How to Wash a Backpack

If you've got kids, dirty backpacks are inevitable. There will be apple juice spills and forgotten bananas and exploding pens, and even sweaty shirts and sneakers stuffed in there. (And that doesn't begin to address the issues of germs, either.) So it pays to know how to clean it effectively.

The best way to avoid a completely filthy bag is upkeep: Take wet gym clothes and any food garbage or leftover lunch out of the pack as soon as it gets home, and gently clean stains with mild dish soap as soon as you notice them. Wipe down the bag regularly, and keep it dry on the inside to avoid mold.

Before you give it a thorough wash, 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 particularly 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.

First Up, Everything Out!

Clear everything out of the backpack. Put the contents into a plastic bag so it all stays together while you're washing. Clean or replace anything that's soiled so you're not putting anything dirty back into a clean backpack. Make sure to get into every compartment.

If there are crumbs and dust in the crevices, use a handheld vacuum to get out as much as you can. Shager also recommends a computer-keyboard air blower. For hard-to-remove muck, try a clean makeup brush. "The soft bristles will help loosen the debris while minimizing damage to the fabric," she says. 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.

How to Machine-Wash Your Backpack

Can you put a backpack in the washer? It depends on the material, but most nylon or canvas backpacks are safe to put in the washing machine. (If the bag has leather trim, don't machine-wash.)

Step 1: Prep for the Wash

If there are any exterior or interior stains, gently apply some stain remover with a soft brush or toothbrush to 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.

Step 2: Wash the Backpack

Use a small amount of gentle detergent and wash the pack on the gentle cycle in cold water. If it gets bunched up during the spin cycle, stop the machine and try to spread the bag back out, to allow it to be thoroughly washed and also to avoid the machine getting lopsided with a small load.

Step 3: Air-Dry Your Backpack

"We recommend that you line dry, because tumble-drying could damage the padding of the bag and cause ruptures at the corners," says Kali Shager of Land's End, who sources fabric and materials for the company's kids' products and backpacks. 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 it's completely dry before using.

How to Hand-Wash Your Backpack

If you're planning on a good old-fashioned hand washing, here's what you'll need:

• Pre-treatment stain remover
• Gentle detergent (free of fragrances, dyes, or other chemicals is best, so you don't damage the fabric of the bag)
• Soft brush or old toothbrush
• Washcloth and/or sponge
• Towel

Step 1: Prep for the Wash

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.

Fill the basin with about 6 inches of lukewarm water. (Hot water could damage the fabric's colors.) Add a small amount of gentle detergent.

Step 2: Scrub Your Backpack

Scrub the bag with a soft brush or cloth, focusing particularly on especially dirty areas or spot stains. A toothbrush is good for ground-in stains and hard-to-reach crevices. A sponge might work better on mesh areas. Turn the bag inside-out and wash the interior as well.

Step 3: Give It a Good Rinse

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 water.

Step 4: Air-dry the Backpack

Allow the bag to air-dry. 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 it's completely dry before it's next used.

How to Clean a Clear Backpack

Clear backpacks have become a necessity at sporting events and concerts—and even in some schools. The clear plastic can easily get foggy and grimy, and unfortunately, everyone can see the ick. The method for washing a clear backpack is similar to cleaning other styles.

Step 1: Clear Out Debris

Empty out the backpack and brush out crumbs and stray hairs using a vacuum or a brush.

Step 2: Try Soapy Water First

Wash your clear backpack in warm water with a touch of dish or laundry detergent and thoroughly rinse it to help clear out the grime. Use a clean, dry rag to dry it off, and leave it to air-dry.

Step 3: Try Some Non-acetone Nail Polish Remover

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.