6 min read
Keeping your kid’s backpack clean keeps them healthy (goodbye gross wrappers and who knows what at the bottom) and ensures the longevity of their school gear. From spilled snacks to playground dirt, backpacks can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs if not cleaned regularly. To help you tackle this task, we’ve gathered expert tips, tricks and advice to make the job easier.
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steps to take before washing their backpack
First, read the care label. Before diving into the cleaning process, always check the care label on your kid’s backpack for specific instructions from the manufacturer. Next, remove all items from their backpack, including books, snacks, and any other belongings. Take their backpack outside and give it a good shake to remove any loose crumbs, dust, or debris. Don’t forget to unzip each pocket to ensure thorough cleaning and to prevent any surprises later on. Finally, spot-clean any visible stains with a stain remover and a soft brush or toothbrush.
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how to machine wash their backpack
Turn their backpack inside out to protect any delicate materials or decorations that are on the outside. Our pro tip: consider putting their backpack inside a laundry bag or pillowcase while washing to prevent the zippers from snagging or damaging the washing machine’s walls.
Now that their backpack is prepped, it’s time to wash. We recommend using a gentle laundry detergent suitable for delicate fabrics and setting your washing machine to the gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid overloading the machine with other items to ensure it is cleaned thoroughly. After their backpack has been washed, it is time to dry it. Hang it upside down to dry with the zippers unzipped to prevent them from sticking.
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how to hand wash their backpack
To prep their backpack before washing it, we recommend pretreating any visible stains with a stain remover and a soft brush or toothbrush. Next, fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of gentle detergent. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the exterior of their backpack to clean it. Turn it inside out and repeat the scrubbing process to thoroughly clean the interior. After you have cleaned it, drain the sink of the dirty water and refill it with clean, cool water. Rinse their backpack thoroughly and wring out any excess water. Use a thick towel to absorb any remaining moisture. Leave the zippers unzipped and hang their backpack upside down to air dry.
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how to spot clean their backpack
For light dirt, dab the dirt spot with a sponge soaked in gentle detergent and lukewarm water until the spot is gone. For stubborn stains, use a toothbrush or another bristled brush to scrub the dirt spot away gently. Again, use a gentle detergent and lukewarm water for best results.
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top backpack tips
Avoid machine drying backpacks, as it can cause shrinking.
Toothbrushes are ideal for scrubbing ground-in stains and hard-to-reach crevices.
Consider using handheld vacuums or keyboard cleaners to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Sponges are perfect for cleaning mesh elements of a backpack.
Empty your child’s backpack every couple of weeks to shake out crumbs, dust, and other debris.
Store backpacks in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent odors and mold.
Sanitize backpacks frequently to extend the time between washes.
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