How to properly wash a school bag: Keeping it clean and in top shape!

A school bag accompanies your child every day: It's not only a practical utensil but also a loyal companion in everyday school life. It's inevitable that over time dirt, crumbs, and stains accumulate. A clean school bag or backpack is not only more hygienic but also lasts longer and looks better. The holidays or an extended weekend offer the perfect opportunity for you to wash your child's school bag. But what's the best way to go about it? Whether by hand washing, in the dishwasher, or maybe even in the washing machine - we'll show you which method is suitable when and what you should pay attention to during cleaning and care so that the school bag looks like new again without getting damaged.

Preparation before washing

No matter whether before hand cleaning or washing in the dishwasher or washing machine: Before you start cleaning the school bag, thorough preparation is crucial.

The following three steps should be taken:

Empty the school bag:

Remove all books, notebooks, and pencil cases and also check small side pockets and compartments for additional school accessories.

Check the materials and manufacturer's care instructions:

You can often find these on a small label inside the school bag, where you'll learn whether the bag is machine washable or if hand washing is recommended.

Remove coarse dirt:

To remove dust, sand, or crumbs, you can shake out the bag, brush it off, and if necessary, clean hard-to-reach areas with a narrow vacuum cleaner attachment.

Hand washing: The gentle method

Hand washing is a safe and gentle cleaning method. If your child's school bag is made of sensitive materials or has appliqués and reflective elements, hand washing is the best choice. By gently cleaning by hand, you avoid the bag losing its shape or special details.

Step-by-step instructions for hand washing

And this is how the hand cleaning is done:

1. Prepare the cleaning area: Place the bag in a tub, shower, sink, or a large bucket and rinse the bag with warm water.

2. Use gentle cleaning agents: Apply a little mild washing or dish soap to a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid aggressive cleaners, bleach, or alcohol, as these could damage the material of the bag.

3. Gently clean: Wipe the satchel inside and out with the cloth or sponge. For particularly dirty spots, a sponge with a scrubbing surface is ideal for light scrubbing.

4. Rinsing: Finally, rinse the school satchel thoroughly with clear, cold water to remove all soap residues.

5. Proper drying: Hang the satchel upside down in a warm place and open all compartments so that the school bag can dry completely.

6. Final impregnation: Once the school satchel is completely dry, you can treat it with an impregnation agent or spray (against rain).

Washing school satchels in the dishwasher

Washing the school satchel or school bag in the dishwasher – is that even possible? What initially sounds unusual works wonderfully with certain school satchels. This method cleans the school satchel thoroughly and is less labor-intensive compared to hand cleaning. However, not all satchels are suitable for the dishwasher.

In addition to the satchel, you can also clean smaller school accessories, such as pencil cases, by hand. A damp cloth and some dish soap as a cleaning agent are sufficient for this purpose.

Before the washing cycle, you should therefore check if the following conditions are met:

• The satchel has a solid body.
• The bags are not made of felt or leather, but of plastic.
• There are no parts made of cardboard present.
• Your dishwasher has a short or cold wash program available with a maximum of 55 degrees Celsius.

Step-by-step instructions for cleaning in the dishwasher

If your child's satchel meets all the requirements, you should proceed with washing in the dishwasher as follows:

1. Prepare the dishwasher: Remove all dishes and ensure that no food residues remain in the machine that could soil the school satchel. Also, remove unnecessary accessories, such as the cutlery basket, from the machine.

2. Place the satchel correctly: Now place the open school satchel upside down in the bottom rack of the dishwasher.

3. Select a cleaning program: Choose a short or cold wash program that is a maximum of 55 degrees Celsius - preferably less. 
   

And another tip: After the rinse cycle, you can let the school bag dry thoroughly just like after hand washing and, after it has completely dried, impregnate it for care. 

Washing a school bag in the washing machine

If you want to wash the bag in the washing machine, great caution is advised. Some manufacturers also generally advise against washing their models in the washing machine. This is because protective coatings can be damaged and, in addition, the material is subjected to strong friction. For this reason, you should primarily research the manufacturer's specifications before washing.

Washing in the washing machine is - if at all - only conceivable under these conditions: 

• The body of the school bag is flexible and not rigid.
  
• The bag is not made of leather, but of washable materials, e.g., cotton.
• It is advisable to use a gentle wash cycle at 20-30 degrees Celsius. 

Conclusion: How can you clean a school bag?

To make your child's school bag shine again in bright colors and its old freshness, you have the following options:

• Hand wash: This is the gentlest method and always the first and safest choice for sensitive materials.
• Dishwasher: Cleaning in the dishwasher can be an effective alternative for robust models made of plastic, but only at low temperatures. 
• Washing machine: This method of cleaning is only suitable for durable bags made of washable material and without sensitive details and solid body. Here it applies: observe manufacturer's instructions and always use a gentle program!