As every parent of school-aged children knows, preparing for kids to go back to school can be really expensive! In addition to getting them registered and getting their school books, they’ll also need school supplies, clothes, shoes, maybe a haircut, and more! But there’s one thing you can cross off your Back-to-School shopping list, and that’s a new backpack!
Obviously a backpack that has seen one or two school years is going to look a little worse for the wear. But the good news is that most backpacks are built to last, so there’s really no reason to get a new one each school year when you can give a facelift to the perfectly good one your child used last year! With a little TLC, that backpack will be looking as good as new and will serve your child just as well as a new one during the coming school year.
The first step to cleaning a backpack is emptying it out completely. Crumpled old papers, gum wrappers, crumbs, etc. should all be removed or shaken out.
Next, assess the damage. Is the entire bag dirty, or are there just a few spots that need attention? If there are only one or two dirty spots, spot treating with warm, soapy water should be enough to get it clean. Make sure to wipe the area clean with a clean rag afterwards.
If the bag needs more heavy-duty help, you can pre-treat the worst spots with a stain remover like my homemade “Shout“, or let it soak in the sink for few hours in warm water and some oxygen bleach.
If the bag doesn’t have any structural components that shouldn’t get wet (such as cardboard backing or reinforcement), you can wash the bag in your laundry machine on the delicate or handwash cycle. To make sure the straps don’t get tangled or caught on something while it’s washing, put the backpack in a spare pillowcase and tie a knot at the top before throwing it into the wash.
If you do wash a backpack in your washing machine (or in the sink), never put it in the dryer. Instead, let it airdry (outside is best), with a few towels stuffed inside the bag to absorb moisture and help the bag retain its shape.
Even the grimiest of backpacks can get a new lease on life with a little effort! It’s an easy way to save money during an expensive time of the year.
How do you clean the leather bottom ones?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m still using the backpack/daypack my oldest brother bought me when I graduated high school in 1977. He has the identical bag in a different color, and we both still use them. I take mine to work every day.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Sierra Designs, bought in Berkeley, with a leather bottom and attachment points.
It has a few spots that nee to be cleaned after 38 years. I’ll try spot-cleaning it.
Love this idea. Now to get busy cleaning last years back packs for this school year. This will save me a few dollars. Thank you for the advise :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I still use the Jansport I bought for college in 1989. Best backpacks out there in my opinion. It’s been washed in the washing machine dozens of times & still looks new. The color is just as vibrant as it was 26 years ago.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Agreed. Never had a Jansport wear out… once a squirrel gnawed through one trying to get a snack inside… THAT bag was toast!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.That is hilarious!
Remember backpacks from companies like Jansport or Eastpak offer a lifetime guarantee. If the back rips, the zipper breaks etc they will fix it FREE. You just pay shipping to them. The repair forms can be downloaded from their websites.
I have used the guarantee many times since I was a kid to have bags fixed. Just sent my husband’s Jansport in to have it fixed (the seams popped from use). They no longer have the fabric they used on that bag so they sent us a brand new one for FREE.
BTW I also have my Eastpak bag from high school 20 years ago. It is still in very good condition. In fact I buy any and all Jansport and Eastpak bags I see at thrift stores. I fix them up (be it washing or repairs) then donate them to my church’s school supply drive. I include info about the company’s repair policy in each bag as well.
Did you put it in a pillow case? I forgot, and I’m hoping the straps aren’t causing any funny business in there
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I think you’ve made life rather hard for yourself, lol! I just put them in the washing machine on a gentle short wash with very low spin. Comes out a treat…we have very muddy rucksacks as we cycle a lot and they get a lot of muddy splashback in rainy weather. As long as there’s no cardboard in the rucksack, you can wash them in there.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m with YOU sister! (we were Jansport all the way through 12th and didn’t have to get a new one every year in some cases)
Throw it in the washer AND so can you do with the soft lunchbox/bag.
IMPORTANT Caveat: I do have a front loader so there’s no agitator beating up the bag – that probably makes a difference, I would imagine.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If you buy Jansport backpacks, they have a lifetime guarantee. They will replace broken zippers or any broken piece. You just have to pay shipping. We normally will buy a new backpack before Kindergarten, middle school, high school and college because they want something new. The kind with wheels saves a lot on back strain also, especially for college students.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.yeah, and good luck getting a HS girl to carry a wheelie book bag. She’d rather bend under the weight of the books!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Excellent! I have a couple cloth totes that smell terrible and had no idea how to clean them properly. Thanks Jillee!
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