Outdoor Gear Care Tips - How to Clean a Backpack Like a Pro

You tried, after the last hiking "incident" you swore it would never happen again. But who could have guessed that the rock was so slippery would be? Now, your best backpack is filthy, filthy inside and out. And it is still sitting in the open because of spoiled food smells. What you should be able to do: clean or throw away? Once you know how to make a backpack with the following tips clean, you never have to worry about throwing a "nasty" backpack ever again worry.

Cleaning aInside Backpack

• Turn the backpack completely inside out. If it is metal, remove it and set it aside. Dump any debris out of a newspaper. With a soft brush to clean any dried dirt or residue. If you have an available, you can always use a vacuum with a brush attachment.

• Wash the interior with a little mild detergent with a damp sponge or cloth.

• Make sure you clean in all the nooks and crannies and seams. Use an old toothbrush to dig indeep.

• Rinse with cold water and clean sponge or cloth.

• Use paper towels to dry completely in the interior of the bag.

Cleaning a backpack Outside

1. Turn the bag right side out now. Remove with a dry brush to any loose dirt or dried mud.

2. Then the road with a little mild detergent (dishwashing liquid with cleaner) with a damp cloth or sponge.

3. Be sure to clean in all his pockets, flaps and seams. Use an old toothbrush to clean aroundthe edge.

4. Rinse with cold water and clean sponge or cloth. You can dip the whole pack in the tub with cold water or with a hand shower or hose to remove all traces of soap inside and outside.

5. Hang dry the bag on his head in the air for several days, preferably outdoors. DO NOT use the dryer.

6. If the backpack is still funky smelling, spray with Fabreze ® Scent-A-Way or hunters ®. But be careful, as these may remove waterproofing chemicals likeScotch-Guard ®

7. On a cool, dry place. Do not cover with plastic.

Cleaning a camping (backpack in the washing machine when all else fails)

• DO NOT soak in soapy water. This could cause the layers of the backpack to the fact that cleave or degrade seal.

• Follow steps 1-3 from above.

• Place the bag in the washing machine. Wash with cold water only on delicate cycle with a mild detergent (Ivory Flakes or Woolite). Rinsing and drying to air dryfor several days.

• NOTE: This method is for use in the end only. Cleaning a camping backpack in the washing machine can cause the materials in the pack to fall apart. So machine wash at your own risk!

Backpack Zipper Care

Clean backpack zipper is really easy. First, use an old toothbrush to clean a sand, salt or dirt and mud from the zipper teeth. Vacuum if necessary to remove dirt. Trim any stray or loose threads to prevent clutter. Spray very lightly with aSilicone spray, occasionally to lube.

Now you know how to clean your best backpack, you never have to throw back an offensive pack.