How to Clean a Canvas Backpack – Step by Step Guide

This post will navigate through the entire process—be it hand cleaning or machine washing—step by step, helping you to not only clean your Canvas backpack effectively but also to extend its lifespan.

The quick answer to “How to clean Canvas backpack?“: Begin by removing all dirt and particles from the bag, apply mild soap or detergent with warm water, scrub gently, rinse, and let it air dry; for machine washing, ensure to read the care label, use a gentle cycle, and still air dry.

What is a Canvas Backpack?

A canvas backpack is a carrier bag that is manufactured from durable plain-woven fabric.

Most of the time, the material is made from linen and cotton.

Canvas fabric is unique and durable so that you can easily carry you things. This material is also used in the artistic world. In addition, however, the canvas is used to manufacture messenger bags, backpacks, shoes, sails, and many other travel items.

Following are the two methods to clean the canvas backpack

1. How to clean a Canvas Backpack with a Hand?
2.  How to clean a canvas backpack with Washer?

Steps How to Clean a Canvas Backpack with Hand

Following is the complete guideline to clean the canvas backpack.

Step 1: Clean the dirt and Particles from Outside of the Canvas Surface

First of all, you need to clean all the dirt and particle from the outside of the canvas backpack surface. Always use a clean, soft broom for this purpose. Gently whisk the broom on the surface of the canvas. Slow and smooth motion prevents the canvas surface from damaging.

Step 2: Check Inside of the Canvas Backpack and Clean It

Now check the inner side of the backpack. If you find and dirt particle or stain, then gently clean it. If you see dirt patches inside the bag, you can use a soft brush and water to remove them. But use a brush softly so that you can prevent the bag from damaging.

Step 3: Spray water In and Outside of the Backpack

Now put a little water in a spray bottle and spray inside and outside the backpack. Apply a soft brush to clean the dirt patches on the bag.

Step 4: Apply Mild Soap

If you find it difficult to remove the stain from the bag, then apply mild soap only. Mild soap is a standard dishwashing soap. Apply the soap and rub it with your hands. You can also fill the spray bottle with half water and half vinegar if you prefer.

Step 5: Wipeout with Wet Towel

If you clean all the stains, gently wipe out the canvas backpack with a soft wet towel.

Step 6: Air Dry Outside

After wiping or rinsing, you can air dry it outside. Make sure there is no heavy wind or rain in the forecast because it will damage the canvas. Sunshine is the best way to dry the canvas backpack.

Step 7: Stretch it a Little Before Drying.

Canvas is manufactured from cotton, so after wetting, it can shrink like any cotton shirt. So always stretch it a little before drying.

Step 8: Missed the Step Rinse it Again

If you miss the stretching step, then again rinse it and stretch it before drying.

How to Clean a Canvas Backpack with Washer

Can you put a canvas backpack in a washing machine? School canvas backpacks can mostly be washed in a machine but read all washing instructions on the care label before soaking them in the Washer.

What will you Need to Clean the Canvas Backpack with Machine?

Following are the things which you need to clean the canvas backpack in the washing machine.

• Mild detergent
• Soft cleaning brush or old toothbrush
• Laundry bag or pillow cover
• Soft towel

Step 1: Empty the Canvas Backpack and Remove all Dirt

First of all, open all pockets and compartments of the backpack. Unzip different pockets and lids. Empty the bag. Shake out it and remove all dirt particles from the soft brush from the inside and outside of the backpack.

You can also use a vacuum to clean the dirt from inside and outside the canvas backpack, but remove all metal frames and hip belts from the bag.

Step 2: Read the Care Instructional Label

Care instructional label is attached inside the backpack. First of all, read the cleaning instruction carefully. If there is no instruction label, test a less visible fabric piece with ¼ teaspoon of detergent to avoid fading or damage.

Step 3: Treat Stain and Patches

Apply a teaspoon of detergent or mild soap mixed with lukewarm water and a soft-bristled brush or sponge, gently clean any visible stains.

Step 4: Machine Wash with a Gentle Cycle

Avoid losing the thread from the zipper. Instead, put the canvas backpack in a pillowcase and a laundry bag. Add the water and the detergent to the washing machine and run a gentle cycle.

Step 5: Air Dry

After a washing cycle:

1. Put the bag out of the washing machine.
2. Wrap it in the old towel and remove the extra moisture from it.
3. Hang the backpack for the air dryer.
4. Never put the canvas backpack in the dryer because the heat can damage the dryer.

Additional Tips for Maintaining the Canvas Backpack

Following are the different tips that can help maintain the canvas backpack, and you can use it for a long time.

You should be careful to place the canvas backpack. Avoid putting it the dirty places because the dirt can damage the bag.

You can use a bag protector to protect your bag from dirt.

After daily use, you can use a soft bristle brush to remove all the accumulated dirt throughout the day.

If you caught a rainstorm, then put all the things out from your bag. Then, hang it in the sunshine for dry. But stretch it before drying because it prevents the canvas bag from shrinking.

Never use blow-dry, iron, or dryer to dry the canvas backpack because canvas can damage the bag.

Put groceries or open pens in the bag either think twice about doing it or make sure the pen caps are on and the food is adequately covered.

Final Thoughts

Now you know all the methods of how to clean the canvas backpack. Use above mention methods and prevent your canvas backpack from damaging. Before using any chemical, do proper research ver not because the chemical can ruin your bag.

If you carefully treat it with your bag, then you can use it for many years.

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Josephine Seale

Josephine Seale is the perfect tour guide!

She loves interacting with people of all ages and enjoys escorting individuals or groups on sightseeing tours. Josephine has a professional manner and appearance, and she always maintains a positive attitude.

Her good organizational, critical thinking, and time management skills make her an ideal candidate for this position. In addition, she is able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

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