Backpack Care in 6 Simple Steps
We all love our backpacks. We may have several of them but each one is precious to us. So we want to keep them in their original condition.
There are many ways to take care of your backpacks to make sure their shape and good quality are preserved. Here are easy backpack care tips you can easily do:
Keep Them Clean
One way to care for your backpacks is to make sure you clean them from time to time.
Food crumbs can draw in critters that can damage the bag. Some dirt that is left over time could permanently settle in on the material. Or it could dry up and lodge the zippers.
After a trip, a hike, or a few days of your daily schedule, empty your backpack. There might be crumbs left in the pockets.
Wipe your backpack and all the compartments with a dry or damp cloth depending on the need.
Machine Wash
Make sure to check the label or care guide before tossing the backpack to the washer.
If it is machine-washable, use a laundry bag to keep both your backpack and your washing machine safe. The backpack's loose straps can get caught in the washer.
You can use something that's made of a thin but strong fabric such as a pillowcase if a laundry bag is not available.
Use a detergent-free soap to make sure it's not harsh on the fabric. Set your machine to light or low cleaning settings.
Wash by Hand
If your backpack doesn't say it's safe to machine-wash, you'd be better off cleaning it by hand.
Use a soft cloth, sponge, or brush. Again, make sure you only use detergent-free soap. Use lukewarm water – never use hot water.
Air Dry Only
Never use a dryer to dry your bag. Just hang it upside down where it can dry naturally. But also avoid direct sunlight that might ruin your backpack. Make sure your backpack is all dried up before you store it away.
Keep Them Dry
Moisture can cause mold to develop. Keep rain or any liquid at bay by using a backpack cover to protect the outside of the backpack.
You can also keep the inside of your backpack dry by using a backpack liner. Place the liner inside the backpack to ensure the contents and your backpack stays dry.
Experts even suggest using both because sometimes the protection that a pack cover gives can be minimal.
When Storing
Keep moisture away. So, when you store your backpacks make sure they're dry inside and out.
The place where you're going to keep them must also be dry.
Furthermore, it's not a good idea to store backpacks anywhere near food. It is highly likely that rodents will damage the backpacks.
If you want to keep the shape of the backpacks, it would be best if you don't fold them. Just hang them or lay them flat.
Keep your backpacks away from pets or little kids. You never know what they might do to them.