When you purchased a North Face Backpack for some adventure, a question often pops your mind, “How to Wash a North Face Backpack?” Well, According to Northface, the best way to clean their backpacks is to spot clean them using a damp cloth and then let it air dry. They also say that they do not recommend fully submerging their backpacks in water.
However, we all know that without submerging the backpack properly in water, it is not gonna get cleaned, especially if it has some very hard stains especially when you have been on a long biking trip or have been rucking for a full day. On that note, let’s find out how to properly wash a north face backpack.
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Why People Choose North Face?
The main purpose of choosing the North Face backpack is that it is a very popular high quality brand that is used by many people. Our guide will teach you step-by-step techniques for cleaning the North Face backpack. Read below for more details.
Things You Will Need For Cleaning
Start by picking up some items for cleaning. It is mandatory if you want to work properly and correctly.
The items you will need are listed below:
- Large sink, sink, or tub to hold the backpack.
- Mild non-bleaching detergent or cleaning liquid.
- Hand towel or paper.
- Toothbrush.
- Hanger.
A Quick Overview: How to Wash a North Face Backpack
- Remove all accessories from the backpack.
- Wipe off excess dirt from the backpack with a dry towel.
- Wipe the inside pockets of the backpack with a damp towel.
- Run the tub and clean the areas of dirt.
- Remove dirt from the backpack using soap or detergent and a toothbrush.
- Fill the backpack with clean water several times when washing.
- For best results, hang the backpack on a hanger and let it dry.
Step 1: Make it Empty
Make sure there is nothing in the backpack. You have to take a look at each pocket and don’t forget about the flats. Everything must be out.
When everything is out, turn the backpack upside down with open zippers. Give a good shake. This will highlight any small particle or thing inside. Some of the dirt is left in hard-to-reach places, try reaching them with bare hands or a toothbrush or a dry towel.
Step 2: Brush it off
The next step is to brush each part of the backpack. You will focus on cleaning up any dirt that is on the outside and inside of the backpack. This is an important step before soaking it in water. Some dirt needs force to come out. Contact with water can only stick to the fabric. And that will only make matters worse.
Use a soft brush or toothbrush for this step. You can also use dry paper if it is only accessible. A toothbrush will facilitate access to more difficult areas. While for a larger area you can go with towels.
Make sure you are as gentle as possible with this step. Additional force or pressure may cause scratches later. You don’t want to be frustrated if you can’t get the right pitch, so invest in a good capo.
Step 3: Choose any of the following
Option 1: Wipe with Clean Water
It is safer than washing and probably sufficient in most cases. There is less risk of damage, as you will use clean water and absolutely no detergent.
First take a clean cloth or rag and wet it with water. Then push it to get as much water as possible. Then use it to wipe the inside of your backpack.
Take your time to clean and focus on each part of the interior compartment as well as the pocket.
Then use another clean, damp cloth to wipe the outside of your backpack. Take time to manage each part of the backpack.
If there are serious stains, use a damp cloth with mild detergent and water to rub only on the affected area. This is called spot cleaning and is considered safe by North Face.
You should wash the cloth several times, if necessary. Make sure you delete it as before. And then choose another wipe according to your needs. If you find the backpack clean enough, stop here and hang it until it dries. Or read and try the other method.
Option 2: Soak and Scrubbing it
My answer to those who ask me how to wash a backpack is actually the same. I suggest they follow the soaking method and see if it works for them. It is better for option 1 but still safe enough from a full wash.
Use lukewarm water for this procedure. Just fill a basin, bathtub or container that can hold your backpack.
It is not yet necessary to use detergent or soap. Let the backpack soak in this water for a while. Most of the time, this helps to get rid of dirt and grime quite effectively.
Make sure all compartments and pockets are open while soaking. This will allow thorough cleaning.
In some cases, you can use a toothbrush to gently scrub hard-to-reach areas. The lightweight fabric will also work well.
Remove after soaking for a while. If you think the backpack is clean enough, let it dry and use it as needed. However, if the clearing still fails, move on to the next and last option.
Option 3: Cleaning North Face Backpack with detergent.
This method is dangerous, but if there is absolutely no choice and the stains do not seem to disappear, you may want to try. Make sure the detergent is mild and that there are no chemicals that can react badly with the DWR coating. Nikwax or Oxiclean products are good enough for such a gentle cleansing without the bleaching formula.
And here, you should use lukewarm water. Start by mixing the cleaner with water. It is not necessary to pour this mixture directly into the bag. Use a small amount of water and dissolve properly.
Immerse the bag in water and allow the stains to soak. Depending on the severity of these signs, wait a few hours. Check every hour to see if the stains disappear.
Again, immerse the bag completely in water, ensuring that the stained area remains underwater.
Eventually, the stain will come off and you may need to rub it gently to remove it better. After successful cleaning, rinse thoroughly. Use a hanger to dry completely. There should be no traces of detergent or water.
It usually takes about 24-36 hours to dry completely. Do not even think about using a hairdryer for quick drying. It will melt the plastic parts and leave you with a dirty backpack.
How to Wash a North Face Backpack in Washing Machine?
Yes, you can. However, it is very important that you read the instructions that will accompany your bag when making your purchase. However, if your washing machine has a handwashing program, it is best to use a backpack wash bag at the lowest temperature and with minimal rotation. You can escape without damaging the backpack.
Check the instruction set that came with your backpack. If it allows you to wash in a washing machine, look for it. There is no problem in these cases. However, some backpack manufacturers strictly prohibit doing this. Therefore, be sure to try to clean in the washing machine beforehand.
One of the questions is: how to wash a backpack and how much? I cannot say much in this area. The North Face backpacks are waterproof and free of contaminants, so there is no way they can get too dirty.
However, the backpacks look dirty due to constant use. No problem if you wash your backpack once in a few months. In addition, if you regularly clean the backpack, you can use it for several days. It is good when you clean your backpack with a dry cloth. You will be with you throughout your life cleaning a regular backpack. After a few months, your backpack will be even fresher.
NOTE: Most backpacks have non-washable labels. But due to the advanced material used in quality backpacks, it is washable. And all of this happens because of DWR [According to Wikipedia – Durable Water Repellent, or DWR, is a coating that is added to factory fabrics to make them water-resistant (hydrophobic).] However, it is still advised not to clean backpacks unless absolutely necessary,
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