3 Steps to Wash a School Bag at Home

Face it, school bags are subjected to so much abuse and misuse. They are often thrown carelessly on the sticky floors of the school cafeteria, stuffed into dusty locker rooms, and even subjected to the occasional juice box explosion or ink pen meltdown. It’s a wonder they still look and function like new, despite all this abuse. 

After a semester of faithfully carrying all their stuff to and from school, however, even the sturdiest of school bags can look and smell like they could use a good wash.

Learning how to wash a school bag at home is an essential life skill that can help you save money and keep your school gear fresh and clean. At Bembel Bags, we strive to create bags that are not only durable but can also withstand the rigors of daily use. 

Whether you’re sporting the classic canvas school bag or the state-of-the-art nylon school bag, this guide can help you wash your school bag at home without damaging the material.

Pre-Wash Prep

Before you even think about water and soap, you’ve got to do a little bit of detective work. If you rush into the wash, you might accidentally destroy a zipper or find a disintegrated $20 bill in the lint trap. So, take a deep breath and follow these first steps. 

If you’ve recently bought one of the many online school bags in Pakistan, checking the care instructions is especially important, as different materials may require different cleaning methods to keep the bag looking new and durable.

1. Empty Everything

You would think that this would go without saying, but you'd be amazed what's been stashed in those little mesh side pockets. So, empty everything. Turn that bag inside out and dump it all into a trash can to get rid of all that nasty pencil shavings, crumbs, and lint. And don’t forget to empty those "secret" side pockets that everyone’s been storing their homework in. 

2. Check the Care Label

Most bags have a little white tag inside of the main compartment. This is your holy grail. It’s going to tell you whether or not it’s washable in a washing machine or only "hand wash only." If you are using a Bembel Bags product, it’s going to tell you what temperature to wash it in. If you don’t find a tag, it’s probably "hand wash only," so you might as well err

3. Removing Attachments

Take out any keychains, carabiners, or other pins. If your bag has an easily removable internal frame or a padded sleeve meant to velcro out, remove that as well. There is a risk of rusting or damaging the washing machine drum if there is any metal present, and any additional padding may require separate cleaning.

The Machine Wash 

If your bag is made of standard canvas or nylon and is safe to be washed in a machine, as indicated on the manufacturer’s tag, you can save yourself a great deal of work. But don’t think you can just toss it in with your other clothes and forget about it.

1. The Protection Hack

To keep straps and buckles from tangling or banging against the side of the washing machine during the cycle, place your empty bag inside an old pillowcase or a large mesh laundry bag.

2. Detergent Choice

Steer clear of any bleach or harsh fabric softeners. These chemicals can damage the bag's fibers and compromise the water resistance treatment. A small amount of a mild, liquid detergent is all you need. At Bembel Bags, we recommend "green" or "free and clear" detergents that don't contain strong fragrances, as these are easier on synthetic fabrics.

3. The Settings

Remember to wash in cold water and on a gentle or delicate cycle. Hot water can shrink or change the color of the bag. Once the wash cycle is complete, immediately remove the bag to prevent it from developing a funky smell from sitting in water.

The Hand Wash (For Delicate Materials)

Some bags, especially those with leather or special treatment, require a little TLC. If you're not sure about a particular bag, it's always best to wash it by hand to ensure it makes it to another school year.

1. The Setup

Fill a bathtub or large sink with lukewarm water. Add a small amount of a mild soap and agitate the water to create a sudsy solution.

2. Spot Treatment

If you have a specific ink stain or a mud patch, don't scrub the entire bag yet. You can use a soft toothbrush or a washcloth, dip it in soapy water, and clean the stained part in a circular motion. This is a way of using your soap and water to clean a specific part of your bag that really needs it.

3. The Soak

Submerge your bag in water and agitate it manually for a few minutes. Let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse it thoroughly with cool, clean water to remove all soap suds. Don't try to wring out your bag like a towel. Lay it flat on a thick towel and roll it up to squeeze out all the excess water in your bag.

Drying

This is probably the part of washing your bag where most people get it wrong. The way you dry your bag is as important as washing it.

1. Never Use the Dryer

The dryer is the worst enemy of school bags. It dries clothes fast but damages bags. It melts the internal waterproof coating of the bag and causes plastic zippers to warp. It can even shrink the seams of the bag. Hence, it is recommended not to use the dryer for drying the bag. It can transform a perfect bag into a shriveled bag if it is not removed with care.

2. Air Dry Only

The best way to dry the bag is to hang it upside down with all its pockets unzipped. It is recommended not to let water collect in the bottom corners of the bag because it may create mold in it.

3. Sun Warning

It is recommended not to place the bag in direct sunlight to dry it faster because it may fade its colors and reduce its life. It is better to place it in a shaded area with plenty of ventilation or over a bathtub.

Conclusion

FAQs

1. How often should a school bag be washed?

School bags need to be washed only once or twice a year, during the summer and winter breaks, respectively. However, if there’s been an accident or if the bag smells bad, then washing the bag more often would be best.

2. How do you wash a school bag without ruining it?

The key to washing your school bag without ruining it is to avoid heat and friction. This means washing the bag with cold water, avoiding the dryer, and washing the bag by hand.