How to Wash a Backpack & Clean It in the Washer

A person in a red shirt sprays Clorox disinfecting mist on a navy school backpack that is sitting on an entryway bench.

Get backpacks fresh and school-ready. Learn how to wash, sanitize and remove mold stains with these easy steps.

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Backpacks can act like magnets for dirt, sweat, food crumbs and all sorts of everyday grime. Learn how to wash a backpack to combat mildew smells and mold stains that can happen if you don’t clean and dry out your backpack regularly.

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How often should you clean your backpack?

Cleaning a backpack helps remove dirt, sweat, food crumbs and odors that build up with regular use, keeping it fresh, hygienic and in good condition. For regular maintenance, you should clean your backpack about once a month, and wipe down hard, nonporous high-touch surfaces that it comes into contact with weekly during cold and flu season to help reduce the spread of germs. Regular care also extends the life of the backpack and keeps it looking its best.

What to use

Steps to wash a backpack in the washing machine

  1. Empty the backpack

    Open every zipper and remove all the contents. Check side pockets for water bottles and other lose items, and then hold the backpack upside down while all the compartments are unzipped and give it a good shake.

    Tip

    While you are emptying the backpack, locate the care label (usually in the largest compartment) and confirm that you can machine wash the backpack.

  2. Pretreat any stains

    Use a little liquid Clorox 2™ for Colors 3-in-1 to pretreat any stains. Apply a little to any stained areas and gently rub in. Wait 10 minutes (set a timer-do not allow the product to dry out on the fabric) before machine washing.

    Tip

    While you are waiting after pretreating, you can complete step 3.

  3. Place backpack in a mesh laundry bag

    Use an extra-large mesh laundry bag to wash the backpack. Insert the backpack, with all the zippers still open, into the mesh laundry bag and close it securely. This will protect the inside of the washer from the zippers and any metal parts on the backpack while allowing the wash water to clean both the inside and outside of the backpack.

  4. Machine wash

    Place the backpack (in the mesh laundry bag) into the clothes washer by itself. Select the delicate cycle, warm water, a good detergent, and add Clorox™ Laundry Sanitizer to the softener dispenser before starting the washer.

    Tip

    To sanitize and remove odors, pour Clorox™ Laundry Sanitizer into the fabric softener compartment or directly to your rinse cycle. Use 2 capfuls for HE machines and 9 capfuls for standard machines.

  5. Air dry

    Remove the backpack from the mesh laundry bag and hang it upside down to air dry completely.

How to hand wash a backpack

To hand wash a backpack, start by emptying all pockets and shaking out any loose debris. Use a little liquid Clorox™ 2 for Colors 3-in-1 to pretreat any stains. Apply to any stained areas and wait 10 minutes (set a timer — do not allow the product to dry out on the fabric) before hand washing with lukewarm water and mild detergent.

Steps to get rid of mold & mildew odors

  1. Empty the backpack

    Open every zipper and remove all the contents. Check side pockets for water bottles and other lose items, and then hold the backpack upside down while all the compartments are unzipped and give it a good shake.

    Tip

    Check the backpack care label first to ensure it’s a bleach safe fabric.

  2. Mix the bleach and water solution

    In the plastic dish pan (or in a large sink if you don’t have a large enough plastic dishpan), mix up enough of the bleach and water solution to submerge the backpack using a ratio of 1/3 cup Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach per gallon of water.

  3. Soak the backpack

    Wearing the gloves, submerge the backpack in the bleach and water solution and let it soak for 10 minutes. When finished, pour off or drain the soaking solution and get ready to machine wash the backpack.

    Tip

    Use the old toothbrush to scrub away gunk in the crevices inside the backpack while the backpack is soaking.

  4. Place backpack in a mesh laundry bag

    Use an extra-large mesh laundry bag to wash the backpack. Insert the backpack, with all the zippers still open, into the mesh laundry bag and close it securely. This will protect the inside of the washer from the zippers and any metal parts on the backpack while allowing the wash water to clean both the inside and outside of the backpack.

  5. Machine wash

    Place the backpack in the mesh laundry bag into the clothes washer by itself. Select the delicate cycle, warm water, a good detergent, and add 1/3 cup Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach to the bleach dispenser before starting the washer.

  6. Air dry

    Remove the backpack from the mesh laundry bag and hang it upside down to air dry completely.

Tips for how to clean your backpack with bleach

  • Not sure what bleach-to-water ratio you need? Check out our handy chart.
  • Use freshly mixed solutions — bleach degrades over time when diluted.
  • Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or any other cleaner — it can create dangerous fumes.
  • Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation during use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get stains out of a backpack?

To get stains out of a backpack, start by spot-cleaning the affected areas with mild detergent and warm water using a soft brush or cloth. For stubborn or set-in stains, use a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach per quart of water) on white or bleach-safe areas. Always rinse thoroughly and air dry completely to prevent mold or odor buildup.

Why does my backpack smell and how do I fix it?
  1. Backpacks often smell due to bacteria, mold, sweat or trapped food. To fix it, empty the bag, wash with mild detergent, and treat odors with Clorox™ Disinfecting Mist or diluted bleach solution if safe for the fabric.
Can you wash a duffel bag in the washing machine or put it in the dryer?

Many duffel bags can be washed in the washing machine, but you should always check the care label first. If machine washing is safe, use a gentle cycle with cold water and place the bag in a laundry bag or pillowcase to protect it. Avoid putting a duffel bag in the dryer — air drying is best to prevent shrinking, fabric damage or warping of any structural parts.

How do you sanitize a bookbag?

To sanitize a bookbag, first empty all pockets and shake out any dirt or debris. Wipe down the outside and inside surfaces with Clorox™ Laundry Sanitizer (use as directed), focusing on high-touch areas like straps and zippers. Let the bag air dry completely before using it again to ensure germs are effectively eliminated.