Backpacks go everywhere with you—from school and the gym to hikes and vacations—so it makes sense that they get dirty, smelly, and stained over time. Washing your backpack correctly makes it look and smell fresh again and helps it last longer, mainly if you use it daily.
Can You Wash a Backpack?
You can wash most backpacks, be they travelling backpacks or laptop backpacks, but not all. The first thing to do is check the care label inside the backpack. It tells you whether it’s safe to machine wash or if you need to clean it by hand. Backpacks made of nylon or polyester are usually safe to rinse with water.
Canvas backpacks can be washed, too, but they might shrink or change shape if not dried correctly. Leather backpacks should not be cleaned with water because water can stain and damage leather permanently. If your backpack has a metal frame or wires for support, it’s also best not to machine wash it.
Get Your Backpack Ready for Washing
Before you wash anything, open all the pockets and take everything out. Check small pockets and hidden areas for forgotten pens, snacks, or coins. Then, shake the backpack upside down over a trash can or outside to remove crumbs and dust. If it has lots of sand or small dirt pieces inside, you can vacuum the inside using a hose attachment.
Remove any removable pieces, such as shoulder straps, chest belts, metal frames, or padded back panels, as you’ll clean those separately. If the backpack has a care tag, read it now so you follow the instructions for water temperature and soap type.
How to Hand Wash a Backpack
Hand washing is the safest and most effective way to clean a backpack without risking damage. Fill a bathtub, sink, or large basin with lukewarm water—not hot—and add mild laundry detergent.
Make sure it mixes well into the water. Place your backpack in the water and scrub every surface with a soft sponge or brush.
Focus more on places like shoulder straps, the bottom of the bag, the inside of the main compartment, and zippers because these areas hold the most sweat, oil, and dirt. Scrub gently but thoroughly so you clean the fabric without damaging it.
After you scrub, drain the soapy water and rinse the backpack with clean, cool water until all the soap is gone. You may need to rinse it two or three times, especially if it has thick fabric.
Once rinsed, squeeze out excess water gently without twisting the fabric, then hang the backpack upside down by its top handle with all pockets open and zippers unzipped.
Let air dry thoroughly in a shaded, well-ventilated area, not under direct sunlight, which can fade colours or damage certain fabrics.
How to Machine Wash a Backpack
Machine washing can be convenient if your backpack is made from synthetic material without wires, padding, or leather pieces. You should still take some precautions.
First, put the backpack in a laundry bag or old pillowcase to protect the zippers and prevent damage to the bag and your washing machine.
Remove all detachable parts beforehand. Use a small amount of gentle detergent and run the washer on a cold, gentle cycle with no spin or a very low spin setting. Avoid using hot water or bleach, which can ruin the fabric and damage any plastic components.
After the wash cycle, remove the backpack and gently press out the excess water. Don’t use a dryer because the high heat can shrink or melt parts of the backpack.
Instead, hang it up as you would after hand washing—upside down with all compartments open so air can circulate and dry the inside thoroughly.
How to Remove Stains and Odors
If your backpack has greasy spots, ink stains, or food residue, pre-treat these areas before washing the whole bag.
Mix a small amount of detergent with water and gently scrub the stained areas using a soft brush. A few drops of dish soap can help break down the grease for oil or grease stains.
For bad smells caused by sweat or mildew, mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a bit of water to form a paste. Rub the paste into the smelly areas, let it sit for 15 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
White vinegar also helps eliminate odours and can be mixed into the rinse water to neutralize smells naturally.
How Often Should You Wash Your Backpack?
Washing your backpack every few months is usually enough, mainly if you use it daily or carry food and gym clothes. If your bag is only used occasionally or stays indoors most of the time, you can go longer between cleanings.
Spot-cleaning minor stains and wiping down the outside with a damp cloth between deep washes will keep it looking and smelling better without wearing it down too quickly.
Best Ways to Keep Your Backpack Clean
To help your backpack stay clean longer, avoid throwing in loose snacks, pens without caps, or wet clothes. Use smaller pouches or zip bags inside your backpack to hold liquids, snacks, and dirty items.
If you spill something, wipe it off immediately instead of letting it sit. Hang your backpack in a dry spot when you’re not using it, and avoid setting it on dirty floors or wet grass.
If your bag starts smelling musty, air it out for a few hours in fresh air to keep it fresh between washes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make the mistake of using a washing machine on the wrong type of backpack or forgetting to empty all the compartments, which can cause damage to the bag and the washer. Others use strong detergents or hot water, which can weaken the fabric.
One common issue is skipping the care label—don’t assume all backpacks are machine washable. Another problem is drying the backpack in a hot dryer, which can shrink or melt the material.
Finally, remember to fully dry the bag before storing it. Leftover moisture can cause mould and bad smells.
Common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to dry?
Depending on the thickness and material of your backpack, it usually takes 24 to 48 hours to dry fully when air-dried in a well-ventilated space. Always let it dry completely before using it again, especially if it’s meant to carry books, electronics, or clothing.
Is it okay to iron a backpack?
No, do not iron a backpack. The high heat from an iron can melt synthetic materials like nylon or polyester, damage waterproof coatings, or leave permanent marks. If your backpack is wrinkled after drying, it’s best to reshape it by stuffing it lightly and letting it sit upright.
What about waterproof backpacks?
Waterproof backpacks should not be machine washed unless the label says it’s safe. Hand wash them gently using a soft sponge or cloth, and avoid scrubbing too hard, which can wear down the waterproof coating. Always air dry them completely away from direct sunlight or high heat sources.
Will my backpack get damaged with washing?
Washing a backpack using the proper method for the material rarely causes damage. Follow care labels, use mild detergent, and skip the hot water, bleach, and dryers to keep your backpack in excellent condition.
Can you put a backpack in the dryer?
No, never put a backpack in a dryer. The high heat can warp, shrink, or melt fabric, zippers, straps, and plastic parts. Always stick to air drying.
Can you wash a backpack in the dishwasher?
No, dishwashers use high temperatures and harsh detergents that can damage your backpack’s fabric, shape, and coatings. Stick to hand washing or gentle machine cycles only.
