How to Properly Wash Your Herschel Backpack? Expert Tips

Backpacks are not just traveling partners; they provide security, comfort, and ease. You can find different types of backpacks in markets with unique uses. Make sure you select a backpack according to your need.

Mini backpacks are designed for day trips or short hikes. They usually have a 10-30 liters capacity and are lightweight and compact. In comparison, Travel backpacks are for travelers and have features like detachable daypacks, wheels, and multiple compartments. They usually have a capacity of 40-70 liters.

Herschel is a famous brand in the backpack market. Their backpacks are well known for their sleek design and minimalist color schemes. You could find different models of their backpacks according to your preference.

But what if your Herschel backpack becomes dirty? Do you know how to clean it? If not, don’t worry; we are here to help you. Let’s get started and begin the process of cleaning your Herschel backpack! Please sit back and relax as we walk through the steps to restore your bag to its original clean and stylish condition.

Before you Begin: Protect your Gear

Backpacks contain all your essential belongings. So, when you start cleaning your pack, empty your bag of all gear, including any loose items in the pockets. Please give it a good shake to remove any loose debris inside. Then protect your equipment in a safe place to find it when needed. When you complete this step, choose your cleaning method according to your backpack’s dirt.

Protect Your Backpack: Pre-Cleaning Gear Preparations

supplies for cleaning herschel backpack

For spot cleaning:

  • Mild Soap/ detergent
  • washcloths
  • Cleaning brush: A soft or makeup brush for stubborn spots.

For hand washing:

  • Handheld vacuum 
  • Non-bleach detergent
  • Warm water
  • Sponge/Cloth
  • Large basin

Method 1: Treating Small Spots on Herschel’s Backpack

Make sure you empty your backpack and protect your gear. Even a tiny piece of paper in the pocket would disintegrate and make a big mess. So, check it before you start the next step.

1. Use a Soft Brush to Remove Grimy Spots

soft brush to remove grimy spots

To gently remove patches of grime and crumbs from the backpack, use a soft brush to dab and coax off the dirt. The type of brush you should use depends on the backpack’s texture. A nylon or microfiber brush for cleaning electronics such as phones and computers is suitable if the bag has smooth or flat surfaces.

Don’t use a brush with tough bristles, which can damage the material. A soft makeup brush gently removes dust and grime from the backpack.

2. Apply Mild Soap on the Stained Area

Now apply a small amount of delicate soap onto a light-colored sponge, and dab the affected area until the soap saturates with the cleaning product. For stubborn stains, scrub the backpack gently. Use a soap with a “gentle” or “sensitive” label. Don’t use standard or harsh laundry detergents directly on stains.

If you don’t want to further hand wash the bag, then let it dry in the air for several hours.

Method 2: Hand Washing Herschel Backpack

handwaashing herschel backpack

This method is to clean the whole backpack by hand washing. Follow these simple steps to clean your Herschel backpack.

1. Vacuum the Debris & Crumbs

Use a handheld vacuum to suck any leftover debris or crumbs inside your bag. Keep the vacuum on a low setting, and concentrate on vacuuming the dirt from the seams at the bottom of the bag. Don’t worry if you don’t get everything, as vacuuming is to enhance the cleaning process.

2. Put the Backpack in Warm Water

Get a bin or basin and pour water into it. Make sure the bin can hold your backpack without spilling water. Fill the container with water, but not too much that it will overflow. If you are using a big basin, fill it up to about 6 inches or 15 cm. Remember not to use hot or boiling water as it might change the color of your bag.

3. Rub mild Soap for Cleaning

Now use a soft brush to scrub the soap inside and outside the backpack. Herschel brand advises using only mild soaps or detergents when cleaning their pack to maintain the quality of the material and color. They suggest that dish soap is the strongest one to use.

Suitable options are mild body soap, delicate laundry detergent, or dishwashing soap. If you want to go for a liquid laundry detergent, choose a mild one specifically designed for colored items, such as those made of wool.

If you see any stains on the backpack while cleaning, use any soft brush or sponge to remove them.

4. Cleans the Zippers

clean herschel backpack zippers

After cleaning the interior and exterior of the bag, it now cleans the zippers. Clean the zippers to remove any debris and buildup. Mix a few drops of white vinegar and boiling water. Use a toothbrush to clean the zipper teeth and restore them to their original condition.

 If vinegar is not available, use mild soap and warm water instead. After cleaning, lubricate the zippers to prevent rusting. WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant, beeswax, or olive oil are among the best options for lubricating the zippers.

5. Rinse the Backpack

After cleaning the backpack, empty the dirty water from the basin and fill it with fresh, cool water. Instead of holding the pack under a faucet, immerse it entirely in the basin. This step will ensure that the entire bag submerges before taking it out of the water. To remove excess dripping water, squeeze the bag over the basin and remove it.

6. Air-dry the Backpack

Now wrap the backpack in a soft, absorbent towel to remove any remaining water. Then dry it in an open area with good air circulation. Please don’t put it in the dryer as its high heat may damage the backpack’s material.

To air-dry the backpack, use a hanger to hang it. Remove the laptop pad from the bag before hanging it to dry, as the spongy material absorbs much water and prolongs the drying process.

What to Avoid when Cleaning out your Backpack

wwhat to avoid when cleaning out your backpack

It takes work to clean the backpack every time. So, make sure when you are cleaning the bag; to avoid a few mistakes; otherwise, it could damage the material of your pack.

  • Harsh chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach when cleaning your backpack. Harsh chemicals can damage the materials and cause discoloration.
  • Hot water: Don’t immerse the bag in hot water, as it can cause shrinkage or damage to the materials.
  • Abrasive scrubbing: Avoid using abrasive scrubbing tools or brushes; they will cause scratches on the material.
  • Excessive soaking: if you soak the backpack for extended periods, it may cause it to lose shape.
  • Machine drying: If the backpack manual doesn’t mention drying it in a machine dryer, don’t. The heat can damage the materials and cause shrinkage.

Final Thoughts

Hershel backpacks are among our favorites due to their design and quality. To ensure your bag remains in good condition, taking care of it is essential. Cleaning it every few months is recommended, but always check the tags for any special care instructions before doing so.

The north face is also a competitor of Hershel in the backpack industry. North face backpacks also have specific cleaning guidelines. Know how to wash a north face backpack if you own one!

FAQs

Are all Herschel backpacks Waterproof?

No, Herschel backpacks are not waterproof. Some of their bags are water-resistant, but only some packs have this feature. Even if a backpack has the label as water-resistant, it is not entirely waterproof. It may only protect against light rain or splashes rather than heavy downpours or prolonged exposure to water.

Can I put my Herschel backpack in the washing machine?

In general, putting Herschel backpacks in the washing machine is not recommended. It could damage the materials or cause the colors to fade. Instead, it’s recommended to spot-clean the backpack with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Can you soak the Herschel backpack?

Soaking the backpack for several hours could damage the materials or cause the colors to fade. If you need to clean Herschel’s bag, spot-clean the backpack with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Gently rub the affected area with the fabric and hang the backpack to air dry.

Do Herschel bags come with a lifetime warranty?

Herschel bags come with a limited lifetime warranty. This warranty applies to the original owner of the product and covers only manufacturing defects, not damage resulting from normal wear and tear or misuse.

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