Unzip all the pockets, stick it in a pillowcase, and wash it with your next load of towels. I preferred to air-dry.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was shoes, lunch bags and backpacks all the time. Gentle cycle and cold/cool water

This, why is it that hard or surprising.

PP, I was apprehensive about it at first because I am on a budget and would hate to ruin these things. But I gave it a shot in desperation. Some washers are better than others for this type of gear

Anonymous wrote:I was shoes, lunch bags and backpacks all the time. Gentle cycle and cold/cool water

This, why is it that hard or surprising.

I was shoes, lunch bags and backpacks all the time. Gentle cycle and cold/cool water

Umm a washing machine ?

If it's a Pottery Barn backpack, expect it to fade. My DD's navy backpack looks awful after being washed.

I wash my kids backpacks a couple of times a year with no problems. I unzip all of the pockets (making sure they're empty, of course), wash on gentle and hang them to dry.

Yes, put it in the washing machine. I hang to dry.

Anonymous wrote:unzip it and open all pockets and toss in washing machine. Air/Tumble dry. I like to put in a mesh laundry bag, but not required

Yep. I do this with my lunch tote. It helps keep the straps from tangling.

If you are worried, put it inside an old pillowcase. But how is a back pack that much different from a winter coat or something? Just put it in the washing machine, press start, take it out. Done.

If it's really dirty, do one wash right side out. Spray oxi clean on any spots.

Then flip it inside out and do another wash.

Washing machine with a few towels. If there are some spots or particularly dirty areas I may scrub them before I throw it in.

unzip it and open all pockets and toss in washing machine. Air/Tumble dry. I like to put in a mesh laundry bag, but not required

DD was gifted a new backpack for her birthday, but I’d like to keep her old one for sleepovers and such. What’s the best way to clean a backpack? My friend told me to put it in the washing machine. Really? Thanks!