accessory, only dry or wet cleaning is suitable.

Use a damp soft cloth to remove dust from the skin. To combat stubborn stains, use a weak alcohol solution or soapy water.

Learn more about washing leather backpacks Here.

Kanken

The original Kanken backpack is sewn from a unique fabric - vinylon, so it cannot be washed in a machine. This will lead to damage to the product, the appearance of creases and discolored spots.

Bags from this company require careful care. Kanken backpacks are processed by hand, avoiding excess friction.

Gentle compositions containing a minimal amount of chemical components are used as detergents, for example, “Eared Nanny” dish gel.

If there is heavy contamination, soak the product in a weak soap solution for 15 minutes. Then the backpack is rinsed under running cool water.

Even more information about processing backpacks of this type here.

School

Information on the rules for caring for a school backpack is presented on the product label.. If the manufacturer allows machine washing, then it should be done according to general recommendations. The hard back is removed from the product and all items are removed.

To remove single stains, you can process the school bag manually. Use a soap solution and a brush, or a professional stain remover. Be sure to take into account the type of fabric and color of the product.

You can find out more about washing a school backpack Here.

Suede

The suede backpack is washed only by hand. Contact with water should be minimal. If possible, the product is dry cleaned using a special brush.

Washing rules:

• prepare a soap solution, it should be cool;
• Apply the cleaning agent to the backpack using a sponge;
• leave for 5 minutes;
• remove with a clean damp cloth;
• dry the product in natural conditions.

Do not scrub a suede backpack with a hard-bristled brush or treat it with aggressive detergents. Caring for it should be as gentle as possible.

With orthopedic back

The orthopedic backrest is removed from the backpack before washing. If it is not removable, then you should not load such a product into the washing machine.

You need to pay attention to the material from which the rigid frame is made:

1. The metal back is removed or machine washable.
2. The plastic inserts can be left on, but the product must be washed in a bag using a counterweight. To do this, load a terry towel or sheet into the drum.
3. Foam orthopedic backrests tolerate both hand and machine washing.
4. Cardboard backs do not tolerate contact with water, so such backpacks are subjected to either dry or surface wet cleaning.

How to remove stubborn stains?

Backpacks often develop stubborn stains that require special treatment. These include spilled ballpoint pen ink, chewing gum, and more.

Children stain their briefcases with watercolors. Dealing with such contaminants is not difficult if you use the right product.

From ink

You can remove ink stains using alcohol:

• soak a cotton pad in vodka and apply it to the problem area;
• leave the product to act for 5 minutes;
• blot the stain with a new disc, moving from the edge to the center;
• Continue erasing the ink until it disappears completely.

After removing the dirt, rinse the fabric under running water.

From paint

You can remove paint stains using ammonia. Use it in diluted form:

1. Take a tablespoon of alcohol for a 250 ml glass of water.
2. Soak a cotton pad in the solution and treat the stain with it. Leave the product for 2-3 hours, periodically changing the compress.
3. After the specified time, wipe the stain with a clean disk, and wash the treated area using a soap solution.

Fat

Grease stains can be removed dry:

1. Starch, talc or baby powder. Sprinkle the powder on the dirt, press it, leave it for 2-3 hours, then remove it with a brush or vacuum cleaner.
2. Salt and soda. They are applied to the stain, rubbed in with fingertips, left for 2 hours, after which they are removed with a paper napkin.
3. Mustard powder. It can be diluted to a paste, which is applied to the stain and left until completely dry. Then the mustard is peeled off and the fabric is wiped with a damp cloth.

If you can’t get rid of a greasy stain with powders, you can apply dishwashing detergent to it and wash it in warm water.

Gum

You can remove gum by freezing it. Instructions for use:

• place the backpack in a plastic bag so that it does not absorb the smell of the refrigerator;
• put it in the freezer for 4 hours;
• remove the product from the freezer, scrape off the gum using a hard object, such as a file or the blunt side of a knife.

How to get rid of the smell?

The easiest way to get rid of the smell is to wash your backpack. If the product cannot be wetted, then resort to the following method:

1. Pour soda into fabric bags and secure them so that the powder does not spill out. Activated carbon tablets or salt can be used in the same way.
2. Place them in a backpack and leave them for 4-5 days.
3. During this time, the soda will absorb all foreign odors.

You can use shoe deodorant by applying it to the inner walls of the product. Dividic neutralizes odors well. It is sold in departments with household chemicals. The price of the bottle is about 150 rubles.

Drying Features

You need to dry your backpack correctly. General recommendations to follow:

1. Do not wring items made from delicate fabrics or with a rigid frame. If the bag is completely fabric, then wrap it in a terry towel and gently press it so that it absorbs excess water.
2. Do not expose the fabric to direct sunlight.
3. The product should not be hung on heating devices or near heat sources.
4. Depending on weather conditions, the backpack is dried either in a heated room with a normal level of humidity, or on the balcony.
5. The product should not be hung, as unsightly creases may appear on it. It is better to place the backpack on a flat surface, having first spread a terry towel or other fabric on it.

The accessory should not be put away for storage immediately after drying. It is kept in the open air for several days. If you wrap the product in plastic or put it in a closet, unevaporated moisture can rot, leading to mold and an unpleasant odor.

Important Tips

To avoid damaging the product during washing, you must follow the following rules for caring for it:

1. The product must be washed closed. This applies to zippers, rivets, Velcro and other fasteners.
2. If the bag is being washed for the first time, then the selected detergent should be tested on an inconspicuous area of ​​the fabric, tracking its reaction.
3. For washing, it is recommended to choose the simplest detergents with a minimum content of dyes, fragrances and other aggressive components.
4. White backpacks can be soaked in bleach. It is not used for dark and black fabrics.

You need to start removing stains as early as possible. Old stains are more difficult to deal with.

You will find maximum useful information about washing clothes and various fabric products Here.

Conclusion

Keeping your backpack clean is not difficult. It must be washed according to the recommendations given by the manufacturer.

It is also necessary to take into account the type of fabric, color of the product, the presence of removable and non-removable fittings, orthopedic back. By following the rules of care of the product, it will be possible to extend its service life for many years.