A well-designed backpack is an investment that can last you through many years of travel and adventure. They may be tough, but it's important to occasionally wash your backpack, and spot-clean it after use to maintain its durability and lifespan.
BEFORE YOU WASH YOUR BACKPACK
- First things first: carefully read and follow the care instructions on the tag.
- Open all zips, turn out the pockets, turn your backpack upside down, and give it a good shake to remove any rubble and grit and leftover food wrappers.
- Remove the loose debris in your backpack.
HOW TO WASH A BACKPACK BY HAND
Cleaning your backpack by hand is the best way to ensure you do not damage it in the process, and gives you the chance to give it a good scrub to get even the most stubborn dirt patches removed.
- Step 1: Follow the above advice for preparing your backpack. Locate an appropriate place that you can fit your whole backpack into easily, like a large plastic tub or your laundry sink. If you’re washing a bigger bag of 55L and above, the bath tub is a great option too.
- Step 2: Use a specific gear cleaning solution, such as Grangers Gear Cleaner, to spot-clean your bag prior to submerging it in water. Do not use regular laundry detergent or bar soap when you wash your backpack, as the chemicals within these regular household products can damage the fabric.
- Step 3: Fill your tub with cold or lukewarm water. Never use hot water to wash your backpack. Hot water can damage your backpack by leeching its colour. If the care instructions allow, submerge your backpack and remove dirt with a soft cleaning brush or cloth. If you can’t submerge your pack, spot clean with a cloth and brush. Pay particular attention to the areas that have the most contact with your skin, like the straps and back of your pack. For more stubborn stains, apply a small amount of gentle, diluted gear cleaner directly to it. Use a soft-bristled brush and a circular motion to gently encourage the dirt towards the surface. Avoid any bleach-based products.
- Step 4: Rinse your pack off until it the water stays clear of any detergent.
HOW TO DRY YOUR BACKPACK
Like all outdoor gear, your backpack should be completely dry before use or storage to avoid a build-up of mould. Besides being a pain to clean, mould imparts a bad smell, shortens the lifespan of your pack, and in some cases, damages your gear beyond repair. Never use a machine dryer when cleaning a backpack. You’ll risk damaging the fabrics, coatings and accessories of the bag.
To air dry your backpack properly:
- Find a warm, well-ventilated area and hang your bag upside down. Avoid drying your bag in direct sunlight as this can damage the material.
- Depending on the time of year, it may take up to a day or more for the bag to completely dry. To quicken the process, you can absorb some of the excess moisture with towels.
BACKPACK CARE AND REPAIR FAQS
How do I keep my backpack clean? To reduce how often you have to can your backpack, invest in a rain cover. Available in multiple sizes, they’re ideal for hiking, travelling, commuting, or on any backpack that could use a little added protection. Bag covers will minimise exposure to dirt and help keep your backpack dry. Keep it in your daypack and slip it on during unexpected downpours or wet and muddy conditions.
How do I deodorize a backpack without washing it? Backpacks are partial to lingering smells from improper drying, smelly hiking gear, or the occasional burst tuna pouch. The best way to treat funky odours is with a deep clean, but the next best thing is a spot clean with Grangers Gear Cleaner. Apply the spray as per the instructions and allow your backpack to air out for as long as possible.
Can I dry clean a backpack? In one word, no. Dry cleaning involves using an aggressive chemical solvent that can damage the fabrics and coatings of your backpack.
Can you wash a backpack in a machine? Because of the high-performance material used to create Kathmandu backpacks, we advise not machine washing any of our backpacks, as this can compromise the structural integrity of our bags. There is a lot of information online that may tell you that machine-washing a backpack is fine, but doing so can damage the fabrics, coatings and accessories of your backpack. Always check written advice either attached to your bag or that came with the bag during its purchase.