Can you put a backpack in the washer with other clothes?

It's best to wash backpacks alone on a gentle cycle. Adding it to a regular load of clothes could damage your other clothing due to the bag's straps and zippers.

How long does a backpack take to dry?

Due to a backpack's thick material, it may take a day (sometimes more) for the bag to fully dry. The time of year also affects the time—hotter months will help a bag dry faster. Using a towel to absorb any excess water or moisture before hanging to dry will help speed up the drying time.

Do backpacks shrink in the dryer?

Yes, drying a backpack in the dryer can cause it to shrink as well as melt other material on the bag. We recommend always air-drying bags to help avoid damaging the material.

How to Wash a Backpack

Learn how to clean a backpack with three easy methods

By

Tracy Guth Spangler

and

Lisa Milbrand

Updated on April 30, 2024

Knowing how to wash a backpack properly can keep it free of germs and smells. Dirty backpacks are inevitable, especially if you have kids or use your bag regularly. You may find juice spills, forgotten food, exploded pens, and even sweaty workout clothes stuffed in there.

Kali Shager of Land's End (who sources fabric and materials for the company's kids' products and backpacks) shares the following tips for cleaning and washing your backpack to help it last longer.

Before You Begin

Before you thoroughly wash a backpack, check the care label, likely located in the main compartment. If the label says the bag should not be submerged in water, use a cloth and a small amount of gentle cleanser to scrub dirty areas. If there is no label, test-clean a small area of the bag's surface and interior before you wash the whole thing.

You'll also want to do the following:

Empty the backpack. Clear everything out of the bag and get into every compartment. Put the contents into a plastic bag so they stay together during washing. Clean or replace anything that's soiled so you don't put anything dirty back into a freshly washed backpack.
Use a handheld vacuum. Remove crumbs and dust from the crevices by vacuuming the bag's compartments. Shager also recommends a computer keyboard air blower.
Try a makeup brush. For hard-to-remove muck, use a clean makeup brush. "The soft bristles will help loosen the debris while minimizing damage to the fabric," Shager explains.
Prepare the bag for washing. If there's a metal frame inside the pack, take it out. Leave all the pockets unzipped. Cut away any threads near zipping areas so they don't get snagged during washing.
Pre-treat any stains: If there are noticeable stains on the backpack, add a small amount of stain remover to the stain with a clean cloth and allow it to sit for 30 minutes before washing the bag.

How Often to Wash a Backpack

You should wash backpacks once or twice a year. Extended school breaks (winter and summer vacations) are the perfect time for cleaning bags. Backpacks used as gym bags for exercise gear or workout clothes may need more frequent washing.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

To Machine Wash

Old toothbrush or soft scrubbing brush
Pillowcase or laundry bag
Washing machine

To Hand Wash

Soft scrubbing brush or old toothbrush
Basin or large container
Washcloth or sponge
Towel

To Clean a Clear Bag

Vacuum or brush
Large container
Washcloths
Cotton (optional)

To Clean a Leather Bag

Soft bristle brush
2 Clean cloths

Materials

To Machine and Hand Wash

Stain remover (optional)
Gentle detergent (free of fragrances, dyes, or other chemicals is best, so you don't damage the fabric of the bag)

To Clean a Clear Bag

Dish soap or laundry detergent
Non-acetone nail polish remover (optional)

To Clean a Leather Bag

Leather conditioner or cleaner

Instructions

How to Wash a Backpack in a Washing Machine

Most nylon or canvas backpacks are safe to put in the washing machine. If the bag has leather trim, don't machine-wash it.

Prep for Washing
If there are any exterior or interior stains, gently apply some stain remover with a soft brush or toothbrush to the affected areas and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Turn the bag inside out or place it inside a pillowcase or laundry bag to avoid straps and zippers getting caught inside the machine—or damaging the inside walls.
Wash the Backpack
Use a small amount of gentle detergent and wash the bag on the machine's gentle cycle in cold water. If it gets bunched up during the spin cycle, stop the machine and try to spread the bag out to allow it to be thoroughly washed and avoid the machine getting lopsided with a small load.
Air-Dry the Bag
Leave all the zippers unzipped and hang the backpack upside down to dry. "We recommend that you line dry because tumble-drying could damage the padding of the bag and cause ruptures at the corners," says Shager.
If you can dry it outdoors, that will help any leftover odors drift away. Make sure it's completely dry before using.

How to Wash a Backpack by Hand

A good old-fashioned hand wash will do the trick for backpacks that can't be machine-washed due to the material.

Prep for Washing
- Gently apply some stain remover with a soft brush or toothbrush to any exterior or interior stains and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
- Fill the basin with about 6 inches of lukewarm water. (Hot water could damage the fabric's colors.)
- Add a small amount of gentle laundry detergent.
Scrub the Backpack
Scrub the bag with a soft brush or cloth, focusing on particularly dirty areas or spots. Turn the bag inside out and clean the interior as well.

A toothbrush is good for ground-in stains and hard-to-reach crevices. A sponge might work better on mesh areas.
Rinse the Bag
- Drain the dirty water and fill the basin with 6 inches of clean, cool water.
- Rinse the bag thoroughly and wring it out.
- Fold it into a thick towel to absorb excess moisture.
Air-Dry the Bag
Allow the bag to air-dry thoroughly. Leave all the zippers unzipped and hang it upside down.
If you can dry it outdoors, that will help any leftover odors drift away. Make sure the backpack is completely dry before using it again.

How to Clean a Clear Backpack

Clear backpacks have become necessary at sporting events, concerts, and even some schools for security purposes. However, the clear plastic can easily get foggy and grimy. The method for washing a clear backpack is similar to cleaning other styles.

Clear Out Debris
Empty the backpack and ensure it's completely clear. Brush out crumbs and stray hairs using a vacuum or a brush.
Wash With Soapy Water
Fill a container with warm water and a touch of either dish soap or laundry detergent. Wash your clear backpack with a washcloth.
Rinse and Dry
Thoroughly rinse the bag to help clear out the grime. Use a clean, dry rag to dry it off, then hang it upside down to air-dry. Don't use until completely dry.
Try Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover
For stubborn spots or as an alternative to soapy water, some clear backpack manufacturers suggest using non-acetone nail polish remover on a cotton pad. Rub it on the bag's exterior and interior, then wipe clean with a fresh cotton pad.

How to Clean a Leather Backpack

Similar to other leather items such as shoes and garments, leather cannot be tossed in the washing machine or cleaned by hand using soap and water. Instead, a quality leather cleaner or conditioner is needed.

Empty the Backpack
Remove all contents from the backpack and ensure it's completely clear. Brush out any lingering debris with a clean cloth or soft bristle brush.
Use a Leather Cleaner or Conditioner
Add a small amount of quality leather cleaner or conditioner (you can also use saddle soap) to a damp cloth and gently rub away any dirt.
Wipe Away Additional Residue
Using a clean, damp cloth, wipe away any additional grime or residue from the conditioner.
Allow to Dry
Allow the backpack to dry at room temperature, out of direct sunlight.

Tips for Keeping a Backpack Clean Longer

Take everything out of the backpack and give it a good shake out every few weeks to remove any crumbs, bits of debris, and loose items that have fallen to the bottom.
Store the backpack in a dry, ventilated area to prevent odor and mold from developing.
Use a fabric shield such as ScotchGuard to protect the fabric against spills and stains (This product should not be used on leather backpacks.
Sanitizing your backpack frequently with a disinfectant (unless it's leather) is a good way to keep it clean without having to wash it so often.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put a backpack in the washer with other clothes?

It's best to wash backpacks alone on a gentle cycle. Adding it to a regular load of clothes could damage your other clothing due to the bag's straps and zippers.
How long does a backpack take to dry?

Due to a backpack's thick material, it may take a day (sometimes more) for the bag to fully dry. The time of year also affects the time—hotter months will help a bag dry faster. Using a towel to absorb any excess water or moisture before hanging to dry will help speed up the drying time.
Do backpacks shrink in the dryer?

Yes, drying a backpack in the dryer can cause it to shrink as well as melt other material on the bag. We recommend always air-drying bags to help avoid damaging the material.