{"id":9527,"date":"2021-05-24T10:26:46","date_gmt":"2021-05-24T09:26:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mountainwarehouse.com\/community\/?p=9527"},"modified":"2025-02-11T15:45:23","modified_gmt":"2025-02-11T15:45:23","slug":"how-to-clean-a-backpack","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/expert-advice\/how-to-clean-a-backpack","title":{"rendered":"How to Clean a Backpack"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dirt and general wear and tear can take its toll on rucksacks<\/a>. Regularly wiping them down can help to minimise dirt building up, but if your rucksack is really dirty or has started to smell, you\u2019re going to have to wash it properly. This guide runs through exactly how to clean your rucksack in the washing machine or by hand, and how to use our rucksack covers<\/a> and rucksack liners<\/a> to avoid needing to wash them so often.<\/p>\n

\n

Click to Jump To:<\/i><\/p>\n

\n
Machine Washing<\/a><\/div>\n
Hand Washing<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

How to Wash a Backpack in the Washing Machine<\/h2>\n

*Not all backpacks are machine washable, so always check the label before washing it.<\/i><\/p>\n

1.<\/strong> Empty your backpack and leave all pockets unzipped. Check the pockets for any small items and check the corners for any dirt that may be lodged. If your backpack has a metal frame, remove this before washing.<\/p>\n

2.<\/strong> Check your backpack can fit in the washing machine and has enough room to move around.<\/p>\n

3.<\/strong> Put your backpack in a laundry bag if possible as this prevents the straps getting caught and damaging your bag or washing machine. Alternatively you can use a pillow case or simply turn the backpack inside out.<\/p>\n

4.<\/strong> Run the machine through an empty wash to clear any detergent residue from previous washes.<\/p>\n

5.<\/strong> Use a small amount of gentle detergent that is suitable for backpacks, this should be fragrance and dye free. Using a harsh detergent or fabric softener may damage the material of the rucksack, our Wash N Proof \u00a0<\/a>is a great choice if you are unsure whether your regular detergent is gentle enough.<\/p>\n

6.<\/strong> Wash the backpack on a gentle cycle in cold water.<\/p>\n

7.<\/strong> Remove the backpack from the laundry bag and leave it to dry naturally. Try to hang the bag upside down if possible, and make sure the bag is 100% dry before storing it away.<\/p>\n

\n

How to Hand Wash a Backpack<\/h2>\n

If your backpack is too large to fit in the washing machine, you can clean it by hand in the bath. Smaller backpacks might fit in a sink or basin. Always check the label to make sure the bag can be fully submerged.<\/p>\n

1.<\/strong> Empty your backpack, checking all pockets and corners for any small items or dirt that may be lodged. If your backpack has a metal frame, remove this before washing.<\/p>\n

2.<\/strong> Fill a bath or basin with plenty of lukewarm water. If the water is too hot it can cause the backpack\u2019s colors to run.<\/p>\n

3.<\/strong> Add a small amount of gentle detergent that is suitable for backpacks, this should be fragrance and dye free. Using a harsh detergent or fabric softener may damage the material of the rucksack, our Wash N Proof \u00a0<\/a>is a great choice if you are unsure whether your regular detergent is gentle enough.<\/p>\n

4.<\/strong> Scrub your backpack using a soft brush or a cloth, focusing on the areas that are particularly dirty. A toothbrush can be useful for any tough stains or for getting into those difficult to reach areas.<\/p>\n

5.<\/strong> Allow the backpack to dry naturally. Try to hang the backpack upside down if possible, and make sure it’s 100% dry before storing it away.<\/p>\n

If your backpack is not machine washable or cannot be fully submerged, you can use a wet cloth with a small amount of detergent-free soap.<\/p>\n

\n

Can You Put a Backpack in the Dryer?<\/h2>\n

You should never put your backpack in a dryer as this can cause damage. Instead, you should allow your backpack to dry naturally, away from any direct sources of heat. Hanging your pack upside down can help ensure that no water is left sitting in the pockets or corners of the bag. Always make sure the backpack is completely dry before storing it away.<\/p>\n

\n

Keep Your Backpack Clean<\/h2>\n

To prevent the need for frequent washing, check out these products which will help you keep your bag fresh!<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

Backpack Covers<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

Our backpack covers help protect your belongings and bag from the rain, which can cause mould to build up if it isn\u2019t dried properly.<\/p>\n

Shop Now<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Backpack Care Tips<\/h2>\n

Wear and tear is inevitable but taking care of your backpack can increase its life span.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Keep Water Out<\/h3>\n

Mould can build up on backpacks if they get wet and are not dried properly before storing or using again. Rucksack Covers<\/a> are a great way to keep the rain off your bag and keep its contents dry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pack Sensibly<\/h3>\n

Pack anything that may cause damage to the bag, including tent pegs, poles, knives and even the sharp edges on boxes or pots and pans, in a way that they are not likely to pierce through the material. This can be achieved by packing these objects tightly against other objects so there is limited movement or even packing them within softer objects like clothing.<\/p>\n

For more information check out our how to pack a rucksack guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Treat it Well<\/h3>\n

Backpacks are designed to be hardy with many made from ripstop fabrics but it doesn\u2019t mean you shouldn\u2019t treat your bag well. Don\u2019t drag a backpack over rough ground as this can weaken the material and cause holes to develop. Be aware of brambles and thorn bushes, try to lift your backpack above your head to avoid them tearing into your pack as you walk through or past them.<\/p>\n

\n

If your backpack or rucksack is past its best take a look at the great selection of backpacks and rucksacks<\/a>, available in many different sizes and shapes:<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Mini Backpacks<\/p>\n

Shop Now<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Daypacks<\/p>\n

Shop Now<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Medium Backpacks<\/p>\n

Shop Now<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Large Rucksacks<\/p>\n

Shop Now<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dirt and general wear and tear can take its toll on rucksacks. Regularly wiping them down can help to minimise dirt building up, but if your rucksack is really dirty or has started to smell, you\u2019re going to have to wash it properly. This guide runs through exactly how to clean your rucksack in the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[357,403],"tags":[393],"class_list":["post-9527","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-how-to-guides-hiking","category-how-to-guides-travel","tag-rucksack"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Wash a Backpack | Mountain Warehouse Expert Advice<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Regularly wiping down your bag will remove dirt but sometimes only a proper clean will do. Check out our how to clean a backpack guide for our top tips.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/expert-advice\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Wash a Backpack | Mountain Warehouse Expert Advice\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Regularly wiping down your bag will remove dirt but sometimes only a proper clean will do. Check out our how to clean a backpack guide for our top tips.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/expert-advice\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Inside the Outdoors | Mountain Warehouse Community\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MountainWarehouse\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-05-24T09:26:46+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-02-11T15:45:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.mountainwarehouse.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/rucksackcover.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Mountain Warehouse\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Mountain Warehouse\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/expert-advice\\\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/expert-advice\\\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Mountain Warehouse\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/1ee6023479086abd3b408d8ae22923ba\"},\"headline\":\"How to Clean a Backpack\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-05-24T09:26:46+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-02-11T15:45:23+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/expert-advice\\\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":938,\"commentCount\":0,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/expert-advice\\\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/community\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2015\\\/03\\\/rucksackcover.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"rucksack\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Hiking How to Guides\",\"Travel How To Guides\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/expert-advice\\\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/expert-advice\\\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/expert-advice\\\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\\\/\",\"name\":\"How to Wash a Backpack | Mountain Warehouse Expert Advice\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/expert-advice\\\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/expert-advice\\\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/community\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2015\\\/03\\\/rucksackcover.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-05-24T09:26:46+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-02-11T15:45:23+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/1ee6023479086abd3b408d8ae22923ba\"},\"description\":\"Regularly wiping down your bag will remove dirt but sometimes only a proper clean will do. Check out our how to clean a backpack guide for our top tips.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/expert-advice\\\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/expert-advice\\\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/expert-advice\\\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/community\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2015\\\/03\\\/rucksackcover.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/community\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2015\\\/03\\\/rucksackcover.jpg\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/expert-advice\\\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to Clean a Backpack\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/\",\"name\":\"Inside the Outdoors | Mountain Warehouse Community\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/1ee6023479086abd3b408d8ae22923ba\",\"name\":\"Mountain Warehouse\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\\\/author\\\/mountain-warehouse\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Wash a Backpack | Mountain Warehouse Expert Advice","description":"Regularly wiping down your bag will remove dirt but sometimes only a proper clean will do. Check out our how to clean a backpack guide for our top tips.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/expert-advice\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Wash a Backpack | Mountain Warehouse Expert Advice","og_description":"Regularly wiping down your bag will remove dirt but sometimes only a proper clean will do. Check out our how to clean a backpack guide for our top tips.","og_url":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/expert-advice\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\/","og_site_name":"Inside the Outdoors | Mountain Warehouse Community","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MountainWarehouse","article_published_time":"2021-05-24T09:26:46+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-02-11T15:45:23+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.mountainwarehouse.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/rucksackcover.jpg","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"author":"Mountain Warehouse","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Mountain Warehouse","Estimated reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/expert-advice\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/expert-advice\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\/"},"author":{"name":"Mountain Warehouse","@id":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/#\/schema\/person\/1ee6023479086abd3b408d8ae22923ba"},"headline":"How to Clean a Backpack","datePublished":"2021-05-24T09:26:46+00:00","dateModified":"2025-02-11T15:45:23+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/expert-advice\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\/"},"wordCount":938,"commentCount":0,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/expert-advice\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.mountainwarehouse.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/rucksackcover.jpg","keywords":["rucksack"],"articleSection":["Hiking How to Guides","Travel How To Guides"],"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/expert-advice\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/expert-advice\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\/","url":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/expert-advice\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\/","name":"How to Wash a Backpack | Mountain Warehouse Expert Advice","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/expert-advice\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/expert-advice\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.mountainwarehouse.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/rucksackcover.jpg","datePublished":"2021-05-24T09:26:46+00:00","dateModified":"2025-02-11T15:45:23+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/#\/schema\/person\/1ee6023479086abd3b408d8ae22923ba"},"description":"Regularly wiping down your bag will remove dirt but sometimes only a proper clean will do. Check out our how to clean a backpack guide for our top tips.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/expert-advice\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/expert-advice\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/expert-advice\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.mountainwarehouse.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/rucksackcover.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.mountainwarehouse.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/rucksackcover.jpg"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/expert-advice\/how-to-clean-a-backpack\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How to Clean a Backpack"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/","name":"Inside the Outdoors | Mountain Warehouse Community","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/#\/schema\/person\/1ee6023479086abd3b408d8ae22923ba","name":"Mountain Warehouse","url":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/author\/mountain-warehouse\/"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9527","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9527"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9527\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22125,"href":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9527\/revisions\/22125"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9527"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9527"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.mountainwarehouse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9527"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}