Outdoor Gear Care Tips: How to
Clean a Backpack like a Pro
You tried, after that last hiking 'incident' you swore it
would never happen again. But who could have guessed that the
rock would have been so slippery? Now, your best backpack is filthy,
dirty both inside and out. And it's still sitting outdoors
because of the spoiled food smells. What should you do now:
clean it or throw it away? Once you know how to clean a backpack
using the following tips, you never have to worry about throwing
a 'nasty' backpack ever again.
Cleaning a Backpack Inside
* Turn the backpack completely inside out. If it has metal
stays, remove them and set them aside. Dump any debris out onto
a newspaper. Use a soft brush to clean off any dried dirt or
residue. If you have one available you can always, use a vacuum
with a brush attachment.
* Wash off the interior using a little mild detergent with a
damp sponge or cloth.
* Be sure to clean in all the nooks and crannies and seams. Use
an old toothbrush to dig in deep.
* Rinse using cold water and clean sponge or cloth.
* Use paper towels to dry the interior of the bag completely.
Cleaning a Backpack Outside
1. Turn the backpack right side out now. Use a dry brush to
remove any loose dirt or dried mud.
2. Wash off the exterior using a little mild detergent
(dishwashing liquid with degreaser) with a damp sponge or cloth.
3. Be sure to clean in all the pockets, flaps and seams. Use an
old toothbrush to clean around the edging.
4. Rinse using cold water and clean sponge or cloth. You can
submerge the whole pack into tub of cold water or use a hand
held shower head or hose to remove all traces of soap both
inside and out.
5. Hang the backpack upside down to air dry for several days,
preferably outdoors. DO NOT use the dryer.
6. If the backpack is still funky smelling, spray with
Fabrezeor huntersScent-A-Way. But be careful because
these may remove waterproofing chemicals like Scotch-Guard
7. Store in a cool dry place. Don't cover with plastic. Cleaning
a Camping Backpack in the Washer (if all else fails)
* DO NOT soak in soapy water. This could cause the
layers of the backpack to delaminate or any waterproofing to
deteriorate.
* Follow the steps 1-3 from above.
* Place the backpack in the washer. Wash with cold water only on
the delicate cycle with a very mild laundry detergent (Ivory
Flakes or Woolite). Rinse and let air dry for several days.
*NOTE: This method is for using at the last resort ONLY.
Cleaning a camping backpack in the washer can cause the
materials in the pack to fall apart. So machine wash at your own
risk!
Backpack Zipper Care
Clean a backpack zipper is really easy. First, use an old
toothbrush to clean out any sand, salt or dirt and mud from the
zipper teeth. Vacuum if necessary to remove debris. Trim any
stray or loose threads to prevent tangling. Spray very lightly
with a silicone spray, occasionally to lube.
Now that you know how to clean a backpack, you never have to
toss out a malodorous backpack again.
By Adam Carter
In-depth information and a complete guide to selecting the best backpack. Providing
you with all you need to know in regards to a vast array of
backpacks from hiking
backpacks to office backpacks and plenty more.
