Washing a school backpack properly: This keeps it clean and in top shape!

A school backpack accompanies your child every day: it is not only a practical utensil but also a loyal companion in everyday school life. Over time, dirt, crumbs, and stains accumulate. A clean school backpack or backpack is not only more hygienic but also lasts longer and looks better. The holidays or an extended weekend provide the perfect opportunity for you to wash your child's school backpack. But how should you go about it? Whether by hand washing, in the dishwasher, or perhaps even in the washing machine – we will show you which method is suitable when and what to pay attention to during cleaning and care so that the school backpack looks like new again without being damaged. 

Preparation before washing

No matter if before hand cleaning or washing in the dishwasher or washing machine: Before you start cleaning the school backpack, thorough preparation is crucial.

The following three steps should be addressed:

Empty the school backpack:

Take out all books, notebooks, and pencil cases and also check small compartments and pockets for additional school accessories. 

Check materials and manufacturer's care instructions:

You can often find these on a small label inside the school backpack, where you will learn whether the backpack is machine washable or if hand washing is recommended. 

Remove coarse dirt:

To remove dust, sand, or crumbs, you can shake out the backpack, brush it off, and if necessary, clean hard-to-reach areas with a narrow vacuum attachment.

Hand washing: The gentle method

Hand washing is a safe and gentle cleaning method. If your child's school backpack is made of delicate materials or has applications and reflective elements, hand washing is the best choice. Gentle hand cleaning prevents the backpack from losing its shape or special details.

Step-by-step guide for hand washing

And here’s how to succeed with hand cleaning: 

1. Prepare the cleaning area: Place the backpack in a tub, shower, sink, or large bucket and rinse it with warm water. 

2. Use gentle cleaning agents: Put a little mild detergent or dish soap on a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid aggressive cleaners, bleach, or alcohol, as these could damage the material of the bag.  

3. Gently clean: Wipe the backpack with a cloth or sponge from the inside and outside. For particularly dirty spots, a sponge with a scrubbing surface is ideal for light scrubbing.

4. Rinse: Finally, rinse the school backpack thoroughly with clear, cold water to remove all soap residues. 

5. Dry properly: Hang the backpack upside down in a warm place and open all compartments so that the school bag can dry completely. 

6. Final impregnation: Once the school backpack is completely dry, you can treat it with an impregnation agent or spray (against rain). 
   

Washing the school backpack in the dishwasher

Can you wash the school backpack or school bag in the dishwasher? What initially sounds unusual works wonderfully with certain school backpacks. This method cleans the school backpack thoroughly and is less labor-intensive compared to hand cleaning. However, not all backpacks are suitable for the dishwasher.

In addition to the backpack, you can of course also clean smaller school accessories, such as pencil cases, by hand. A damp cloth and some detergent are sufficient as cleaning agents.

Before the wash cycle, you should check whether the following conditions are met: 

• The backpack has a sturdy body .
• The bags are not made of felt or leather, but of plastic.
• There are no cardboard parts present.
• Your dishwasher has a short or cold wash program that can be set to a maximum of 55 degrees Celsius.

Step-by-step instructions for cleaning in the dishwasher

If your child's backpack meets all the requirements, you should approach washing it in the dishwasher as follows:

1. Prepare the dishwasher: Remove all dishes and ensure that no food residues remain in the machine that could dirty the school backpack. Also, remove unnecessary accessories, such as the cutlery basket, from the machine. 

2. Place the backpack correctly: Now place the open school backpack upside down in the bottom compartment of the dishwasher. 

3. Select cleaning program: Choose a short or cold wash program that has a maximum of 55 degrees Celsius – preferably less.
   

And here’s the tip: After rinsing, you can let the school bag dry thoroughly just like after hand washing and, after complete drying, impregnate it for care.

Washing the school bag in the washing machine

If you want to wash the bag in the washing machine, great caution is required. Some manufacturers generally advise against washing their models in the washing machine. This is because protective coatings can be damaged and the material is exposed to strong friction. For this reason, you should primarily research the manufacturer's guidelines before washing.

Washing in the washing machine is – if at all – only conceivable under these conditions:

• The body of the school bag is flexible and not shape-stable.
  
• The bag is not made of leather, but of washable materials, e.g., cotton.
• A gentle wash cycle at 20–30 degrees Celsius is recommended for this cleaning method.

Conclusion: How can you clean a school bag?

To make your child's school bag shine again in bright colors and youthful freshness, you have the following options:

• Hand washing: This is the gentlest method and always the first and safest choice for sensitive materials.
• Rinse machine: Cleaning in the rinse machine can be an effective alternative for robust plastic models, but only at low temperatures.
• Washing machine: This cleaning method is only suitable for durable bags made of washable material and without sensitive details and a rigid body. Here, it is important to follow manufacturer instructions and always use a gentle program!