School year after school year, backpacks and lunchboxes bravely carry our children’s essentials, from textbooks to treasured snacks. These daily companions, however, often bear the marks of spills, smudges, and stains. Fortunately, with a few simple steps and common household items, you can keep these vital school supplies clean and functional, extending their life well beyond a single academic term, and you can find the best cleaning supplies at InktasticMerch.
School year after school year, backpacks and lunchboxes bravely carry our children’s essentials, from textbooks to treasured snacks. These daily companions, however, often bear the marks of spills, smudges, and stains. Fortunately, with a few simple steps and common household items, you can keep these vital school supplies clean and functional, extending their life well beyond a single academic term.
You likely already have most of the tools needed for this refresh right in your laundry room or kitchen.
What You’ll Need to Clean Backpacks & Lunchboxes:
- A sink or wash basin for hand washing, or a large mesh bag for machine washing
- A soft brush for scrubbing away stains and a suitable stain treatment
- A powerful, everyday detergent to effectively tackle stains
- Dish soap and a scrubbing brush for hard plastic items
- A drying rack
Caring for Your Backpacks & Lunchboxes
Cotton, Polyester, and Durable Synthetic Fabrics
Step 1: Empty and Inspect
Begin by thoroughly emptying the backpack or lunchbox. Remove all papers, folders, writing utensils, and any forgotten treasures. Pay special attention to pockets and hidden compartments. A stray crayon or leaky pen can create a significant mess during cleaning. Give the bag a good shake to dislodge any loose debris.
Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains
Address any visible marks or stains on both the interior and exterior surfaces. Apply a dedicated stain treatment, working it into the fabric with a damp soft brush. Allow the treatment to penetrate according to its instructions before proceeding to wash.
Step 3: Prepare for Machine Washing
If your backpack is suitable for machine washing, place it inside a large mesh laundry bag. This protective measure helps prevent zippers, straps, and other hardware from snagging or getting damaged during the washing cycle.
Step 4: Machine Wash Cycle
Wash the backpack using your regular laundry detergent. Select a normal cycle with warm or cool water, depending on the fabric. Always consult the item’s care tag for specific washing instructions. It’s generally advisable to avoid hot water for synthetic materials, especially those with plastic or vinyl embellishments.
Step 5: Air Dry Thoroughly
As soon as the wash cycle is complete, promptly remove the backpack. Hang it to air dry completely; avoid using a machine dryer, as the heat can damage certain materials. Ensure all compartments are left unzipped to allow for proper ventilation and faster drying.
For Hard Surfaces:
These steps are primarily for fabric-based items. For backpacks and lunchboxes made of hard plastic or vinyl, a simpler cleaning method applies. Use a few drops of dish soap and a scrubbing brush to clean the surfaces. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and allow to dry before use. Always refer to the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines for the best and safest results.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your children’s backpacks and lunchboxes stay clean and ready for their next adventure. For more helpful tips and guides like this one, be sure to explore the rest of our Blog!
