When was the last time you cleaned your bag? Most people probably wait until the surface or interior of their bag is stained before cleaning it, but the truth is that very often, your bag may not be as clean as it looks. One study showed that 95% of bags that have not been cleaned for a long time have bacteria attached to them, which can live for hours. Therefore, it is essential to clean your bag regularly to reduce your risk of invasion by pathogens. But on the other hand, improper cleaning can damage your bag. So how do you clean it properly? Don't worry; we'll show you tips for cleaning your bag using BAGSMART products as an example.
Regular mild clean
It’s important to give the surface of your bag a regular once-over to keep it in good condition. If you find stains and spots, remove them promptly with a gentle wipe to prevent stains from settling in, bacteria from growing and odors from developing. We advise against using fragrance tissues as you cannot be sure what chemicals the scents come from and whether they will damage your beloved bag.
In addition, we recommend your frequency of regular cleaning depending on how often you use your bags. For example, If you use the same bag every day, then you should probably do this regular cleaning every week.
Here’s the procedure of doing your regular mild clean: Firstly, remove all the items from your bag, and if dividers or removable elastic straps are equipped in your bags, then remove them as well. Next, use a small hoover to clean every nook and cranny of your bag, especially those corners where dust tends to accumulate. Also, don't forget to open up the zippers and different compartments- these areas should also be cleaned. If you don't have a hoover, then a soft bristle brush is a good alternative.
The big clean
We recommend that you give your bag a big clean every few months. But if there are visible stains and odors on the surface or inside of your bag, then a big clean is also inevitable.
Before the big clean, you will likewise need to clean out all your belongings and also vacuum up some of the scraps of paper and dust.
Next, you can use a soft, damp cloth to remove some of the easily cleaned dust and dirt spots from the surface of the bag, while removing the detachable compartments. Make sure that you cut away any loose threads or any fabric fibers around the zipper. This step will ensure that the zipper is smooth and unobstructed once the backpack has been washed.
Then check the washing label in your bag. In order not to damage your bag, it is important to follow the instructions on the washing label (if any) when washing it. Please note that some chemical detergents and cleaning methods can cause damage to the bag, for example by weakening its water resistance, so in the absence of washing instructions, it is recommended to use a mild detergent while testing it on a small hidden part of the bag.
Fourthly you need to pre-clean the stubborn stains. You can soak the bag in warm water (don't use hot water or the color of the bag will fade) along with a mild detergent, and most stains will usually easily be cleaned up after 30 minutes. Please avoid using bleach as this can cause irreversible damage to your bag. In addition, some bags are not suitable for pre-soaking, see the wash label for details, and these types of bags can be wiped several times with soft wet wipes or brushes.
Finally, you can remove the stain with a soft bristle brush while rinsing the backpack in warm water until the detergent residue is completely removed. When all these steps have been completed, you can wrap the backpack in a towel to absorb the moisture and leave it to dry in the shade. Please note that some bags are not suitable for use in the dryer.
Lastly, here are some key points to help you better protect and clean your bags:
- Prevention is always the best option
- Regularly wipe the outside and vacuum the inside of your bag
- Test your clean detergent before using it, never use any strong detergent
- See details in the washing label before cleaning
- Remember to clean the zippers and trim
- Don’t put your bag in the washing machine
- Consider using a UV light to kill bacteria and viruses
- Use a rain cover for your bag in bad weather
The above method applies to most BAGSMART bags, including computer bags, camera backpacks, toiletry bags and so on. We hope our tips can help you, and again, please refer to the washing label before your clean your beloved bags.
