How to clean your Backpack

Let’s be real—after a muddy hike or a dusty road trip, your backpack isn’t exactly looking (or smelling) its best. But before you toss it aside or worse, throw it in the washing machine—stop right there! With the right care, you can keep your trusty pack in great condition for years to come.

🧽 Why Bother Cleaning Your Backpack?

Think of your backpack like your favorite pair of shoes—it carries a lot, goes through tough terrain, and deserves some TLC. Regular cleaning:

• Prevents odors and bacteria build-up

• Maintains fabric strength and integrity

• Protects water-repellent coatings

• Extends the life of your pack

 Quick Post-Trip Clean

Not every adventure calls for a full scrub-down. After every trip, do this quick routine:

• Empty the backpack completely.

• Turn it upside down to shake out dust and crumbs.

• Wipe or brush off any loose dirt on the exterior.

Store your backpack in a cool, dry place—definitely better in a wardrobe than forgotten in a damp porch or garage!

How to Do a Full Clean of Your Backpack

What You’ll Need:

• Soft brush (a shoe brush works fine—just make sure there’s no polish residue)

• Technical soap (avoid bleach or household detergents)

• Clean sponge

• Small bucket or bowl filled with cold water and technical soap

Pro Tip: Consider using a rain cover during hikes. It protects your pack not just from rain, but also from mud, dirt, and scuffs from rocks!

7 Easy Steps to Deep Clean Your Backpack:

1. Empty Everything & Loosen Straps
   Start by completely emptying all compartments and loosening straps for easier cleaning access.

2. Vacuum the Inside
   Use a vacuum on the lowest setting to remove crumbs, sand, or dirt from those hard-to-reach corners.

3. Wet the Pack with a Sponge
   Gently wet the entire backpack. If there’s dried mud, don’t try to scrape it off—wetting it will loosen it without damaging the fabric.

4. Clean the Shoulder Harness & Hipbelt
   These areas absorb sweat and oils, so give them special attention. Lather them up with technical soap and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.

5. Scrub the Exterior Gently
   Use the sponge and soft brush to target stubborn stains on the outer fabric. Don’t go overboard—gentle motions will do the trick.

6. Rinse Thoroughly
   Rinse everything with clean, cold water. Make sure no soap residue remains, as it can affect the fabric and water-repellent properties.

7. Hang to Dry
   Let your backpack air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight or placing it near heaters—heat can damage the materials and cause shrinkage.

🚫 What Not to Do:

• ❌ Don’t remove internal frames unless they’re specifically designed to be removable.

• ❌ Never machine wash, tumble dry, or dry clean your backpack.

• ❌ Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents.

Reproofing Your Backpack’s DWR Coating

Your backpack likely has a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating that helps it resist moisture. Over time, this coating wears off—but don’t worry, it’s easy to refresh!

How to Reproof:

• While the fabric is still damp after cleaning, apply a spray-on reproofer.

• Follow the instructions on the product label for the best results.

For top-notch products, check out our range of Grangers. Their Tent + Gear Cleaner or Footwear + Gear Cleaner works great for washing as they are a technical soap, and their Repel Plus products are perfect for reproofing the DWR coating.