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It's that time of year - back to school! As parents of 3 kids, we are attempting to take inventory of what school items need to be refreshed or just spruced up to head into another school year. A good-quality backpack can last several years; typically, it just needs to be cleaned up. We put together a step-by-step guide to make it as easy and quick as possible to clean a backpack.

Tip: You can even get your kids to help on this one! 

Kids' backpacks go through a lot—carrying books, snacks, art projects, and more. With all that daily use, backpacks can quickly get dirty, picking up everything from crumbs and dirt to sticky spills and stains. Giving the backpack a good clean every once in a while helps keep it looking good and keeps germs at bay. In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple steps to clean your child’s backpack, so it’s ready for the new school year and all the adventures ahead. 

Step 1: Empty and Inspect the Backpack

Before diving into cleaning, make sure the backpack is completely emptied out. Kids often leave behind crumbs, wrappers, and forgotten items in hidden pockets.

Remove All Items: Take everything out of the backpack, checking every compartment and pocket.

Shake It Out: Turn the backpack upside down and give it a shake over a trash can or outside to remove crumbs and debris.

Inspect for Damage: Check for any rips, tears, or broken zippers that might need repair before cleaning.

Step 2: Check the Care Label

Not all backpacks are created equal, and some materials require special care. Look for the care label inside the backpack, which will provide cleaning instructions specific to that product.

Spot Clean Only: Some backpacks should only be spot cleaned, especially those made from delicate or waterproof materials.

Machine Washable: Many backpacks are safe to wash in a machine, but usually with specific settings like cold water and a gentle cycle. Always double-check the care label to avoid damaging the fabric. 

Step 3: Pre-Treat Stains

Backpacks often accumulate stains from food, ink, or dirt. Pre-treating these stains before washing can make a big difference in how clean the backpack gets.

Use a Gentle Stain Remover: L'AVANT Collective's award-winning Laundry Detergent is an excellent option for pre-treating tough stains naturally. Apply the detergent to any visible marks and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to break down the stain. We also tested pre-treating stains with L'AVANT's Multipurpose Surface Cleaner and L'AVANT's High Performing Dish Soap, and they were all able to get the job done. 

Scrub Gently: Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the stained areas. Be careful not to scrub too hard, especially on delicate fabrics.

Step 4: Hand Wash or Machine Wash

Depending on the backpack’s material and the care label instructions, you can either hand-wash or machine-wash the backpack.

Hand Washing

Fill a Tub with Warm Water: Add a small amount of our laundry detergent or dish soap to a tub or sink filled with warm water.

Submerge and Scrub: Submerge the backpack in the water and gently scrub it with a soft brush or cloth. Pay special attention to straps, zippers, and heavily soiled areas.

Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the backpack with clean water until all soap is removed.

Machine Washing

Use a Pillowcase or Laundry Bag: If machine washing is recommended, place the backpack in a pillowcase or laundry bag to protect it during the wash cycle.

Gentle Cycle, Cold Water: Use a gentle cycle with cold water and a small amount of our plant-based laundry detergent for a deep clean that’s safer for your child’s skin and environmentally friendly. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, which can damage the fabric and zippers.

Air Dry Only: Do not tumble dry the backpack. Instead, hang it upside down with all zippers open to air dry. This helps maintain the shape and prevents damage from heat.

Step 5: Drying and Reassembling

Properly drying the backpack is crucial to avoiding mold and mildew buildup.

Air Dry Thoroughly: Allow the backpack to dry completely before using it again. Hang it in a well-ventilated area or outside, out of direct sunlight. This is the perfect time of year to dry outside. 

Reassemble the Backpack: Once the backpack is dry, inspect all zippers and pockets to ensure they’re functioning properly. You can now begin refilling the backpack with your child’s school essentials, knowing it’s clean and ready for the new school year.

Step 6: Freshening Up

After the backpack is clean and dry, consider adding a few extra touches to keep it smelling fresh throughout the school year.

Odor Eliminators: Put a few drops of Lavant Collective’s Laundry Oil on a cloth and put it inside the backpack to help it stay fresh and absorb any lingering odors.

Regular Cleaning Routine: Encourage regular cleaning throughout the school year by doing quick spot cleaning or wiping down the backpack every few weeks. This will prevent dirt and stains from building up over time.