How do I wash a canvas backpack?

December 11, 2022 1:38 AM

I have one of those canvas Jansport backpacks that has a padded section at the back for a laptop. The backpack has lasted very well for nearly 15 years, but is looking quite dirty. I've never washed it. How should it be cleaned?

Can I put it in a washing machine? Should it be dry cleaned? Should it be surface cleaned only? Is there any risk of the internal foam padding absorbing moisture and losing shape or developing odors?

posted by snarfois to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (9 answers total)

The How to Clean a JanSport page discourages machine washing, and I'd gather that dry cleaning would be out as well. Especially with an older backpack (where the internal foam padding may have deteriorated) I would stick with surface cleaning and not submerge in water. When in doubt, maybe contact their customer service?
posted by rjs at 2:43 AM on December 11, 2022

I have an old non-Jansport canvas backpack with padding at the back, and I wash it on delicate/cold about once or twice a year, opening all zippers beforehand, and let it air dry, usually in front of a fan so it doesn't take too long. It's over 15 years old and doesn't seem to have suffered. YMMV, of course.
posted by trig at 4:46 AM on December 11, 2022 [3 favorites]

I have a different brand backpack with a foam padded laptop back. Mine was very dirty. I opened it ALL up, spot cleaned some stains, then I used a big basin sink to flush it with lots of water in all the compartments and dump out all the big chunks and bits of stuff. I put it in the washing machine with just a tad of laundry detergent, washed it on hot with medium settings. Took it out, propped it open as much as possible and tumble dried it on low setting. When it came out, it was still slightly damp. I let it hang for a couple days in a dry room and it ended up pretty darn clean. Still had some spot stains, but again, it was very dirty to begin with.

Happy with how it turned out. The foam padding and shoulder straps seem 100% fine.
posted by SoberHighland at 5:06 AM on December 11, 2022

If it were mine I'd soak it overnight in hot water with a little detergent, to loosen the dirt, then run it through the washer on a light cycle and extra rinse cycle, then air dry.
posted by anadem at 9:08 AM on December 11, 2022

If you or a friend have a pet spot cleaning machine, this could be great for that.

Alternatively, if you have any reason to rent (or hire with a person) a full-sized carpet cleaner, ditto.

No need to use the special soap; you can just use a spray bottle to spray on a solution of warm water with a little detergent mixed in. Then use the spot cleaner or carpet cleaner machine to suction and rinse.
posted by amtho at 9:42 AM on December 11, 2022

I've washed my Chrome backpack (lightly padded back and straps) several times by putting it in the bathtub, getting it wet, rubbing it down with Fels-Naptha soap, then rinsing thoroughly under the shower head. I usually put it on the folding indoor laundry drying rack underneath the ceiling fan and turn it over a couple of times while it's drying and have never had a problem with mildew or odor.
posted by Lexica at 12:35 PM on December 11, 2022 [2 favorites]

I would throw mine in the washing machine, and, because it's a Jansport, it would immediately fall apart at the seams. I would sew it back together at the seams and it would be good for another 15 years.
posted by aniola at 3:55 PM on December 11, 2022 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks for the advice, everyone! I'll report back with results when I get round to doing it.
posted by snarfois at 7:38 AM on December 12, 2022 [1 favorite]

Every so often, I put my backpacks in a pillowcase and wash them in cold water on the gentle cycle. Some manufacturers of outdoor clothing recommend using powdered detergent only to reduce the amount of residue on the fabric, which can mess up the water repellent finish. Make sure to zip all the zips and stuff before putting it in. Hang to dry.

I've also had decent luck hand washing in warmish water in a big utility sink, then hanging to dry.

If you're worried about mildew smell, hang the bag somewhere warm to make sure it dries promptly. I've never had a problem.
posted by easy, lucky, free at 3:45 PM on December 12, 2022