How to wash a backpack in a washing machine

In the modern world, backpacks have become truly indispensable. Some use them occasionally, while others carry them with them all the time, which naturally leads to dirt over time. Fortunately, you can wash a backpack in the washing machine, but you must strictly follow certain instructions and observe a few nuances to ensure the item remains usable.

Depends on what kind of backpack

To avoid the hassle, you can check the garment's tag, where manufacturers usually indicate whether the item is machine washable. However, the tag may have been lost during wear, especially during heavy use. In this case, you'll have to determine whether the garment is machine washable yourself. Pick up the item and inspect it for:

• Adhered decorative elements. Typically, the presence of such rivets makes machine washing impossible, as exposure to water and If subjected to heavy traffic, they can peel off and damage the machine. At best, they will lose their appearance. These items are often found on children's backpacks. Therefore, machine washing a school bag requires careful attention.
• The fabric the backpack is made of. If it is made entirely or partially of faux leather, it must be hand washed.
• Seam strength. If everything is sewn well, you don't have to worry, but if the seams are about to come apart, machine washing will only make matters worse.

If none of the above applies to your backpack, you can proceed to washing it. However, before doing so, it's best to do a few more steps. Fill a basin with water and add a little vinegar and baking soda. If there are serious stains, treat with a stain remover and soak the bag in the solution for an hour and a half to two hours. Why is this necessary?

Backpacks tend to absorb odors, which can be extremely difficult to remove. A solution of baking soda and vinegar can help solve this problem.

Now all that's left to do is place the backpack in a special laundry bag or pillowcase to protect all the rivets, locks, etc., and place it in the drum.

Automatic washing process

Next, you need to set the washing parameters, which are extremely simple and clear.

1. The delicate cycle or one close to it depends on the model of your washing machine.
2. Wash at a low temperature, as much as possible. Typically, 30 degrees.
3. Minimum number of revolutions.

It would seem, why should such a rough item as a backpack be washed on a delicate cycle? Typically, backpacks are made from brightly colored fabric, which can fade if washed aggressively.

Be careful with hiking backpacks

This particular item of clothing should never be machine washed. This is because specialized hiking backpacks are made of fabric with added water-repellent fibers. Therefore, machine washing will damage the entire structure of the item. There are also other reasons:

1. Inability to wash out detergent. Fabrics of this type are difficult to rinse, and detergent particles will inevitably remain on the backpack's surface, which can subsequently lead to allergies and irritation.
2. Heavy washing stress weakens the fibers, which can then come apart and form numerous small holes.

Moreover, due to the water-repellent nature of the fabric, washing it won't produce the desired results. The stains will likely remain, but the item will be ruined.

We'll wash it in the traditional way

So what do you do with a dirty backpack if you can't machine wash it? Hand clean it, of course. To do this:

1. Take the item and remove any detachable parts. For example, some items have detachable pockets, while others have a rigid back made of special materials.
2. Take a brush and soap and treat each detail.
3. Pour warm water into a basin and add soap to make a solution.
4. Wash the backpack by hand and rinse.

Can I dry my backpack in the sun? Anywhere, as long as I dry the individual pieces separately and assemble them into the backpack once they're dry.

Important! You shouldn't wash backpacks too often or too rarely; find a happy medium.

If you see heavy soiling, you can soak it by hand to avoid further stress on the fabric. However, don't leave it on for too long, as over time, stains become more ingrained and difficult to remove.

   

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