Outdoor backpack cleaning tips
February 15, 2010 by admin
Filed under Outdoor Backpack
Most backpacks can get real dirty after a longer period of use, some even so dirty that you would seriously consider buying a new one because all hope of getting it clean and smell good has been lost. On top of that outdoor backpack cleaning isn’t exactly the most exiting thing you can do with your time. So i have put together a few tips for outdoor backpack cleaning that will make the job a little bit easier and maybe even bring new hope for your “dirty smelly backpack”.
First things first, i want to tell you how you should not clean your backpack. Never put it in the washing machine. Even on the lowest temperature and on the delicate cycle most backpacks cannot endure this. It can bring damage to the seams, sometimes there is a chemical waterproof layer that will fall apart or the different laminate layers of your backpack will melt or stick together. So only use this method if the label says you can, or when all else fails. For the dryer it’s the same story, always check the label if it is possible to machine dry your backpack, most backpacks won’t survive this, due to the high temperature and the rolling around in the machine.
Oke so lets start with the right cleaning method.
First we start with the vacuum cleaner. Make sure that you suck all the loose dirt out of the inside of the backpack and also out of all the exterior pockets. You do this first so you wont rub even more dirt into your backpack when cleaning it. If you have any sand or other dry dirt on your backpack, try to rub it off with a brush or anything like that and vacuum clean it again. You can use one of the vacuum attachments for this, or do it at the local car wash.
After the vacuum cleaning it’s time for the real cleaning. What you need for this is a bucket or something else to put in some hand warm water. As a cleaning substance i always use dishwasher cleaner with degreaser. You can use about 2 tablespoons on a bucket. You’re also going to need a sponge or rag or something. You then start cleaning the inside of the backpack first. Dampen the sponge or rag with the cleaning water and begin to wipe the backpack clean. Do this for as long as you need to, just make sure that you clean the sponge or rag many times so you do not spread the dirty water all over your backpack, use fresh cleaning water if you have to.
For the outside of the backpack you do the same thing. Again, use clean water, if you use dirty water the only thing you’ll do is wipe in the dirty water. If your sponge or brush can’t get into the smaller pockets of your backpack, use an old toothbrush to get into those little corners. Once this is done inside and out, do it all over again but this time with pure water and no cleaning substance. This is to get rid of any soapy water and remaing dirt water. Ring out the rag or sponge because we don’t want to soak the backpack material with water.
When you are done it’s time to dry the bag. You can hang it upside down on a line, preferably outside where the wind will help drying it through and through. If the weather conditions don’t allow it you can hang it indoors, but make sure it has enough “breathing” area so it won’t get smelly after all.
That was it, if you use this outdoor backpack cleaning method on a regular basis it won’t take too much time and it will extend the lifetime of your backpack. Hope this article was useful, if you have any cleaning tips of your own, please share them in the comment section down below.