Wondering how to properly clean a school backpack or school bag and get rid of stains, dirt or unpleasant odours?

Here are a few simple recommendations on how to take proper care of BAAGL products so they can serve children well for as long as possible.

How to clean a school backpack properly

The gentlest way to clean a school backpack or school bag is hand washing. Prepare some lukewarm water, mild soap or a gentle detergent, a soft sponge and a cloth. Then you are ready to get started.

1. Empty the backpack completely

Remove everything that can be taken out – badges, keychains, the rain cover, padding and, on models where this is possible, the aluminium rail from the back system. Do not forget to remove the interchangeable BAAGLies badges and patches as well. Thoroughly empty and check all pockets and compartments.

2. Wash the backpack gently

Clean the backpack using the soft side of a sponge dipped in lukewarm water with mild soap or a gentle detergent. Do not use the rough side of the sponge or a scouring pad, as these could damage the surface of the material.

Take particular care around printed areas. Wipe these areas very gently with the sponge and avoid using brushes.

3. Rinse with lukewarm water

After cleaning, rinse the backpack with lukewarm water and gently wipe away excess water with a cloth. Do not twist or wring the backpack.

4. Leave it to air-dry

Leave the backpack to air-dry in the shade in a well-ventilated place. Do not place it on a radiator or in a tumble dryer, and do not expose it to direct sunlight. High temperatures can damage the materials, cause deformation or lead to colours fading.

Given the wide variety of materials used, always follow the care instructions on the label of the specific product when cleaning it.

How to remove stubborn stains

What if stains remain on the backpack even after regular hand cleaning? In this case, you can use a gentle fabric stain remover or a mild pre-wash spray.

Always test the product on a less visible area first to make sure it does not damage the material or affect its colour.

Gall soap, which is commonly available in drugstores, can also be a gentle and effective option for more stubborn stains.

Avoid solvents and other aggressive cleaning products, as these may damage the material, prints, colours or other elements of the backpack.

How to get rid of unpleasant odours

Most of us probably remember a forgotten apple or snack left in a school bag for a few days longer than it should have been. Unfortunately, unpleasant odours can sometimes remain even after regular cleaning.

A simple solution is baking soda. Sprinkle it onto the dry fabric in the affected area and leave it overnight. The next day, shake it out or carefully vacuum it up using a vacuum cleaner set to low power to avoid damaging the inner material.

If the odour is stronger, for example because of forgotten food, or if the shoulder straps smell of sweat, you can gently clean the affected areas with lukewarm water and vinegar. Vinegar helps neutralise unpleasant odours. Afterwards, leave the backpack to dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated place.

Can a backpack or school bag be washed in a washing machine?

Although machine washing may seem like the easiest solution given the size and shape of school backpacks and school bags, we do not recommend it if you want to preserve their properties.

Machine washing thoroughly soaks glued joints, the reinforcement of the back system may lose its shape, and the spin cycle can also cause mechanical damage or tearing.

Machine washing can also negatively affect other parts and properties of the product:

• the back system and its reinforcements,
• reflective elements,
• buckles and straps,
• zips,
• prints and other applications,
• the water-repellent finish of the material.

Detergents may also negatively affect colours, prints or reflective elements. We therefore recommend cleaning BAAGL backpacks and school bags by hand. Mechanical damage caused by machine washing is not covered by the warranty.

If you decide to wash the backpack or school bag in a washing machine despite this recommendation, you do so at your own risk. In this case, remove all detachable parts, including the aluminium rail, use a mild detergent and select a gentle cycle with a low spin speed and a maximum temperature of 30 °C. It is advisable to place the backpack in a laundry bag or an old pillowcase.

Never tumble-dry it.

What about washing a backpack in a dishwasher?

You may also come across an online trend of washing school backpacks and school bags in a dishwasher. We do not recommend this method either, due to the risk of damaging the materials, structural components and their properties.

Hand cleaning remains the gentlest method and the one we recommend.

How to prevent dirt and stains

Of course, the best solution is to prevent heavy soiling in the first place. A few simple habits can make a big difference:

• Regularly check the contents of the backpack and all its pockets.
• Do not leave leftover food inside.
• Watch out for uncapped felt-tip pens, pens and other writing supplies.
• Keep snacks in a high-quality, securely closable lunch box.
• Observe the backpack's maximum load capacity. Long-term overloading can cause seams to loosen or zips to become damaged.
• From time to time, use a soft brush to remove dust and other dirt from the zips.
• For extra protection against rain, you can reapply a suitable waterproofing treatment after hand washing and once the backpack is completely dry.

Before storing the backpack for a longer period

Are you cleaning the backpack at the end of the school year and planning to store it for several weeks or months? Make sure it is completely dry before putting it away. Moisture trapped in the material could cause a musty smell or mould to develop.

Leave the backpack empty to prevent unnecessary deformation and store it in a dry, well-ventilated place. Avoid damp basements, attics and other areas where mould may develop.

For a pleasant scent, you can place a lavender sachet or a neutral fabric freshener inside.

Get children involved in the cleaning

And one final tip: involve children in taking care of their school gear too. They can empty the backpack, check all the pockets or help with simple cleaning tasks. Not only might they discover a long-lost pen or a treasure from a school trip, but they will also naturally learn to take care of their belongings.

With a little regular care, a school backpack or school bag can serve a child well for several years – and still look almost as good as new.