Whether you are going on a long hiking trip or just for some easy days camping, having a clean backpack is extremely important. You need to make sure that it is clean every time you go out and bring your belongings with you. This is why it is advisable that you have the right backpack cleaning methods so that you can keep your pack in the best condition. Here are some tips to help you clean your backpack properly.
There are different kinds of materials that are packed inside your bag. Some may be made of more durable material, but this does not mean that it cannot be cleaned. All you need to do is simply remove all the trash inside the bag and start cleaning. If you know which parts of the bag need to be cleaned, then all you have to do is to start cleaning those parts. If you have no idea about which areas of your bag need to be cleaned, then you can always search the internet for the cleaning procedures.
If you need to carry items that have sharp objects like blades or pins, then you should be careful when you are trying to clean the bag. It would be better if you do not put any sharp objects inside your backpack. If you want to carry such an item, then you should leave it out in the open until you are ready to take it out. If you cannot find such an item somewhere, then you should consider buying a new backpack instead. You can easily get one from your local store.
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Empty Your Bag
If you have already emptied your bag and are now looking for something that still looks good, then you can consider using a bag steamer. All you have to do is to attach the wand to the steamer and it will automatically clean your bag. This is the easiest way for you to do some cleaning. You don’t need any tools and you don’t need to exert any effort on it, so you will be able to make your bag look as good as new.
Washing Machine
First, know which type of cleaning product to buy. There are plenty of commercial products and homemade ones on the market to choose from. Wash and clean your backpack in your washing machine. Washing your backpack in the washing machine is easy to do and doesn’t cost much. If you don’t have a washing machine, you can use a wet cleaner or simply a bottle sprayer to clean your bag.
Be careful not to scrub too hard when cleaning. If you do, you could damage the fabric used on your hiking backpack. Also, make sure to completely dry the bag before putting it away. Otherwise, the cleaning agent will seep into the padding and leave a film.
Vacuum
If you’re handy with a vacuum, you should be able to clean your hiking backpack in no time. Start by removing all of the gear, such as your water bottle and other liquids. Next, use the vacuum to suck up all of the dirt and go. Remember to turn off the vacuum so it doesn’t damage anything when sucking up the dirt. Put the bag in the canister and fill it up with some water.
Leather backpack
If you’re dealing with leather, you can simply wash the bag with warm water and mild soap. You should also note that when you’re cleaning leather, you should never apply soap directly onto it because the soap will get soaked in the leather and will actually eat away at the fibers. So, use a cloth dipped in soap and gently wipe the bag. It’s always best to start from the bottom and work your way up the bag. If you find that your bag is too wet, you can add a drop of liquid laundry detergent to it to keep it clean.
Nylon Backpack
If your backpack has a nylon interior, then you can use the same method as the leather bag. Wash it in the washing machine with mild detergent-free soap and leave it for a few minutes. Then, use a soft bristle brush to scrub the bag until it’s all clean and there’s no sign of dirt or grit in it. If the spot clean section doesn’t work, then you can use the regular washing machine to do the entire thing. Just make sure that you use gentle strokes and don’t scrub too hard.
Backpack Protector
For your winter backpacking trips, you should always take a good backpack protector. This is the best protection that you can get for your backpacks. This protective material is made out of foam and can prevent any damage or scratches on your backpack. You will be able to prevent any ugly surprises when you are on your winter travels.
These are some of the tips that you can use in how to clean your backpacks. It is very important that you always clean them once a month so that you will be able to keep them in their original shape. If you don’t clean them, they will become old before their time and you will not be able to use them anymore. So, don’t miss this opportunity to take advantage of these useful tips.
