How do I wash a backpack?

After a nature outing, an urban journey or the accumulation of dust and dirt, a good cleaning is essential to preserve the lifespan of your backpack.

But each material requires specific care . Whether you own an Eastpak, Herschel, Quechua, or leather backpack, discover effective and safe techniques for controlled washing.

Can you wash a backpack in a washing machine?

Yes, but only certain models. Simple backpacks , like Eastpak or some Herschel models, can withstand machine washing, provided you follow the steps carefully and avoid overly aggressive programs.

First of all, remove any visible crumbs and residue by hand, then perform a targeted pre-cleaning with a little Marseille soap and a soft sponge, making circular motions on each visible stain.

Materials needed:

• A pillowcase or laundry bag

• A gentle laundry detergent or a textile cleaner without bleaching agents.

• A soft brush or microfiber cloth

• A sponge and a damp cloth

• Approximately 10 liters of water if you prefer a manual pre-wash

Steps:

1. Empty the bag completely, shake it to remove the dirt.

2. Treat the stains with a damp cloth and a little Marseille soap.

3. Protect the bag by placing it in a pillowcase.

4. Start a delicate cold cycle (30°C) , with a low spin speed.

5. Rinse thoroughly if necessary after washing to remove any detergent residue.

6. Leave to dry in the shade, opening facing down.

💡 Caution : avoid machine washing bags with rigid reinforcements or waterproofing treatments.

How do I wash a hiking backpack?

Quechua bags, or those from other technical brands, are designed for extreme conditions. They must be hand-washed to preserve their specific materials.

Manual method:

1. Fill a basin with a few liters of lukewarm water and mild soap (ideally Marseille soap ).

2. Gently rub the soiled areas using a soft brush or microfiber cloth.

3. Rinse thoroughly without fully submerging the bag.

4. Dry with a clean towel, then let it air naturally.

🔎 Tip : Use an old dish brush with soft bristles to reach seams or straps encrusted with dirt.

How do I wash a leather backpack?

Leather and imitation leather require special care. Regular washing could dry them out or damage them. Avoid excessive water and opt for gentle methods such as dry cleaning at home .

For a genuine leather backpack:

Material :

• Soft microfiber cloth

• Cleansing milk or glycerin soap

• Nourishing cream for leather

• Warm water in small quantities (less than 1 liter of water is sufficient)

Procedure :

1. Dry- clean the entire bag.

2. Gently rub the stained areas with a damp cloth lightly soaked in makeup remover.

3. Rinse lightly with a clean, damp cloth if necessary.

4. Dry immediately with a soft cloth.

5. Apply a special leather wax or cream to nourish the material.

For imitation leather:

1. Clean the surfaces with a damp sponge and mild soap.

2. Make circular motions on each stain.

3. Finish by rinsing with a clean sponge , then dry with an absorbent cloth.

🧼 Grandma's tip : A mixture of white vinegar and water (equal parts) can act as a natural cleaner for stained surfaces – test on a small area first.

How do I wash a backpack by hand?

This is the gentlest and most universal method , suitable for fragile, waterproof or high-end bags such as Herschel or thick canvas bags.

Recommended steps:

1. In a basin or sink, mix 5 to 10 liters of lukewarm water and a little Marseille soap.

2. Soak a sponge or microfiber cloth , then gently rub the fabric.

3. Rinse with clean water using a damp cloth to remove soap residue.

4. Gently squeeze the bag to remove excess water (without twisting it).

5. Leave to dry hanging, in the open air, away from any heat source.

Grandma's tips for taking care of your backpack

🌿 Baking soda : sprinkle in pockets to absorb odors. Vacuum it all up after a few hours.
🍋 Lemon juice + fine salt: a natural paste to apply to stained straps (rinse quickly).
🧴 Black soap : ideal for disinfecting without damaging fabric.
🌾 Dried lavender sachet : slip it into your bag between uses for lasting freshness.

In summary

From Eastpak city backpacks to Quechua trekking bags, and including leather or designer models like Herschel, each material requires a specific cleaning method. Machine washing, hand washing, leather care, or natural techniques: there's a solution for every use. A good rinse , appropriate products, and natural drying guarantee a clean, healthy bag, ready for the next adventure.