Washing school backpacks: an overview of methods

How to wash a school backpack properly: Keeping it clean and in top shape!

A school backpack accompanies your child every day: it's not just a practical item, but also a loyal companion throughout the school routine. Over time, it's inevitable that dirt, crumbs and stains will accumulate. A clean school backpack or backpack is not only more hygienic, but also lasts longer and looks better. The school holidays or a long weekend offer the perfect opportunity to wash your child's school backpack. But what's the best way to go about it? Whether by hand, in the dishwasher or even in the washing machine – we'll show you which method works best and when, and what to keep in mind when cleaning and caring for the bag, so it looks like new again without getting damaged.

Preparation before washing

Whether you're hand-cleaning or washing in the dishwasher or washing machine: before you start cleaning the school backpack, thorough preparation is essential.

You should take care of the following three steps:

Empty the school backpack:

Take out all books, notebooks and pencil cases, and also check small side pockets and compartments for any other school accessories.

Check the manufacturer's materials and care instructions:

You'll often find these on a small label inside the school backpack, which will tell you whether the backpack is machine-washable or whether hand-washing is recommended.

Remove coarse dirt:

To remove dust, sand or crumbs, you can empty out the backpack, brush it off and, if needed, use a narrow vacuum cleaner attachment to clean hard-to-reach spots.

Hand-washing: The gentle method

Hand-washing is a safe and gentle cleaning method. If your child's school backpack is made of delicate materials or features appliqués and reflective elements, hand-washing is the best choice. By gently cleaning the backpack by hand, you avoid it losing its shape or special details.

Step-by-step guide for hand-washing

Here's how to successfully clean it by hand:

1. Prepare the cleaning area: Place the backpack in a tub, shower, sink or large bucket and rinse it with warm water.

2. Use gentle cleaning products: Apply a little mild detergent or washing-up liquid to a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid harsh cleaners, bleach or alcohol, as these could damage the bag's material.

3. Clean gently: Wipe the backpack down both inside and outside with the cloth or sponge. For particularly dirty spots, a sponge with a scouring surface is ideal for light scrubbing.

4. Rinse off: Finally, rinse the school backpack thoroughly with clear, cold water to remove all soap residue.

5. Dry it properly: Hang the backpack upside down in a warm spot and open all compartments so the school bag can dry completely.

6. Final waterproofing: Once the school backpack is completely dry, you can treat it with a waterproofing agent or spray (to protect against rain).
   

Washing a school backpack in the dishwasher

Washing a school backpack or school bag in the dishwasher – is that even possible? What sounds unusual at first actually works wonderfully with certain school backpacks. This method cleans the school backpack thoroughly and is less time-consuming compared to hand-washing. However, not all backpacks are suitable for the dishwasher.

Besides the backpack itself, you can of course also hand-clean smaller school accessories, such as pencil cases. A damp cloth and a bit of washing-up liquid as a cleaning agent will do the job.

Before running the dishwasher, you should therefore check whether the following conditions are met:

• The backpack has a solid body.
• The pockets are not made of felt or leather, but of plastic.
• There are no cardboard parts present.
• Your dishwasher has a short or cold wash programme with a maximum of 55 degrees Celsius available.

Step-by-step guide for cleaning in the dishwasher

If your child's backpack meets all the requirements, you should approach washing it in the dishwasher as follows:

1. Prepare the dishwasher: Remove all dishes and make sure no food residue remains in the machine that could dirty the school backpack. Also remove unnecessary accessories, such as the cutlery basket, from the machine.

2. Place the backpack correctly: Place the open school backpack upside down in the bottom rack of the dishwasher.

3. Select the washing programme: Choose a short or cold wash programme with a maximum of 55 degrees Celsius – ideally less.
   

And here's another tip: After the dishwasher cycle, you can let the school backpack dry thoroughly just as you would after hand-washing, and once completely dry, treat it with a waterproofing agent for extra care.

Washing a school backpack in the washing machine

If you want to wash the backpack in the washing machine, great caution is advised. Some manufacturers even advise against washing their models in the washing machine altogether. This is because protective coatings can be damaged there, and the material is also exposed to heavy friction. For this reason, you should first and foremost research the manufacturer's guidelines 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 rigid.
  
• The backpack is not made of leather, but of washable materials, such as cotton.
• A gentle wash cycle at 20–30 degrees Celsius is recommended for this cleaning method.

Conclusion: How can you clean a school backpack?

To get your child's school backpack looking bright and fresh again, you have the following options:

• Hand-washing: This is the gentlest method and always the first and safest choice for delicate materials.
• Dishwasher: Cleaning in the dishwasher can be an effective alternative for sturdy plastic models, but only at low temperatures.
• Washing machine: This cleaning method is only suitable for hard-wearing backpacks made of washable material, without delicate details and without a rigid body. Here's the rule: follow the manufacturer's instructions and always use a gentle cycle!