You made a wise decision if you got one of North Face quality backpacks. If you care for it, it could last you a lifetime thanks to the high-quality, robust, and long-lasting backpacks build quality.
Because of the abuse they face, you could see your backpack getting grubby after a while. So, if you just bought your backpack, you might want to know how to take care of it and how to clean North Face backpack.
If you think can you put a north face backpack in the washer, it is best to read our guide first before washing North Face backpacks in machines. By the end, you’ll know all the tips and tricks on how to clean a north face backpack to keep it in the best condition. (Find the Best Hiking Backpacks For Men)
How to Wash a North Face Backpack
Although North Face are quality products and stands up to the rigors of life, you’ll want to preserve your backpack for as long as possible.
For this, you’ll need the knowledge of proper cleaning as if you carry out any improper cleaning; you could cause damage to your dirty backpack.
Besides how to clean the entire bag, you’ll need to know which are suitable cleaning products as you don’t want to damage the DWR coating.
So, before you start cleaning, check the manufacturer’s suggested cleaning on the care label. Typically, North Face backpacks can be washed in several ways.
You’ll find three washing options: spot cleaning, soaking, scrubbing, or detergent washing the bag.
Method 1 Spot Cleaning Method
If you have a small stained area, there isn’t much need to fully submerge the entire bag to clean one area. Here’s all you need for the cleaning process to eradicate stubborn stains.
1. Empty Your Backpack
Always check to see whether there is anything inside the bag you left behind before you begin washing it with water or detergent.
Before continuing, ensure the bag is empty by opening all the zippers to every compartment.
2. Shake It Upside Down
You need to turn your backpack over as much as possible once everything has been removed and is empty.
This aids in clearing the large debris, grit, and dust particles out of the large compartment and the smaller pockets.
3. Brush And Wipe
The cleaning process’s most crucial phase is this one. Go over the unclean areas of the bag with a clean towel dampened with lukewarm water.
If the dirt won’t come out, try to be as gentle as possible and don’t use too much force.
You can add a few drops of detergent to the cloth if water does not effectively remove the grime. Make sure you use a gentle detergent that doesn’t contain bleach.
Make sure to first mix the mild detergent with tepid water before using it to clean any area of your backpack. Detergent should only be applied as a last option and to the worst areas.
You might try cleaning any hard-to-reach areas in the backpack’s interior where you see that dirt has gathered with an old, moist toothbrush.
4. Rinse and Dry
After cleaning the entire backpack, use a clean cloth to wipe it down.
Using this method, you can remove all the dirt left behind. After that, leave it to air dry for 24 hours minimum.
You shouldn’t dry the backpack with a hairdryer. The heat will harm the water-resistant material; if it is too hot, you could melt the plastic components.
The safest drying method is to hang the bag upside down or store it somewhere with airflow to help it dry.
Method 2 Soak and Scrub
You can also clean your backpack using the soaking technique; although this method is effective, it isn’t the most recommended to preserve your backpack.
- In the soaking method, your backpack is fully submerged in a tub of tepid water, scrubbed, and left to soak.
- Before submerging, use a regular towel or dry paper towel to remove any dirt inside, as this will dirty the water when you soak your bag.
- Use an old toothbrush for the cleaning portion as if you are too aggressive, you can harm the coating or the cloth underneath.
- Try gently wiping the area with a soft cloth or just your fingers.
- If any stains remain, you may still have to re-soak your bag before moving on to the final step.
- Drying the backpack can take longer as all the fabric and straps will be soaked.
Method 3 Detergent Cleaning
Detergents can clean the backpack, although this approach is not suggested for routine use.
This is because detergents can damage fabrics because of their strength.
Make sure the detergent is bleach-free and mixed with water if you must use it to remove a problematic stain or area.
Just a few drops of the detergent should be used. Ensure no detergent is left on the fabric of the backpack after wiping it to prevent damage. (Find the Best Backpack Child Carrier)
Can You Wash a North Face Backpack In The Washing Machine?
Most North Face backpacks may be washed in a washing machine, yet first, read the directions and see what the manufacturer suggests.
It is best to use our spot cleaning technique to protect the fabric. The backpack won’t benefit from being put in a washing machine with all that tumbling and heat.
You could always try soaking the bag if you don’t feel like doing spot cleaning. Then, you can wash it in the tub with some detergent.
However, since backpacks don’t get dirty frequently, try to avoid using those harsh cleaning techniques as much as possible.
Machine washing is not our first recommendation because The North Face advises against immersing their backpacks.
To get the best results while machine washing your bag, follow these instructions if you don’t have the time or desire to follow the steps above.
What You need:
- Laundry bag or pillowcase
- Mild, non-bleach detergent
Step-by-Step Process
- Empty your backpack by following the instructions and sweep up as much dirt and trash as possible.
- Remove any removable straps or attachments, as well as any metal frames.
- Close any zippers and trim any loose threads.
- Put the backpack in a wash bag for protection. Without one, stuff it into a pillowcase and knot the top shut.
- Turning your backpack inside out occasionally works if your bag is too huge or you otherwise cannot accomplish one of the two things above.
- Start the bag on a very easy cycle in your washing machine after adding a small amount of detergent. Use one of the hand wash or delicates cycles if your machine has them.
- Allowing the machine to finish a high-speed spin cycle is NOT recommended.
- After the wash cycle, take the bag out of the case and remove it from the washer. Before using or putting it away, hang it upside down with all compartments open and let it completely air dry.
Do North Face Backpacks Get Dirty?
Your North Face bag will get dirty depending on where and how frequently you use it. However, since they are composed of high-quality, contaminant-free waterproof fabric, this company’s backpacks often do not become filthy quickly. (Find the Best Camping Chair)
You should at least perform the following actions once a week if you use your bag every day. If you only use it for specific purposes, such as camping or vacation, performing this maintenance step after each usage should be adequate.
What You Need:
- Toothbrush
- Clean cloth/ paper towel
- Towel
- Hanger
- Bleach-free detergent
Step-by-Step Process
Your rucksack should have all of its pockets and compartments open and empty. Flip your backpack upside down and give it a good shake.
- With the dry toothbrush, begin by cleaning the interior of each pocket, paying particular attention to the corners where dust and debris are likely to collect.
- If you find any hard-to-remove crevices where the toothbrush can’t get all of the dirt out, consider using a lint roller, a clean, lightly wet cloth, or a fine-toothed attachment on your vacuum cleaner to reach those areas.
- Check the package for stains and blemishes.
- See if rubbing the spots with a damp cloth effectively removes them.
- Using a clean cloth dipped in a bit of water and bleach-free detergent, rub any stains that have not been removed by the same method.
- Once you are confident that all traces of the marks have been removed, use a clean, damp cloth directly on the surface to remove any soap scum.
- Your backpack should be hung from a large clothesline and left somewhere to air dry.
- Before you use your backpack, make sure it is completely dry.
Cleaning Old North Face Backpacks
If you’ve had your NorthFace backpack for a while, it may need more cleaning than the wipe-down method or others above.
The North Face only suggests spot cleaning its backpacks. Instead, use the following procedures if your backpack is dirty and needs a deep clean.
Backpacks can grow moldy and stinky if left unwashed for too long, with dust, dirt, crumbs, dirty sports socks, and spare change filling all the pockets.
What You Need:
- Mild, non-bleach detergent
- Sponge and cloth or regular towel/ paper towel
- Soft brush
- Tub or bin to submerge backpack
Step-by-Step Process to wash North Face Backpack
- Remove your bag’s garbage, coins, and dust.
- Shake the bag upside down to remove dirt and dust.
- Brush, lint roller, or fine-toothed vacuum hard-to-reach corners. Skipping this step may cause a muddy bath and a dirty rucksack.
- Wipe down and inspect the entire backpack. If there are still stains and marks, spot clean with a damp cloth and sponge.
- If the pack is still dirty, mix detergent with water and use a sponge and towel—clean soiled areas.
- If this is good enough, spot dry the damp places with a clean towel and air dry the bag.
- If the preceding techniques don’t clean your backpack, try immersing it. For example, you might try soaking it in clean water for a few hours to remove stains and blemishes.
- Alternatively, soak the backpack in clean water with 1 tablespoon of detergent.
- Check on it often and scrub the stains and marks with a sponge or towel.
- Use a toothbrush to clean the pack’s hard-to-reach regions.
- Once satisfied, rinse the soap from the bag. Then, submerge the backpack in clean water.
- Shake the pack in water to release detergent.
- Repeat step until all detergent is removed.
- Cleanly dry the backpack with a towel. DON’T dry your bag; you’ll ruin it.
- To maximize water loss, hang your backpack upside down with all compartments open on a large hanger.
- Hang the bag so excess water can drip without damaging it, but not in direct sunlight or heat. Drying takes 24-48 hours.
Cleaning a Moldy Backpack
If your backpack has been humid or has dirty or damp stuff, it may contain mold, and the spot cleaning method won’t be enough. (Learn How to Wash Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket)
Moldy backpack cleaning process.
- Wear a mask to protect mold spores.
- Shake your empty bag outside. Indoors, you’ll release mold spores.
- Remove mold with a coarse brush and a toothbrush.
- Make a cleaning solution with white vinegar and water, then scrub moldy areas.
- Hand or machine wash the bag and air dry your clean backpack before using or storing it.
