How to clean a mountain backpack

ByTravesía Pirenaica
How to clean a mountain backpack / Photo: Blaise Vonlanthen
How to clean a mountain backpack / Photo: Blaise Vonlanthen

The rucksack is one of the most important items when hiking, camping or adventuring on any trip. Not only does it serve to store equipment and supplies, but it can also help to support you during breaks.

READ ALSO: The best backpacks for mountaineering and hiking".

However, when we finish our adventures, it is left dirty, full of residues and stains which ultimately affect their service life and durability..

Here are a few tips to help you find out how to cleaning and maintaining your travel companion for many years to come.

What can damage it?

Backpacks need cleaning not only for aesthetics, but also for protection.. Food residues, liquids such as coffee or energy drinks, the wearer's sweat and dirt can damage their tissue.

It is also the case that the waste you store in it can get stuck in the zips, preventing them from working as they should. The same applies to outside pockets, straps and belts.

Although they are designed for such adventures, with the wear and tear of everyday life, anything can damage them.

By hand or washing machine?

There is a science to washing a rucksack. The main thing is read the label to know what to expect. Some can be washed in washing machines, while others can only be cleaned by hand.

In both cases you will need:

  • A detergent unscented or special for cleaning the type of fabric of your backpack.
  • Warm or cold water.
  • A place to lay it that not exposed to the sun's rays.
  • Before starting, it is always advisable to wash straps or belts, as well as certain accessory pockets, separately.

Watch out for washing machines

If it is a washing machine you must:

  • In the first instance, empty it and check that there are no traces of detergents other than the one you will use.
  • Check your backpack even in the most hidden areas (corners, seams) and remove all objects that may damage the washing machine.. You can use a hoover to remove any sand you may have.
  • If you find that the fabric of the backpack is very delicate, use laundry bags.
  • Do not use fabric softeners. In many cases, certain chemical compounds damage the type of fabric of your backpack.
  • Use the gentle cycle with cold water. Hot water tends to damage the colours.

Manual washing

It takes more effort, but you will be more in touch with your backpack.

  • You can use a large bathtub or sinkdepending on the size of the backpack.
  • Use warm or cold water.
  • In the case of stains, the idea is to use a sponge or brush used toothpaste.
  • As some backpacks cannot be completely submerged in water, a wet cloth may be useful.
  • Do not rub too much with the brush or sponge in the patterned areas.
  • The closures need special cleaningClean them gently, avoiding getting them completely wet because some of them are sensitive to water and should not be rubbed too hard.

When you are going to dry it, In both manual washing and washing machines, it is advisable to place it upside down so that the water runs. Always avoid direct exposure to the sun.

Recommendations

The cleaning of the backpack should not always be so thorough. One way to keep it spotless and clean at all times is to to extend its service life, is by using a damp cloth after use..

Do not allow sand to accumulate, as this can erode the fabrics of the backpack.

When you are using it, do not drag it or run it through places that could damage the fabric. Finally, if you have any sharp objects in your luggage, it is best to pack them; this applies to sticks, frying pans and metal equipment in general.