How to Clean Backpacks
In the daily routine of lunchboxes, science experiments, markers & pens, gum and more, backpacks are often-overlooked cleanup jobs waiting to happen. Cleaning your kids' backpack every few months will keep it looking (and smelling!) good throughout the year, and beyond.
The first step to cleaning a backpack is to empty everything out of all the pockets. Remove the treasure trove of papers, notes, coins, pens & pencils, candy & gum and other items, and set them aside. Look for any tags that offer washing instructions, as most fabric backpacks can be either hand washed or machine washed.
Directions:
Spot-cleaning
While most insulated and fabric lunchboxes can be put in the washing machine, some won’t hold up under the agitation of a washer.
- Dab the stain with a wet cloth or paper towel, then spray the stain with Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner.
- Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works great) to work the cleaner into the stained area.
- Rinse area thoroughly and air dry.
Hand Wash a Backpack
If your pack's washing instructions or care tag suggests hand-washing, fill a sink with warm water (hot water can make colors bleed), and add 1/4 cup of Simple Green. For larger bags, you can fill a bathtub with warm water and add 1 cup of Simple Green
- Using a soft brush or cloth, scrub the backpack thoroughly, focusing on seams, the bottom of the bag and other areas that appear particularly dirty.
- Use a toothbrush to scrub particularly tough stains and get into seams and difficult-to-reach areas
- Rinse your backpack thoroughly, and allow to air dry.
Wash a Backpack in a Washing Machine
- Set your washer to the smallest load on cold water, gentle cycle
- Add 1/4 cup of Simple Green to washer.
- Turn backpack inside out (to avoid zippers and metal parts damaging your machine) and add to washer.
- Remove the backpack and air dry. Do not place in dryer