How to Clean Your BackpackUpdated 3 months ago
Our backpacks are made to be used. Dirt, dust, rain and the occasional spill are all part of that. With a bit of care, you can keep yours looking good and working properly for years.
What you’ll need:
Lukewarm water
Mild soap or gentle detergent
A soft brush or sponge
A clean cloth or towel
For deeper cleaning or to restore water resistance, we recommend Grangers Tent & Gear Cleaner and Grangers Tent & Gear Repel. Similar products from other outdoor brands can also be used. Always test any cleaning or reproofing product on a small, hidden area first.
Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach or abrasive brushes, as these can damage fabrics and coatings.
1. Empty it completely
Check every pocket, including the smaller ones, and remove any loose dirt or debris. Turn the backpack upside down and give it a gentle shake.
2. Spot clean first
For most marks, spot cleaning is all that’s needed.
Mix a small amount of mild soap with lukewarm water
Use a soft brush or sponge to gently clean the affected areas
Focus on high-wear zones like the base, straps and back panel
Take your time. Scrubbing harder will not improve results and can wear the fabric.
3. Rinse carefully
Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any soap residue. Avoid fully soaking the backpack unless it is absolutely necessary.
If you do need to fully soak your backpack, and you have a Longhaul, Carry-On or Mainpack, remove the frameplate first. The frameplate is located in a zip pocket on the inside back panel at the top of the backpack.
Do not machine wash. Washing machines and spin cycles can damage the structure, padding and waterproof coatings.
4. Remove odours if needed
If your backpack has picked up strong smells from heavy use, you can use Grangers Odour Eliminator.
Make sure the backpack is clean and dry
Lightly spray the inside of the bag and any affected areas
Leave it to air dry fully before use
Always test on a small, hidden area first. Similar odour treatment products from other trusted outdoor brands can also be used.
5. Reproof if needed
If your backpack has lost some of its water resistance, you can reproof it once it is clean.
Apply Grangers Tent & Gear Repel following the manufacturer’s instructions
Make sure the backpack is clean before application
Allow it to dry fully before use
6. Air dry naturally
Hang the backpack or lay it flat in a well-ventilated area
Let it dry fully before using it again
Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heaters or radiators
Heat can weaken fabrics and affect the bag’s shape over time.
Ongoing care
If your backpack gets wet, empty it and let it dry as soon as possible
Store it in a dry place when not in use
Regular light cleaning is better than infrequent heavy cleaning
A note on wear
Signs of use such as softening, creases or subtle marks are normal. They are part of how a backpack develops character over time.
If you are ever unsure about cleaning a specific mark or material, feel free to get in touch. We are always happy to help.