Useful tips on how to wash a school backpack in the machine and by hand

A school backpack is an essential attribute of most students. Daily use by a child cannot but affect the appearance of the bag.

Even expensive and very high-quality backpack models need to be washed over time. There are rules by following which you can refresh its appearance and extend its service life.

Is it possible and how to wash a school backpack (frame, with an orthopedic back, etc.) in an automatic washing machine and by hand? Details are in the article.

Is it possible or not?

There should be a label on the inside of the backpack indicating whether the backpack can be washed and what types of processing of the product are allowed.

Depending on the model, the following types of cleaning are possible:

• manual;
• in the washing machine;
• dry;
• dry cleaning

The latter option involves completely eliminating self-processing and transferring washing to professionals.

Dry cleaning is often used as an intermediate cleaning before the main wash.. But for some types of backpacks, it is the only way to put things in order.

To maintain a school backpack in hygienic condition, it is recommended to wash it once every 3 months.

Preparing for washing

Preparing to process a child's backpack begins with completely emptying it of its contents. After this, you need to shake it out, turning it upside down with the locks open.

If they exist, they must be eliminated in advance:

• fix zippers;
• trim hanging threads;
• sew up torn areas.

For dusty backpacks, the top layer of dirt can be removed by walking along the outside with a damp sponge.

Pronounced stains from food, grass, ink, etc. deserve special attention. They must be processed before the main wash cycle. This can be done with a stain remover that does not contain chlorine.

The product is applied with a brush with soft bristles and rubbed gently. If the stains are small, an old toothbrush will help to rub them out.

All removable elements, including keychains, must be removed before washing.. They are cleaned separately.

If the backpack is then sent into the drum of the washing machine, the zippers of the compartments should be fastened. For hand washing, on the contrary, it is advisable to unfasten them.

Manually

Hand washing a child's school bag is less common than washing it in a machine. If there are difficult stains on the outside or inside, they are treated with a stain remover.

After half an hour, proceed to the main processing:

1. Warm water is drawn into a large basin or directly into the bathtub.
2. Dilute the detergent.
3. Dipping a backpack into the water.
4. Using a sponge, clean the briefcase from the outside and inside. It is necessary to act methodically, treating zone by zone.
5. After finishing cleaning, you need to rinse the bag on both sides with non-hot water to completely remove any remaining detergent.
6. Dry.

In the washing machine

Washing in a washing machine is a very convenient option that allows you to quickly and effectively remove dirt from your backpack and refresh the appearance of the item.

Such processing must be carried out in compliance with all rules:

1. Prepare the bag for washing.Make sure all zippers are closed.
2. Pour the prepared detergent into the washing powder compartment.
3. Set the “delicate wash” mode.
4. Make sure that the water heating temperature is no more than +40? C.
5. For backpacks of complex shape, with seals on the back, it is advisable to exclude spinning.
6. Start the wash.
7. At the end of the wash cycle, remove the backpack from the drum.
8. Wipe the inside and outside of the product. This will allow the bag to dry faster and prevent mold from forming.
9. Dry.

Dry cleaning

Dry cleaning will help tidy up a backpack that cannot be washed in water. The following products fall into this category:

• made of natural or artificial leather;
• vinyl;
• containing special impregnations;
• having non-removable elements that are prohibited from getting wet.

For bags that cannot be immersed in water, cleaning can be done with a soft brush and a mild soap solution. If the material is leather, then it may be enough to refresh the surface with a damp cloth.

A good assistant in cleaning a backpack made of suede, leather or textiles are cleaning foams, which can be purchased in specialized departments of household chemicals.

Among them worthy of attention:

• Silver;
• Liqui Moly;
• Saphir;
• Salton;
• Twist and others.

The main requirement is to avoid excessive moisture in the material.

How does the material affect the process?

School bags can be made from various materials and have a complex design. For example, a compacted back, a large number of small parts. Most models are made from several types of materials, the features of which must be taken into account when choosing a washing method:

1. Leather, suede, vinyl. School backpacks made of vinyl, artificial or natural leather, as well as suede ones are prohibited from being washed.

   Their cleaning should be as gentle as possible - without significant moisture and intense exposure.

2. Denim. This type of bag should be washed separately from other items, as denim fades easily. The spin cycle in the washing machine should be set to minimum.
3. Synthetics. Synthetic material is used very often for school bags and backpacks. In most cases, such fabric tolerates washing well.

Features of processing frame backpacks with an orthopedic back

Many backpack models, especially those designed for younger schoolchildren, have special seals on the back. These may include plastic and metal plates. The complex design is designed to ensure that the backpack maintains its shape.

Frame seals require careful handling. For them, spinning and twisting should be excluded.

The video will show you how to wash a frame backpack:

Proper drying

After washing by any method, the briefcase needs to be dried. The best choice is to do it in natural conditions.

Procedure:

• After washing, turn the bag over so that the remaining water pours out from the inside;
• Use a moisture-absorbing cloth to blot the outside and inside;
• turn the product upside down and use clothespins or straps to secure the bag in this position on the rope.

During the drying process, the pockets should remain open to allow faster drying.

If you need to dry the bag faster, you can fill it with crumpled paper that absorbs moisture. You need to do the same with pockets. As the paper gets wet, it is recommended to replace it with a new one.

9 recommendations

When purchasing a new backpack for a child for school, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions on how to care for the product and whether wet processing is possible.

To carry out high-quality washing, it is recommended to adhere to the following expert advice:

1. For washing the backpack Do not use aggressive detergents that can damage the material.
2. The washing instructions given by the manufacturer should not be ignored. Violating them can lead to damage to the item.
3. For washing do not use products that cause allergies in the child.
4. Do not use hot water for washing - the material may become deformed and fade due to such exposure.
5. Using liquid detergent is preferable to powder - it dissolves better in water and does not form sediment.
6. The handles and straps of backpacks not only get very dirty, but are also a good environment for the development of pathogens. Their processing must be thorough for any type of washing.
7. It is better not to pre-soak a student’s backpack, as prolonged contact with water can cause deformation of the materials.
8. Rinsing it in a vinegar solution (1 tbsp per 1 liter of water) after washing will help eliminate the unpleasant odor from the briefcase.
9. Washing too often (more often than recommended), when there is no need for it, can cause harm - accelerate the wear of the backpack.

Conclusion

Cleaning a school backpack is a necessary event to keep the item in good shape. In addition to periodic washing, the service life of the product can be extended if the child is accustomed to keeping his briefcase in order and treats it with care.