How To Clean A Canvas Backpack

Canvas backpacks are some of the coolest bags on the market. They are becoming more and more popular everyday due to their unique look and functionality.

The natural look of these bags gives them what we like to call situational versatility, which is why many users hold on to these bags for years.

Many of us have an old or a favorite canvas bag that we will always hold onto. It has given us many years of compliments and great use.

To help you maintain the look of your bag for years to come it’s extremely important you learn how to clean a canvas bag the right without damaging it.

Realizing that many of our readers may or have run into this issue we decided to attack this problem head on and write a helpful step by step article to give you all the information you need on how to clean a canvas backpack.

Make sure you read the guide in full, so you don’t miss out on any of the important tips we provide.

What is a Canvas Backpack

A Canvas backpack is a carrier bag made of a durable plain-woven fabric. Most of the Canvas products we see today are made from either linen or cotton.

This fabric type is slightly unique, because of the form in which it is weaved. Canvas is plain-woven, meaning it’s an over and under weave similar to a picnic basket.

You may also see this material being used by many artist in the art world. Canvas is also used on messenger bags, backpacks, shoes, sails and many other items.

Steps On How to Clean a Canvas Backpack

1. You want to first clean the bag getting rid of any dirt or particles that may be on the surface of the canvas. If you have a clean soft broom available that should do the trick. When using the whisk broom make sure to apply an easy and gentle motion to avoid damaging the bag.
2. Check to see if the inside of the bag needs to be cleaned as well. Many times you may find dirt spots or other markings you didn’t realize were there. Feel free to use a bit of water with a soft brush to remove any marks or patches on the inside. Always stroke the brush gently to avoid damage.
3. Now that we have brushed the dirt off of the outside of the bag and the inside is clean, we can begin to clean the outside. Put a little bit of water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray water on the areas of the bag that are dirty and softly brush the dirt off.
4. If you are still having trouble getting rid of the dirt patches you can use a little bit of soap. Make sure you use a mild soap only. A mild soap is basically any common dish washing soaps you don’y mind rubbing on your hands. You can also fill a small spray bottle with half water and half vinegar if you prefer.
5. Once you have completed the task of removing the stains on the outside you can wipe it with a wet towel or gently rinse it.
6. Then you can let it air dry outside. Make sure rain or heavy wind is not in the forecast to avoid damaging the bag. Sunshine is the best drying method.
7. An important tip to remember about canvas is that it can shrink. Canvas is a cotton product that can shrink like any cotton t-shirt. If the bag is wet now that you rinsed make sure to stretch it a little before drying.
8. If you missed this step and your canvas bag shrunk, you may have to wet it again, stretch it and air dry it.

Steps On How To Wash A Canvas Backpack

• You should always be careful on where or what you place your bag on. Most of the damage or dirt comes from placing your bag on a dirty floor.
• You can pre condition your bag with products that protect canvas. Purchasing a sealer or a fabric protector can be useful in the prevention of damaging your bag.
• If you’re nervous about using any products you can use apply a small amount on a small part of the bag no one ever sees. If the product works as described, you can now apply it to the rest of the bag.
• After daily use you can also use a soft bristled brush to remove any dirt that may have accumulated throughout the day.
• If your ever caught in a rain storm and your bag is soaked. Remove all of your things out of the bag and let it air dry. Remember to stretch the bag a little before air drying it.
• Do not use any blow dryer or tools you feel can dry the bag quicker. Let the sun slowly dry it to avoid any damage.
• Canvas stains or discoloration may require you to purchase a fabric cleaner

Now that you have the basic fundamentals on how to clean a canvas backpack we ask that you carefully treat your bag so to not ruin it.

You should be extra careful using any chemical products to treat your bag. Do the proper research and read reviews carefully to make sure your bag last for many years.

As long as you apply common sense when applying these methods your bag will be in good shape for many years to come.

If you like to put groceries or open pens in the bag either think twice about doing or make sure the pen caps are on and the food is properly covered.

If you’re interested in a new canvas backpack feel free to look at our top picks and reviews.