How to Clean Waterproof Backpacks
Photo by Vinta Supply Co. | NYC from Pexels washing waterpoof backpacks
Backpacks are heaven-sent. They can contain almost everything that you want to bring along to any situation.
These bags are also able to withstand any kind of weather. Rain or shine, they protect the things inside them with little to no problem.
However, they can get overused. While backpacks are resilient, they are not dirt-proof, nor are they damage-proof.
Like any good owner would, maintenance work must be done even for the toughest bags in the world. But how do you even clean something that is made to resist water?
Well, look no further! This article is here to help you in doing exactly that!
The Essentials washing waterproof backpacks
When washing waterproof bags, you need to have some materials that will live up to the task on hand. But contrary to what you may be thinking, the materials that you will be using can be easily found inside your home.
The first thing that you need is, of course, the cleaning agent. In this case, you will need gentle detergent since it will not break down the waterproof layer of the bag.
Also, use the liquid type detergents, and not those that are in powder form. The latter might clump up and be even more problematic than the one you had in the first place.
Another material you will need is an old and unused (but also clean) toothbrush. You will also need a piece of cloth, preferably a microfibre towel.
Lastly, take out a feather duster. Your bag may not be a piece of furniture, but it sure as heck is nasty and dusty!
Choose Your Mode of Cleaning
Handwashing washing waterpoof backpacks
This method is highly recommended by bag manufacturers as it reduces the risk of damage, as well as discolouration. It is also not as stressful as it seems!
First, open every single zipper in your bag and empty it. Make sure that coins, keys, or even stray candy wrappers are taken out so that it will not disrupt the cleaning process.
When you are satisfied that all the significant bits are removed, its time to use your feather duster. Sweep it around and inside the bag so that virtually all the microscopic dirt and dust will get removed.
If your bag has some stains on them, do pretreat them. Dip the microfibre cloth on the detergent and rub them on the stains using circular motions.
Fill a large basin with lukewarm water and mix in some of the gentle detergent until all is dissolved and homogenous. Then, when you think that it is ready, submerge your bag, rubbing and brushing it inside and out.
Make sure that you will be able to reach the deepest corners of your bag. Take your time when doing this so that all the stains and dirt will be removed and your bag will be as good as new.
Don’t forget the zippers, too! Use your old toothbrush to clean and remove all the threads that may potentially block it from functioning correctly.
When you feel like you have cleaned your bag enough, rinse it thoroughly with lukewarm water. Again, take care that you reach even the deepest parts of your bag so that it will not reek of bad smells.
After the cleanup process, air dry your bag. No dryers here, or it will shrink your bag and damage its waterproof covering.
Washing Machine
You can also opt to use your washer, too. The first few procedures are the same: bag clearing, dusting, then pretreating.
However, before you plunge the bag in the washer, place it first inside a laundry bag so that its straps, hooks, and other attachments will not get snagged. Then, fill your machine with cold water and the gentle detergent, and let it all go in a regular cycle.
After removing the backpack from the laundry bag, rinse it once more- manually. This will ensure that no soap is left lingering on its surface.
Air dry your backpack for a few hours. And voila! Your bag is now as good as new.
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