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How To Clean A School Backpack

Here’s our quick and easy guide for how to clean a backpack for school. From traveling on countless bus or subway floors to hanging in lockers to spending hours in the classroom, school backpacks go through a lot. After months—or years—of constant use, your bookbag accumulates dirt, crumbs, and stains.  

But with a quick wash, you can brighten up your backpack and refresh your whole style. You'll feel like you have a new one, but at a fraction of the cost. 

So follow our step-by-step guide and cleaning tips below to get your backpack looking fresh and

Can You Wash a Backpack in the Washing Machine?

Let’s get this out of the way. We recommend that you don’t wash your backpack in the washing machine. It is not illegal or impossible to do. It’s just not a great idea.  

For one thing, you’ll contribute to wear-and-tear, and potentially compromise your school backpack’s shape and finish. If a strap gets caught in the washing machine's agitator, it could stretch, rip, or even break off completely. And backpacks deserve long lives. Remember that all JanSport backpacks have a limited lifetime warranty, so manufacturing defects should never be a problem.  

But the washing machine poses another risk. If your backpack has suede or leather on it (like our leather bottom bags), those materials will get damaged by the water. And these touches on JanSport bags are part of what makes them so stylish and durable. Like the Right Pack, which has a soft suede leather bottom and zipper pulls. 

Simple Steps for How to Clean a Backpack

First, here’s what you need: 

  • A wet, clean sponge or washcloth
  • Maybe: Mild soap—don’t use detergent 
  • Maybe: A vacuum cleaner for extra-thorough cleaning 

Step 1: Remove Contents and Shake Out the Backpack

First, take everything out of your backpack–from laptops to phone chargers to lip balm to pens. Then, once everything is out of the bag, head outside, or open up a big trash can. Turn your backpack upside down and give it a good shake. This helps to get sand, dirt, crumbs, and other debris that’s big enough to fall right out of the bag.  

At this point, you could also make use of the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner to make sure you’re getting as much out as you can–like fine particles that didn't come out when you shook your bag. 

If you have a laptop sleeve backpack, make sure you shake out that special compartment!  

Step 2: Wet and Clean Gently

A little water goes a long way. Wipe down your backpack all around with a damp sponge or cloth. You’ll be surprised by what a difference it makes. Make sure your water is a cool temperature, and avoid scrubbing leather or suede.

Step 3: Spot Clean With Soap as Needed

You can learn how to clean a backpack without soap. In many cases, using a wet sponge or washcloth is enough. But when it comes to dirty spots or tougher stains, a little non-scented soap is helpful, like dish soap. You can mix together soap and water, and then dip your sponge or washcloth in it. Wet the spot and scrub away with your washcloth or sponge. The less soap you need to use while still removing the stain or dirty spot, the better.  

For bigger stains, directly put the soap on the stain, let it soak in, and then wet and scrub the spot. If food stains are common on your backpack, you might want one of our lunch bags to keep food where it belongs. 

 

Remember: Bleach and washing machine detergents should be off limits.

Step 4: Air Dry Thoroughly

Set your bag hanging somewhere it can air out well—preferably outside—until it’s totally dry. Incomplete dryness can lead to mold, fungi, and other problems. So patience is key. Do not use a dryer, as it can damage your backpack. 

Now you’re done. That’s how to clean a backpack for school. Every student should take notes. It’ll do wonders for your mood when you’re hauling a clean bookbag all over campus instead of one that’s dirty. 

Backpack Stain Remover

For use on 600 Denier polyester and Cordura® fabrics

Directions:
Step 1: Spray cleaner onto a wet cloth, sponge, or brush and scrub thoroughly
Step 2: Wipe away excess moisture and dirt with a clean dry towel
Step 3: Allow to dry completely before using

Backpack Stain Remover

For use on 600 Denier polyester and Cordura® fabrics

Directions:
Step 1: Spray cleaner onto a wet cloth, sponge, or brush and scrub thoroughly
Step 2: Wipe away excess moisture and dirt with a clean dry towel
Step 3: Allow to dry completely before using

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