Sometimes after a camping trip, you are left with something that will need a deep clean. This can be anything that may have gotten dirty or muddy during your hiking trips such as tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, boots, shoes, t-shirts or even a stove. The good news is that cleaning these items isn't really that hard. You definitely don't have to go out and buy any fancy cleaning materials either. Koala Outdoor is here to give you the lowdown on how to clean your backpack.Deep cleaning is important because hiking backpacks can get dirty, especially if you are hiking through many types of terrain. If your gear becomes soiled with mud or dirt, cleaning it will help prolong its life. You do not want to pull out your equipment for a trip and it has dirt all over it.If you are planning on using it for more than one trip, then it is important that you learn to wash your backpack properly.Can you put a Backpack into the washing machine?How do you wash a Backpack without ruining it?What is the best way to wash a Backpack?How do you clean a sweaty Backpack?Can you put a Backpack in the dryer?Can you put a camping backpack in the washing machine?Although machine washing sounds like a convenient way of cleaning your backpack, you might get it very damaged in the process. You should never put your camping gear into a washing machine because many parts of the machine are too aggressive for it. For example, pockets and backpack liners can rip apart in the machine if you try to wash them.How do you wash a backpack without ruining it?Washing your hiking backpack completely will both protect and prolong its life. You can clean your backpack by hand without ruining it. The best way to do this is by using a clean tub of water, a small amount of soap, and a brush.The first step in washing your camping backpack is to fill up a clean tub with warm water. You can also use your sink if you do not have a tub available. After the water is filled, add some regular detergent to and place your backpack into the soapy water and let it soak for about 20 minutes.During the soak, you can take a soft brush and or wet cloth to clean out all of the stains and dirt on and inside your backpack. By doing so, you can give it a deep clean without any worries that mold may develop. A clean backpack should also last longer than one that isn't cleaned properly.What is the best way to wash a backpack?How many times have you tried to deep clean your backpack, only to find those smelly spots remained? Washing your backpack is more important than you might think. Knowing the best way to clean your backpack correctly will help extend the life of your backpack and keep you from having any issues or surprises when on the trail. Now that you’re ready to wash your backpack, here are some good do's and don’ts to consider.Here are some valuable steps on how to clean a backpack:Step 1: Take care of the zippers and strapsIt is important to pay particular attention to all the zippers and all the straps when you wash a backpack because these are essential for your comfort while using your hiking pack. When hanging up to dry make sure you have removed all of the pooled up water so that is doesn't stay in the hard to reach areas of the backpack.Step 2: Wash It With Water And Gentle DetergentYou can also use detergent-free soap and hot water to clean your backpack because harsh chemicals can actually damage the pack and doing so will affect your comfort while using the product. Avoid using fabric softener. Your backpack may also have leather parts that need to be washed as well. If these parts aren't cleaned, your backpack won't last as long as it should.Step 3: Scrub Your Backpack cleanYou want to make sure that you scrub every inch of your backpack because this is is a surefire way to remove dirt and mud that won't come off from a quick wash. You need to concentrate on things like seams and inside pockets, as well as the external parts.Step 4: Rinse Your BackpackAfter you have scrubbed your backpack, it is important to rinse it out really well. This means that you should dump out all the water and detergent residue then continue to rinse with clean water.Step 5: Let It Air DryOnce finished cleaning, you have to let it dry out before you put anything back on it and hang the backpack upside down to dry in a place with plenty of air circulation.Step 6: Put Your Backpack's External Parts Back On Once everything is completely dry and secure, it should be safe to put your external parts back onto your backpack such as the shoulder velcros or waist straps. The external part of your backpack is the most important since it will determine if you can or cannot use it.While a camping backpack doesn’t need to be washed often, it’s still important to keep your gear clean and cared for. After all, you don’t want to camp with dirty products when you could easily avoid it with a little bit of preparation. Plus, washing your backpack is a great way to freshen up your gear and restore its original shape.How do you clean a sweaty backpack?So when you get done with your camping trips, how do you spot clean a sweaty backpack? The answer, of course, is to spot clean a sweaty backpack. Spot cleaning serves a couple of purposes. Firstly, it gets the worst of the dirt and grimes out so you can go back and clean them in a sink or tub later. Secondly, it helps to speed up the drying time.It's important to understand that while camp backpacks are totally functional and useful when you're camping, they can get roughed up pretty bad because they're used frequently in some dire conditions. They get very dirty from the ground and from being set down on trees and on rocks; there are also food grains, bird droppings, and other unmentionables that come into play.To start with there are some materials that can't be cleaned in typical scenarios. These include leather, and down-filled backpacks. For these types of backpacks, you'll need to clean a backpack either by hand or send them out to a professional cleaner.For any other type of backpack, the process is simple:Hand Wash a BackpackFill a bucket with lukewarm water and a small amount of soap (don’t use regular detergent or fabric softener). Gently scrub the backpack with a sponge. Rinse the backpack clean, then let it air dry - not in direct sunlight.However, some backpack fabrics can be harmed by certain bleaches. It's important to read the warnings on the selected stain remover. To really get rid of heavier stains, you'll want to make sure you have a store-bought cleaner that can handle some tough stains.Machine Washing & Dryer To use machines or dryers, follow the washing instructions on the label. If there are no instructions, it's sometimes better to just clean by hand or ask the store you purchased from. This will depend on the type of material used in construction of your hiking backpack.Though they may not be particularly fragile, camping backpacks require a bit more care when it comes to cleaning and drying. Certain materials are very sensitive to friction, so don’t rub the bag directly against anything rough if you can help it. For hard-to-reach areas, try using a toothbrush or other small brush or cloth.Can you put a backpack in the dryer?You can put a backpack in the dryer, but you have to remember that not all backpacks are to be put in the dryer. Just follow your product's guidelines for using them on the label. If it says "No", then just hand wash and air dry instead of using the machine.If your camping backpacks are made of materials that are not compatible with this kind of cleaning, then don't do it. For any other type of backpack that is machine-washable or dryable, putting them into the dryer will also help to get rid of any odors, stains, and sweat.ConclusionThere are many different ways to wash a camping backpack, and it's important to know the best way before cleaning. If you're not too sure as to how you should go about cleaning your camping equipment, be sure to check the manufacturer guidelines before you clean your backpack. This will help you avoid damaging your backpack, which could make it less effective at serving its intended purpose during use.At the end of the day, washing a camping backpack is very important if you want to keep it clean and functional. It's also pretty easy as long as you know what needs to be done, so try your best to remember the tips shared above next time you go camping!
