So, how does everyone clean their backpacks?

[Greyswan]

I have a couple of favourite backpacks that I'd like to clean. I have seen that some people actually put them in the washing machine and have had good results. I'm contemplating that, as the bags are very old anyway but still very useful, if only for storage. I have done the old wash-with-soapy sponge method but the back panels are a bit funky from years of hiking with the resultant sweat buildup. The insides are pretty clean.

So what do you guys do? Anybody done drycleaning? Is that even possible?

 

[West Coast Birder]

I have a couple of favourite backpacks that I'd like to clean. I have seen that some people actually put them in the washing machine and have had good results. I'm contemplating that, as the bags are very old anyway but still very useful, if only for storage. I have done the old wash-with-soapy sponge method but the back panels are a bit funky from years of hiking with the resultant sweat buildup. The insides are pretty clean.

So what do you guys do? Anybody done drycleaning? Is that even possible?

I just get them wet in the bathtub/shower stall and use a kitchen sponge with some hand soap and scrub away the grime. Just stick it out in the sun to dry (not sure if you get any though in the GWN! ). I don't trust washing machines to not tug and damage straps and other parts of the backpack.

 

[RhodyPhotos]

I have used lysol wipes both on the inside and outside with really good results. I haven't ever put a backpack in a washing machine.

 

[Greyswan]

I think I might try the washing machine - I'd be putting it in a net for safety, and on low heat/gentle. I'm just curious if it's possible.

 

[West Coast Birder]

I think I might try the washing machine - I'd be putting it in a net for safety, and on low heat/gentle. I'm just curious if it's possible.

Please report back on your results!

 

[Wilt]

Your could simply let it soak in sudsy water for a couple of hours, then let it soak in clear water for another couple of hours with several changes of water, then let it drip dry.

 

[Markuswelder]

You could try what I do with my work clothes. Chuck it in a bucket of soapy water overnight, then lay it on the path/driveway, and hit it with the pressure washer. Works an absolute treat, and the little lady of the house doesn't get upset with dirt and grease building up on the seals of the washing machine.
Personally, I just throw my backpack in the washing machine on a short cycle, and let it do its thing.

 

[plimsoll1]

For my everyday backpacks, usually just nylon with padding, I wash on cold and dry on permanent press. They come out great. If it's a large, very stiff photo backpack, you could probably do that with the inserts/separators, and wash the shell in a large sink with dish soap and a sponge with a no-scratch pad, then air dry.

 

[Cliff Hilbert]

If you use a dirty, worn-out backpack you can fool people into thinking you are a hard-working, artsy photographer.

 

[Greyswan]

Thanks everyone, I THINK I'll try the bucket od sudsy water this summer. I'll let you know if it survives!v
Cliff, You may have something there. I'm off to buy a beret so I can do some larping!

 

[West Coast Birder]

I'm off to buy a beret so I can do some larping!

I had to Google that!