Washing school bags: Methods at a glance

A school backpack accompanies your child daily: it is not only a practical utensil but also a loyal companion in everyday school life. It is inevitable that over time, dirt, crumbs, and stains accumulate. A clean school backpack or backpack is not only more hygienic but also lasts longer and looks better. The holidays or an extended weekend provide the perfect opportunity for you to wash your child's backpack. But how should you go about it? Whether by hand washing, in the dishwasher, or maybe even in the washing machine – we will show you which method is suitable when and what to pay attention to during cleaning and care to ensure that the backpack looks like new again without being damaged.

Table of contents:

• Preparation
• Hand washing
• Washing the school backpack in the dishwasher
• Conclusion

Preparation before washing

No matter if before hand cleaning or washing in the dishwasher or washing machine: Before you start cleaning the school backpack, thorough preparation is crucial.

The following three steps should be addressed:

1. Empty the backpack: Take out all books, notebooks, and pencil cases and also check small compartments and pockets for any additional school accessories.

2. Check materials and manufacturer's care instructions: You can often find these on a small label inside the backpack, where you will learn if the backpack is machine washable or if hand washing is recommended.

3. Remove coarse dirt: To remove dust, sand, or crumbs, you can shake out the backpack, brush it off, and if necessary, clean hard-to-reach areas with a narrow vacuum cleaner attachment.

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 has applications and reflective elements, hand washing is the best choice. By gently cleaning by hand, you avoid losing the backpack's shape or special details.

Step-by-step guide for hand washing

And here’s how to succeed with hand cleaning:

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

2. Use gentle cleaning agents: Apply a little mild detergent or rinse aid to a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid aggressive cleaners, bleach, or alcohol, as these may damage the material of the bag.  

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

4. Rinse: Finally, rinse the school bag thoroughly with clear, cold water to remove all soap residues. 

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

6. Final impregnation: Once the school bag is completely dry, you can treat it with an impregnation agent or spray (against rain). 
   

Washing School Bags in the Dishwasher

Can you wash the school bag or the school backpack in the dishwasher at all? What initially sounds unusual works wonderfully with certain school bags. This method cleans the school bag thoroughly and is less labor-intensive compared to hand cleaning. However, not all bags are suitable for the dishwasher.

In addition to the bag, you can of course also clean smaller school accessories, such as pencil cases, by hand. A damp cloth and some dish soap as a cleaning agent are sufficient for this.

Before the washing cycle, you should therefore check whether the following conditions are met: 

• The bag has a sturdy body.
• The pockets are not made of felt or leather, but of plastic.
• There are no parts made of cardboard present.
• A short or cold wash program with a maximum of 55 degrees Celsius is selectable on your dishwasher.

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 ensure that no food residues remain in the machine that could dirty the school backpack. Also, remove any unnecessary accessories, such as the cutlery basket, from the machine. 

2. Properly place the backpack: Now place the open school backpack upside down in the bottom compartment of the dishwasher. 

3. Select cleaning program: Choose a short or cold wash program that has a maximum temperature of 55 degrees Celsius – preferably less. 
   

And here’s the tip: After the wash cycle, you can let the school backpack dry thoroughly just like after hand washing and treat it with impregnation after it has completely dried. 

Washing the School Backpack in the Washing Machine

If you want to wash the backpack in the washing machine, great caution is required. Some manufacturers generally advise against washing their models in the washing machine. This is because protective coatings can be damaged and the material is exposed to strong friction. For this reason, you should primarily 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 shape-stable.
  
• The backpack is made of not 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?

In order for your child's school backpack to shine in bright colors and old freshness again, you have the following options:

• Hand wash: 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 robust plastic models, but only at low temperatures. 
• Washing machine: This cleaning method is only suitable for durable backpacks made of washable material and without delicate details and a rigid body. Here it applies: Follow manufacturer instructions and always use a gentle program! 
  

Discover backpacks from leading brands like ergobag, Step by Step, and many more with us: 

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