How to properly wash school backpacks: Keep them clean and in top shape!
A school backpack accompanies your child daily: it is not only a practical item but also a loyal companion in everyday school life. Over time, dirt, crumbs, and stains inevitably accumulate. A clean school backpack or rucksack is not only more hygienic but also lasts longer and looks better. The holidays or a long weekend provide the perfect opportunity for you to wash your child's school backpack. But what is the best way to go about it? Whether by hand wash, in the dishwasher, or maybe even in the washing machine – we show you which method is suitable when and what you should pay attention to during cleaning and care so that the school backpack looks like new again without getting damaged.
Preparation before washing
Whether before hand cleaning or washing in the dishwasher or washing machine: before you start cleaning the school backpack, thorough preparation is crucial.
You should take the following three steps:
Empty the school backpack:
Remove all books, notebooks, and pencil cases and also check small side compartments and pockets for additional school accessories.
Check materials and manufacturer's care instructions:
You often find these on a small label inside the school backpack, where you can 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 spots with a narrow vacuum cleaner attachment.
Hand wash: 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 appliqués and reflective elements, hand washing is the best choice. The gentle hand cleaning prevents the backpack from losing its shape or special details.
Step-by-step guide for hand washing
And this is how the hand cleaning succeeds:
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Prepare the cleaning area: Place the backpack in a tub, shower, sink, or large bucket and rinse the backpack with warm water.
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Use gentle cleaning agents: Put a little mild detergent or dish soap on a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid harsh cleaners, bleach, or alcohol, as these could damage the material of the bag.
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Gently clean: Wipe the backpack inside and out with the cloth or sponge. For particularly dirty spots, a sponge with a scrubbing surface is ideal for light scrubbing.
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Rinse: Finally, rinse the school backpack thoroughly with clear, cold water to remove all soap residues.
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Dry properly: Hang the backpack upside down in a warm place and open all compartments so the school bag can dry completely.
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Final impregnation: Once the school backpack is completely dry, you can treat it with an impregnation agent or spray (for rain protection).
Besides the backpack, you can of course also clean smaller school supplies, such as pencil cases, by hand. A damp cloth and some dish soap as a cleaning agent are sufficient.
Washing the school backpack in the dishwasher
Washing the school backpack or school bag in the dishwasher – is that even possible? 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 washing. However, not all backpacks are suitable for the dishwasher.
Besides the backpack, you can of course also clean smaller school supplies, such as pencil cases, by hand. A damp cloth and some dish soap as a cleaning agent are sufficient.
Before the washing cycle, you should therefore check whether the following conditions are met:
- The backpack has a rigid frame.
- The pockets are not made of felt or leather, but of plastic.
- No parts made of cardboard are present.
- Your dishwasher has a short or cold wash program selectable with a maximum of 55 degrees Celsius.
Not every school backpack or rucksack is suitable for the dishwasher! Always check the manufacturer's care instructions and if in doubt, opt for an alternative cleaning method, such as gentle hand washing.
Step-by-step instructions for cleaning in the dishwasher
If your child's backpack meets all the requirements, you should proceed with washing in the dishwasher as follows:
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Prepare the dishwasher: Remove all dishes and make sure 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.
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Place the backpack correctly: Now place the open school backpack upside down in the bottom rack of the dishwasher.
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Choose cleaning program: Select a short or cold wash program with a maximum of 55 degrees Celsius – preferably less.
And here’s the tip: After the rinse cycle, you can let the school backpack dry thoroughly just like after hand washing and, once completely dry, impregnate it for care.
Washing the school backpack in the washing machine
If you want to wash the backpack 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, in addition, the material is exposed to strong friction. For this reason, you should first research the manufacturer's instructions before washing.
Washing in the washing machine is – if at all – only conceivable under these conditions:
- The body of the school backpack is flexible and not shape-retaining.
- The backpack is made of washable materials, e.g., cotton, and not leather.
- A gentle wash cycle at 20–30 degrees Celsius is recommended for this type of cleaning.
Please note that for some manufacturers the warranty on the school backpack or backpack expires after washing in the dishwasher or washing machine.
Conclusion: How can you clean a school backpack?
To make your child’s school backpack shine again in bright colors and fresh condition, you have the following options:
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Hand washing: This is the gentlest method and always the first and safest choice for sensitive materials.
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Dishwasher: Cleaning in the dishwasher can be an effective alternative for robust plastic models, but only at low temperatures.
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Washing machine: This cleaning method is only suitable for durable backpacks made of washable material without sensitive details and a rigid frame. In this case: follow manufacturer instructions and always use a gentle cycle!