Q&A for How to Wash a Backpack

It may be possible to wash a North Face backpack in a washing machine provided it is of a suitable size for your home machine. If not, you may need to visit the laundromat to use a large enough machine. It’s recommended that you remove any loose external features such as carabiners or loose cords, turn the backpack inside out to protect both the external features and color, and place the backpack into a pillowcase or large cloth bag to protect it before placing in the washing machine. Follow any manufacturer's washing instructions and/or the instructions detailed above in Method 2 for washing the backpack in a washing machine.

A backpack is best air dried, hanging up. A dryer may overheat the synthetic parts and any glue joints, either weakening or destroying them, while zips, buckles and metallic parts might harm the dryer drum. The backpack can be hung from the clothesline outside or inside, perhaps over a tub or bathtub, to drip dry first, then air dry. If you do use a dryer, use the lowest setting and place it inside something like a pillowcase to protect it from banging on the dryer drum.

If the Nike backpack is made from nylon/polyester synthetic materials, then it should be fine to wash in the washing machine. First, read the label on the backpack to see whether it suggests washing instructions. Otherwise, it is recommended that you follow the instructions detailed above in Method 2 to wash the backpack. It’s a good idea to turn the bag inside out before washing (this protects the color and external features) and place it inside a pillowcase (added protection) before adding to the washing machine.

Many backpacks can be cleaned in the washing machine on a gentle cycle, provided they are not delicate or are made from leather. Read the label on the backpack first, if there is one; some higher end backpacks may have a recommendation for hand-washing or dry cleaning only. Remove anything that can be removed from the backpack (such as carabiners, loose cords, etc.), turn it inside out and place it into a pillowcase or similar cover to protect it. Details for washing the backpack in a washing machine are detailed above in Method 2.

Because, depending on what your backpack is made out of, the heat can cause your backpack to shrink or become damaged. In some cases, it can even cause a fire.

About a day, two at the most. If you leave it outside to dry, it only needs to stay for half a day or so depending on the material.

In the morning, even if it is hot and sunny outside, moisture can absorb into your backpack.

No. It is recommended that you neither use a machine nor dry-cleaner for a Hype bag, but rather wash by hand and allow to air-dry.

Do not dry your backpack in the dryer. Air dry it instead. If you must use a dryer, put it on the lowest/no-heat setting. There should be minimal to no shrinking.

That is not a good idea, as the plastic will likely melt and ruin the look of the bag and its strength, and may also stick to the dryer drum.

Read the label carefully when buying a detergent. Many people are concerned about dyes and chemicals, and companies are aware of this. If a detergent is free of dyes and chemicals, it will state this on the label. You could also try searching for natural or environmentally-friendly detergents; they usually are clear in color and sold alongside other natural detergents.

Use an empty spray bottle and fill it with baking soda and water or clean the backpack with water mixed with baking soda and a brush. Brush off the mold and wash your backpack in the washing machine afterward. Make sure it gets dry so the mold won't grow back.

Wash it with water for a longer cycle.

You may follow the same instructions here for a gym bag.

It depends on the temperature, and how wet the backpack is. It could take a few days, but if it is really hot it could expedite the drying process.

I have a Samsung washer -- on "heavy duty and waterproof" it only takes 72 minutes to wash a backpack with out any additional cycles. Drying can take up to 4 - 6 hours, though.

You can put it in a trash bag along with baking soda and shake vigorously. Just make sure that the trash bag is secure so the baking soda won't spill everywhere. Do it outside just in case. When you are done, dust off any baking soda. Make sure it is baking soda and not baking powder.

Follow the instructions that are listed above very carefully.

You could, but you would have to set it to a low temperature. Sun drying it is the best option.

Put some toothpaste on the pen ink stains and put the bag in the refrigerator. After twelve hours, remove the bag from the refrigerator and wash it.

Yes. Wash it gently and hang it to dry.

Yes, but air dry it instead of using the dryer.

It should not, but you can use a color pack just to be safe.

You can use hairspray to surface the ink stains, then use a rag, sponge, brush, or anything of that sort to scrub out the stains with some soap.

It is recommended not to wash it if it has leather as this can damage and discolor it. However, if you would like to wash your bag, cover the leather area of the bag and proceed as normal.

Hand-wash it.

You can wash it regularly but then put a couple of drops of essential oils in it and leave it out in the sun and fresh air to dry.