How to wash a backpack (Beckman, with a USB cable, Swissgear, etc.) in an automatic washing machine and by hand, how to clean dirt from one that cannot be washed?

Fjallraven Kanken backpacks are stylish and fashionable products that are convenient to go to school, college, work and sports training. It is not surprising that during such active use the product quickly gets dirty.

To keep your backpack clean, it must be cleaned and washed properly. Illiterate actions can cause damage to a branded bag.

In this article we will tell you whether and how to properly wash a Kanken backpack (Fjallraven Kanken) by hand and in an automatic washing machine.

Is it washable?

Every backpack needs to be cleaned from time to time.
To understand how to properly care for your product, you need to refer to the manufacturer's recommendations. They are encrypted in the form of icons, which are presented on the product label. Most often it is located inside.

It is not recommended to machine wash backpacks made of delicate fabrics. Other contraindications include:

The presence of a large number of stripes and reflective details.
The presence of a solid non-removable frame or USB port.
Availability of photo print.
The presence of obvious defects, broken fittings, unraveling seams.

Do not automatically wash bags impregnated with a water-repellent compound or other coating that changes its characteristics upon contact with liquid.

Where are these bags made?

Fjallraven Kanken is a Swedish company.
But a real “urban suitcase” from this manufacturer will not be made in Europe. Any briefcase, bag or other item decorated with the popular Swedish logo will be sewn in Vietnam. It is in this Asian country that direct production, warehouses and packaging workshops are located. Only the company's brand stores and its head office are located in Sweden. Each item of the brand is in individual, tightly “soldered” packaging. And this feature makes it very difficult to determine what is presented in the store - an original or a fake.

In the washing machine

Before loading your backpack into the washing machine, you need to prepare it. This stage includes the following activities:

Remove all items from the product, check pockets and sections. Little things left inside can cause damage to both the backpack itself and the washing machine.
Remove dust. To do this, wipe the surface of the product with a damp cloth or a soft-bristled brush soaked in water.
Clean the seams. They accumulate a lot of dust and small debris. If you cannot remove dirt with a rag, you can use a vacuum cleaner.
Remove decorative elements from the backpack, such as key chains.

After the product is prepared, you need to decide on the washing mode. It is recommended to opt for a program called “delicate” or “gentle”.

The spin should be turned off or reduced to minimum speed. The optimal washing temperature is 30-40 degrees.

Once completed, you can turn on an additional rinse. This will get rid of any remaining detergent. Its particles are difficult to wash out of dense fabrics.

Therefore, preference should be given to liquid formulations, for example, gel capsules. They effectively remove dirt, working even at low temperatures.

Instructions for washing a backpack in an automatic washing machine:

The prepared item is placed in a mesh bag.
Such devices are used for washing things to protect them from friction against the drum of the washing machine. Even if during the cleaning process any element comes off the backpack, it will remain inside the bag and will not damage household appliances. If there is no mesh, you can replace it with an old pillowcase.
Pour the selected detergent into the washing machine compartment.
Turn on the washing mode and wait for it to complete.
Remove the product from the drum and leave to dry in natural conditions.

Even the most durable-looking items can become damaged if washed intensively.

Washing in a washing machine is a very convenient option that allows you to quickly and effectively remove dirt from your backpack and refresh the appearance of the item.

Such processing must be carried out in compliance with all rules:

Prepare the bag for washing. Make sure all zippers are closed.
Pour the prepared detergent into the washing powder compartment.
Set the “delicate wash” mode.
Make sure that the water heating temperature is no more than 40ºC.
For backpacks of complex shape, with seals on the back, it is advisable to exclude spinning.
Start the wash.
At the end of the wash cycle, remove the backpack from the drum.
Wipe the inside and outside of the product. This will allow the bag to dry faster and prevent mold from forming.
Dry.

Washing in a special mesh will help prevent damage to the backpack and drum.

Ways to wash a backpack

At home, any backpack can be cleaned in one of the following ways:

machine washable;
handwash;
dry cleaning or using foam (suitable for all types, especially for products made of natural and artificial leather).

Machine washable

The method is suitable for soft backpacks that do not have metal or plastic frames and orthopedic pads:

Close all zippers, buttons, Velcro, and latches. This will protect the product from distortions and deformation.
Use a special laundry bag. This will protect metal and plastic fittings from scratches. If any part comes off, such as a sticker or decorative part of a zipper slider, it will also remain inside the bag and will not clog the drain hose.
Set the mode according to the manufacturer's instructions on the label. If it is lost, select the delicate wash cycle, wool or silk. For jeans and polyester, the maximum washing temperature is 40 °C, and the optimal temperature is 20–30 °C. Do not spin.
Choose liquid detergents. In cool water they dissolve faster and completely, are washed out more easily and do not leave unsightly streaks on the product. If you use powder, take a little less of it than the manufacturer recommends.
Be sure to add an extra rinse.

Handwash

Unlike machine, this is a more gentle option. Therefore, it is used for all products that can generally be washed, including for the care of tourist or frame backpacks.

The frame backpack is suitable for hand washing only.

Operating procedure:

Fill the bath with warm water - about 10 cm in height so that the backpack is completely immersed in water.
For washing, use any detergent, but liquid is preferable. There are special cleaning products available for travel backpacks.
Immerse the item in water to moisten it.
Using a brush, sponge or just the palm of your hand, apply detergent to its surface and rub lightly. If the dirt is heavy, leave it to soak for 20–30 minutes. The period can be increased to two hours, but not longer, since water has a negative effect on any tissue.
Poke out the backpack using an up and down motion. You can rub it again with a brush or sponge if the stains are not completely removed.
Rinse the product thoroughly with a stream of water from the shower.

To protect the backpack from moisture, during subsequent use you can additionally treat it with a water-repellent impregnation, for example, Nikwax TX.Direct. To do this, again fill the bath with about 6 liters of water, add 50 ml of the product, stir well and immerse the product in the solution for 10 minutes, and then rinse in cold water.

Video: hand washing a school backpack

Wet cleaning with soap foam

The method is suitable for all products, including backpacks made of natural and artificial leather.

A leather backpack can be cleaned of dirt using foam

Operating procedure:

Dissolve the detergent in a bowl and whisk it well.
Using a sponge, grab the foam without touching the liquid and apply to the surface of the backpack.
Rub the areas of heaviest dirt.
And also use a sponge to rinse the product with clean water and remove any remaining foam.

Wash by hand

Hand washing allows you to carefully clean the fabric without damaging the main elements of the backpack.

Step-by-step instruction:

Remove all items from the bag, turn out and empty the pockets, vacuum the seams, cut off any protruding threads.
Rinse the backpack under running cool water to remove any accumulated dust.
Prepare a cleaning solution. You can use hand washing powder, gels, or regular soap. The main thing is that the detergent particles are completely dissolved in the water.
Apply the composition to the product using a sponge, distribute it evenly over the entire surface, and leave for 15 minutes. If the stains are difficult to remove, then the backpack is completely immersed in water.
Gently rub the contaminated areas with a soft cloth or sponge.
Rinse the product under running water. Let it drain, do not twist or wring out the backpack.
Dry it naturally.

It is recommended to wash the product in cool water. The optimal temperature is indicated on the label. If it is not there, then you should not exceed 30-40 degrees.

If there is a rigid frame inside the product, then it must be removed.

Hand washing a child's school bag is less common than washing it in a machine. If there are difficult stains on the outside or inside, they are treated with a stain remover.

After half an hour, proceed to the main processing:

Warm water is drawn into a large basin or directly into the bathtub.
Dilute the detergent.
Dipping a backpack into the water.
Using a sponge, clean the briefcase from the outside and inside. It is necessary to act methodically, treating zone by zone.
After finishing cleaning, you need to rinse the bag on both sides with non-hot water to completely remove any remaining detergent.
Dry.

How to clean dirt from a backpack that cannot be wet?

Dry cleaning involves avoiding the use of water. Products made of suede, vinyl, wool, Oxford fabric, bags with a permanent frame or with water-repellent impregnation are subjected to this treatment.

You can remove dirt as follows:

Vacuum the backpack outside and inside. This will get rid of dust.
Use starch. Sprinkle it on greasy stains, press lightly and leave for 2-3 hours. The backpack is then vacuumed or the powder is removed using a soft brush.
Using special brushes. There are devices on sale that allow you to clean backpacks made of suede or nubuck without water.
Using soda and salt. These components are mixed in equal proportions, applied to the item and left for 1-2 hours. The fabric is then either vacuumed or brushed. This method allows you to get rid of dust, grease stains and unpleasant odors.

If the backpack is expensive, you can take it to the dry cleaner. Professional cleaners will remove dirt from it without harming the fabric.

There should be a label on the inside of the backpack indicating whether the backpack can be washed and what types of processing of the product are allowed.

Depending on the model, the following types of cleaning are possible:

manual;
in the washing machine;
dry;
dry cleaning

The latter option involves completely eliminating self-processing and transferring washing to professionals.

Dry cleaning is often used as an intermediate step before the main wash. But for some types of backpacks, it is the only way to put things in order.

To maintain a school backpack in hygienic condition, it is recommended to wash it once every 3 months.

How to dry

The best option would be to dry it in the fresh air. After washing, you need to open all zippers and sections. If the weather is bad outside, you can hang your briefcase on the balcony. In order for the product to dry evenly, it must be turned from one side to the other every 2 hours. During drying, the backpack may become deformed. Therefore, it is better to insert wooden supports between the walls.

The cleaning process begins with determining how best to wash the briefcase: by hand or in the washing machine. Then all removable parts are separated. Contaminated areas must be properly treated with a suitable detergent. If there are ink or grease stains on the surface of the fabric, they must be removed before washing. The last step is drying. If you follow all washing rules, the product will become clean and will not be damaged.

Features for different types of products

Some branded backpacks require special washing conditions. There are also rules for processing products with USB and an orthopedic back. There are certain features of caring for leather and suede backpacks.

Beckman

Manufacturers of Beckmann backpacks do not recommend machine washing. However, most users load models into the machine, since it will be difficult to manually get rid of dirt.

Basic recommendations:

Remove the hard metal insert from the product.
The plastic elements are non-removable, so they are left inside. Be sure to unscrew the light bulb with batteries; they are attached with double-sided tape, so they can be easily removed. There is no point in twisting a raincoat and Velcro decorations in the machine, so they are unfastened before washing.
Set the machine to a “gentle” or “delicate” wash program with a temperature setting of 30 degrees. The spin is turned off.
To prevent the backpack from hitting the walls of the drum, a terry towel is loaded with it. You can protect the print with a mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase.
A gel or liquid concentrate is used as a detergent.
After the cycle is completed, the product is dried under natural conditions.

We suggest you read How to clean a soft toy that cannot be washed at home.
Minor stains can be dealt with manually by applying a soap solution to them. After 15 minutes, remove the stain with a clean damp cloth.

With USB cable

If the backpack is equipped with a USB port or headphones, then you can wash it only after disconnecting them. Most often, such devices are removable, so there are no problems with caring for the product.

A bag with a USB cable is washed in the same way as other similar products. The type of fabric and the manufacturer's general recommendations must be taken into account. The method of cleaning will depend on this: manual, machine or dry.

If the USB is not removable, then getting such backpacks wet is strictly prohibited. Contact with water will damage the device.

Swissgear

Branded Swiss backpacks Swissgear are washed both manually and automatically.

The exception is products equipped with a rigid, non-removable frame and impregnated with a water-repellent composition. They are not loaded into the washing machine drum.

To remove dirt from them, use a soap solution in which a sponge is moistened and the stains are carefully removed. You can also vacuum the product to rid it of dust.

If machine wash is selected, use only liquid detergents. The water temperature should not exceed 30 degrees. The spin is turned off.

After washing, the product is not wrung out or twisted, leaving it to dry naturally.

Leather

A leather backpack is protected from prolonged contact with water and machine washable. It is not allowed to be machine washed. To care for the accessory, only dry or wet cleaning is suitable.

If the lining is dirty, wash it with soapy water and a brush, turning the fabric outward. Do not allow liquid to come into contact with the skin or stitches. Glued, non-stitched surfaces are especially carefully protected.

Use a damp soft cloth to remove dust from the skin. To combat stubborn stains, use a weak alcohol solution or soapy water.

Learn more about washing leather backpacks here.

Kanken

The original Kanken backpack is sewn from a unique fabric - vinylon, so it cannot be washed in a machine. This will lead to damage to the product, the appearance of creases and discolored spots.

Bags from this company require careful care. Kanken backpacks are processed by hand, avoiding excess friction.

Gentle formulations containing a minimal amount of chemical components are used as detergents, for example, “Eared Nanny” dish gel.

If there is heavy contamination, soak the product in a weak soap solution for 15 minutes. Then the backpack is rinsed under running cool water.

Even more information about processing backpacks of this type is here.

School

Information on the rules for caring for a school backpack is presented on the product label. If the manufacturer allows machine washing, then it should be done according to general recommendations. The hard back is removed from the product and all items are removed.

The machine wash mode should be “delicate”, with a water temperature no higher than 30 degrees. Preference is given to liquid detergents.

To remove single stains, you can process the school bag manually. Use a soap solution and a brush, or a professional stain remover. Be sure to take into account the type of fabric and color of the product.

More information about washing a school backpack can be found here.

Suede

The suede backpack is washed only by hand. Contact with water should be minimal. If possible, the product is dry cleaned using a special brush.

Washing rules:

prepare a soap solution, it should be cool;
Apply the cleaning agent to the backpack using a sponge;
leave for 5 minutes;
remove with a clean damp cloth;
dry the product in natural conditions.

Do not scrub a suede backpack with a hard-bristled brush or treat it with aggressive detergents. Caring for it should be as gentle as possible.

The orthopedic backrest is removed from the backpack before washing. If it is not removable, then you should not load such a product into the washing machine.

You need to pay attention to the material from which the rigid frame is made:

The metal back is removed or machine washable.
The plastic inserts can be left on, but the product must be washed in a bag using a counterweight. To do this, load a terry towel or sheet into the drum.
Foam orthopedic backrests tolerate both hand and machine washing.
Cardboard backs do not tolerate contact with water, so such backpacks are subjected to either dry or surface wet cleaning.

Pinpoint stains are removed using specialized means, for example, ammonia or hydrogen peroxide.

Label

This label is printed on craft paper and feels indistinguishable from the paper sheets sold at craft stores.

The original label consists of three separate paper tags that differentiate the size and content. On one of the labels the information is presented in Vietnamese, on the other, decorated with a crown, in English.

The middle tag is larger than the others, the content depends on the store, some cover this tag with price tags. But there is a sticker with a barcode and information about the product printed in small print; peeling off the price tag a little, you can make sure there is text underneath it.

How to remove stubborn stains?

Backpacks often develop stubborn stains that require special treatment. These include spilled ballpoint pen ink, chewing gum, and more.

Children stain their briefcases with watercolors. Dealing with such contaminants is not difficult if you use the right product.

From ink

You can remove ink stains using alcohol:

soak a cotton pad in vodka and apply it to the problem area;
leave the product to act for 5 minutes;
blot the stain with a new disc, moving from the edge to the center;
Continue erasing the ink until it disappears completely.

After removing the dirt, rinse the fabric under running water.

From paint

You can remove paint stains using ammonia. Use it in diluted form:

Take a tablespoon of alcohol for a 250 ml glass of water.
Soak a cotton pad in the solution and treat the stain with it. Leave the product for 2-3 hours, periodically changing the compress.
After the specified time, wipe the stain with a clean disk, and wash the treated area using a soap solution.

Only old stains need to be soaked for a long time. Fresh paint can be removed in 5-10 minutes.

Fat

Grease stains can be removed dry:

Starch, talc or baby powder. Sprinkle the powder on the dirt, press it, leave it for 2-3 hours, then remove it with a brush or vacuum cleaner.
Salt and soda. They are applied to the stain, rubbed in with fingertips, left for 2 hours, after which they are removed with a paper napkin.
Mustard powder. It can be diluted to a paste, which is applied to the stain and left until completely dry. Then the mustard is peeled off and the fabric is wiped with a damp cloth.

If you can’t get rid of a greasy stain with powders, you can apply dishwashing detergent to it and wash it in warm water.

Gum

You can remove gum by freezing it. Instructions for use:

place the backpack in a plastic bag so that it does not absorb the smell of the refrigerator;
put it in the freezer for 4 hours;
remove the product from the freezer, scrape off the gum using a hard object, such as a file or the blunt side of a knife.

Do not try to soak the gum with alcohol or other detergents. They will only make the situation worse.

To remove stains of various origins from leather backpacks, both chemical preparations and improvised means are suitable.

Here are the most common stain reduction options:

Vaseline, glycerin, castor oil;
makeup remover or toner without alcohol;
laundry soap: rub the shavings and dilute them in warm water;
ammonia added to the soap solution;
cosmetic facial milk or hand cream (against oily spots);
hydrogen peroxide (from greasy gloss and fingerprints);
white stationery eraser;
whitening toothpaste without dyes;
melamine sponge;
talcum powder or baby powder (rub in and leave for half an hour, then wash off with soapy water).

Newly appeared stains on a leather backpack can be easily removed with antibacterial wet wipes.

To consolidate the result obtained, it is recommended to complete the cleaning procedure by applying glycerin. It creates an invisible protective film, so the accessory will not become so dirty.

What to do with stains

Fresh stains from any fabric can be removed immediately with a damp sanitary napkin. Then you should wipe the affected area with a damp cloth. However, it is not always possible to do this right away. Therefore, the cleaning method depends on what the item is stained with:

a stain of grease on a school backpack or briefcase is common; it is recommended to sprinkle it with salt, baby powder or starch and press down lightly, and after an hour, brush off the grains and wash the entire thing or wash the affected area if it is not possible to wash the whole thing;

An anti-grease gel designed for cleaning stoves and ovens will also help remove grease; ink and paste from ballpoint pens can be removed with alcohol, but you can only rub products made of leather or faux leather, having first made sure that the alcohol will not damage the material; in other cases, apply a cotton wool soaked in alcohol to the stain, then carefully remove it, running along it from the edges to the center , repeat the procedure several times; many stains can be removed by laundry soap; you need to soap the affected area and leave for a couple of hours, and then rinse with warm water; Chewing gum is afraid of frost; you can easily remove it by putting your backpack in the freezer of the refrigerator for several hours, and then simply remove the gum.

How to get rid of the smell?

The easiest way to get rid of the smell is to wash your backpack. If the product cannot be wetted, then resort to the following method:

Pour soda into fabric bags and secure them so that the powder does not spill out. Activated carbon tablets or salt can be used in the same way.
Place them in a backpack and leave them for 4-5 days.
During this time, the soda will absorb all foreign odors.

We suggest you read: Can roller blinds be washed? —

You can use shoe deodorant by applying it to the inner walls of the product. Dividic neutralizes odors well. It is sold in departments with household chemicals. The price of the bottle is about 150 rubles.

Choosing a detergent

If you wash your backpack with an aggressive product containing chlorine, alkalis or acids, the texture of the fabric will most likely be damaged. In order not to go to Sportmaster to buy a new bag, you need to wash such products with specialized chemicals for delicate fabrics, for example:

Weasel;
Washing TONE;
Domal;
Burti;
Luxus.

Important! To clean backpacks, you should not use ordinary washing powders; they are very difficult to rinse.

Handwash

Since washing a leather backpack in the usual way is strictly contraindicated, the only option is wet or dry cleaning.

How often and how it needs to be done depends on the color and texture of the product:

light ones - need more frequent cleansing than dark ones;
leather with the effect of aging – are more resistant to pollution;
embossed leather - washing with warm water and cleaning with a hard brush is contraindicated;
products with lacquered and suede inserts are especially sensitive to negative external factors and require a careful approach.

To care for a leather backpack, you need to get a special kit:

soft bristle brush;
wet and dry wipes;
mild detergents intended for leather products;
sponges;
various impregnations and paints for leather.

Having chosen a particular leather cleaner, you should first conduct a compatibility test: a small amount is applied to the material of the backpack. If it does not lose its original qualities, you can proceed further.

First of all, take out the contents and turn the lining inside out, clean it with a sponge soaked in soapy water. Upon completion of the procedure, wipe the inside of the backpack with a solution of ammonia, liquid soap and water (1:1:5).

If this does not help eliminate the contaminants on the material and an unpleasant odor remains, try another method:

Mix soda with water and treat problem areas with the resulting slurry.
After 15-20 minutes, the mixture is washed off with warm water.

Fresh stains can be easily wiped off with alcohol or vodka. And small debris accumulated inside is removed using a vacuum cleaner.

On the outside, they wipe the creases, seams and handles with ammonia, and then go over the rest of the area. After 5-10 minutes, wipe with a solution prepared on the basis of liquid soap (dishwashing detergent).

Leather products are extremely susceptible to excess moisture. Therefore, all manipulations are carried out quickly so that water is not absorbed into the material.

If it was not possible to avoid getting very wet, then fill the backpack with crumpled newspapers (they absorb moisture well).

Cleaning backpacks depending on the color and type of material:

Black or dark shades. Use natural ground coffee. Make a paste: 1 tsp. and some water. Apply the mixture to the surface in a circular motion and immediately upon completion wash off with a wet cloth. An alternative to coffee is glycerin.
Light or white.
Cow's milk shows good results. It cleanses and softens the skin. It is preheated slightly and with the help of a cotton swab they begin to treat the surface of the product. You can mix beaten egg whites with milk. Lemon juice or laundry soap dissolved in warm water can easily cope with minor stains and gray deposits.
Colored. To prevent the design from fading, use soft sponges or cloth napkins when cleaning. Soapy water is suitable as a cleaning agent. And greasy deposits are effectively washed off with dishwashing detergent. It is recommended to clean the red backpack with talcum powder.
Made from patent and smooth leather. Patented and smooth leather is wiped with a damp cloth and rubbed with a velvety cloth. Another option is to use onions, cut in half, for peeling. For protection, the leather is coated with special products sold in shoe departments.

It is unacceptable to clean varnish products with alcohol-containing compounds. They lose their shine. Skin creams that promote the formation of streaks are not suitable.

Important Tips

In order not to spoil its appearance when caring for your backpack, you must follow the following recommendations:

Before using the product for the first time, it must be rinsed in warm water or soaked for 30-60 minutes.
This is done in order to wash off excess paint. Otherwise, there is a risk of getting your clothes dirty in the places where they come into contact with the backpack. In addition, this procedure will give the vinylon fabric truly bright colors.
The darker the color of the backpack, the more careful it should be treated when washing.
Items must be washed when they become dirty. There are no recommendations in this regard.
Do not try to smooth out creases and folds on the surface of the product. Some of them will come apart on their own during wear. Such stripes are a “sign of quality”. They indicate that the backpack is original and is indeed made of vinylon material.
Sometimes after washing or during use, an unpleasant odor begins to emanate from the backpack. You can get rid of it without soaking. It is enough to put 3 small fabric bags with soda inside the product. They are worn for 3-4 days. During this time the smell should evaporate.

If stains and stripes appear on the product after washing, you can try to paint over them with a marker or felt-tip pen. Do this with dark fabrics.

Features of cleaning leatherette

Dry cleaning will help tidy up a backpack that cannot be washed in water. The following products fall into this category:

made of natural or artificial leather;
vinyl;
containing special impregnations;
having non-removable elements that are prohibited from getting wet.

For bags that cannot be immersed in water, cleaning can be done with a soft brush and a mild soap solution. If the material is leather, then it may be enough to refresh the surface with a damp cloth.

A good assistant in cleaning a backpack made of suede, leather or textiles are cleaning foams, which can be purchased in specialized departments of household chemicals.

Among them worthy of attention:

Silver;
Liqui Moly;
Saphir;
Salton;
Twist and others.

The main requirement is to avoid excessive moisture in the material.

Backpacks made of leatherette and eco-leather are also not advisable to machine wash. It is better to clean manually. Local contaminants are preliminarily removed. A mixture of vodka and ammonia will help with this.

Next, wash the outside of the backpack with soapy water. After this, wipe the product with a damp cloth, then with a dry one.

When there are no clear contraindications on the label regarding machine washing, the procedure is carried out under the appropriate modes:

“Delicate wash” (30 ᵒC);
“Manual mode” (no more than 40 ᵒC);
“Fast mode” (30 ᵒС);
“For colored linen” (30 ᵒC).

For spinning, set the minimum number of revolutions.

Tips for hand washing:

first remove straps and other decor from the backpack (if possible);
remove heavy dirt;
pour water into a basin at a temperature of up to 40 ᵒC;
add a liquid detergent that does not contain chlorine, but has a bleaching effect;
For cleaning use a soft brush or a piece of cloth;
at the end of the procedure, wash the product with clean water;
the backpack is wrung out without making much effort so that it does not become deformed;
allow to dry naturally.

When washing a backpack made of artificial leather, you should not use loose powders with chlorine; it is better to use gels or special products for washing leather. Otherwise, cracking and deformation of the material is possible.

Suede satchel

Backpacks made of suede require a careful approach, so hand and machine washing is contraindicated for them. Such products can be cleaned using the dry method, then they will retain their original appearance longer.

Proceed as follows:

Using a flannel cloth, remove surface dust and other contaminants from the product.
Set the water to boil and hold the backpack over the steam that appears for about 10 minutes. This technique allows the pile to straighten out and get rid of the remaining dirt.
Wipe the suede with a flannel.

Proper drying

Regardless of the chosen method of cleaning the backpack, drying should be carried out in a well-ventilated area. The product is straightened and laid out on a flat surface or hung.

Do not place it next to a battery or in the sun, which is guaranteed to lead to deformation of the shape. Backpacks made of artificial leather and eco-leather cannot be dried in a washing machine or with a hair dryer.

You need to dry your backpack correctly. General recommendations to follow:

Do not wring items made from delicate fabrics or with a rigid frame. If the bag is completely fabric, then wrap it in a terry towel and gently press it so that it absorbs excess water.
Do not expose the fabric to direct sunlight.
The product should not be hung on heating devices or near heat sources.
Depending on weather conditions, the backpack is dried either in a heated room with a normal level of humidity, or on the balcony.
The product should not be hung, as unsightly creases may appear on it. It is better to place the backpack on a flat surface, having first spread a terry towel or other fabric on it.

We suggest you read: Can jacquard fabric be washed in a washing machine?

To make the product dry faster, you can blow it with a hairdryer. However, the air stream must be cool; the device should not be switched to hot mode. Another option is to use a fan that is directed at the damp cloth.

The accessory should not be put away for storage immediately after drying. It is kept in the open air for several days. If you wrap the product in plastic or put it in a closet, unevaporated moisture can rot, leading to mold and an unpleasant odor.

After washing by any method, the briefcase needs to be dried. The best choice is to do it in natural conditions.

Procedure:

After washing, turn the bag over so that the remaining water pours out from the inside;
Use a moisture-absorbing cloth to blot the outside and inside;
turn the product upside down and use clothespins or straps to secure the bag in this position on the rope.

During the drying process, the pockets should remain open to allow faster drying.

If you need to dry the bag faster, you can fill it with crumpled paper that absorbs moisture. You need to do the same with pockets. As the paper gets wet, it is recommended to replace it with a new one.

The drying process must be carried out thoroughly. A poorly dried item can not only acquire an unpleasant odor, but also become a source of mold.

What should you not pay attention to?

Fjallraven Kanken products are packaged in individual plastic bags, securely sealed. Of course, when purchasing an item, it is not always possible to inspect it. Some sellers will quickly refuse a purchase than allow the integrity of the package to be compromised.

But it is still impossible to determine whether it is an original or a copy based on the presence of individual packaging. This is due to the fact that EU countries have abandoned the use of plastic bags, disposable plastic tableware and similar items. Of course, the withdrawal from circulation is gradual and will take years.

Another packaging option for Fjallraven Kanken products is in development, and what it will be is unknown. For now, the bags are shipped to consumers without packaging. But in the store there may be a product that was sewn before the approval of the refusal of polyethylene and plastic as disposable materials. This bag will be packed accordingly.

Video: Fjällräven Kånken - how to distinguish an original from a fake?

Adviсe

Since leather is a very sensitive material to various types of influence, when cleaning it is important to know what is prohibited:

use hard brushes;
wash in plenty of water;
frequently use aggressive substances: solvents, acetone, turpentine, gasoline (only possible in exceptional cases);
Dry on or near heating appliances.

As for the cleaning process itself, there are certain nuances here:

start with the lining;
before removing stains, wipe the backpack with soapy water or ammonia;
without delay, remove excess moisture with a dry cloth;
carefully select a cleanser taking into account the type and color of the skin;
Finally, the product is covered with a water-repellent cream of the same color or colorless.

If cracks, creases and other minor defects appear on the skin, mask them with a special cream of a similar color. To ensure that a white leather backpack remains pristine for as long as possible, the accessory is treated with hydrophobic impregnation immediately after purchase. This will prevent it from becoming dirty.

Lining

The original lining has one difference from the vast majority of fakes. It contains a special liner made of vinyl. As a rule, it is not counterfeited, since the presence of this liner increases the cost of the bag.

Insert - in a compartment intended for a laptop or other things that require separate placement. You can take it out, sit on it on the steps and put it back. Of course, the insert also provides protection for the laptop and acts as a frame.

Preparing for washing

Preparing to process a child's backpack begins with completely emptying it of its contents. After this, you need to shake it out, turning it upside down with the locks open.

If possible, clean the inside with a vacuum cleaner. It would be a good idea to inspect your backpack for damage.

If they exist, they must be eliminated in advance:

fix zippers;
trim hanging threads;
sew up torn areas.

For dusty backpacks, the top layer of dirt can be removed by walking along the outside with a damp sponge.

Pronounced stains from food, grass, ink, etc. deserve special attention. They must be processed before the main wash cycle. This can be done with a stain remover that does not contain chlorine.

The product is applied with a brush with soft bristles and rubbed gently. If the stains are small, an old toothbrush will help to rub them out.

All removable elements, including keychains, must be removed before washing. They are cleaned separately.

If the backpack is then sent into the drum of the washing machine, the zippers of the compartments should be fastened. For hand washing, on the contrary, it is advisable to unfasten them.

Fjallraven Kanken

The popular Fjallraven Kanken backpacks today do not need advertising - the Fjallraven company has become famous all over the world solely thanks to them. Now the Kanken briefcase is the most recognizable model on the streets all over the world, and it recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. The design of the backpack is very original and laconic, thanks to which the model has a large number of fans.

The history of the Kanken backpack began in the 1970s, when Fjallraven founder Åke Nordin decided to create a backpack that was convenient and affordable for students. In those days, schoolchildren wore a lot of things to class, which had a detrimental effect on the health of their backs. The Kanken backpack evenly distributed the load, which reduced the risk of spinal curvature.

When designing the backpack that became the Kanken model, Nordin took into account such parameters as the dimensions of the largest A4-sized notebooks. And in order to take into account the wishes of the students themselves, he turned to the Association of Guides and Scouts for advice. At the beginning of 1978, the first batch of 200 Kanken backpacks saw the world and was sold out almost instantly. The company hastily produced another 200 pieces.

The very next year, the Fjallraven company experienced incredible success - the backpack model was sold in the amount of 30 thousand pieces, and every year the figure increased in phenomenal progression. By 2008, about 2 million different models of the Kanken backpack were sold all over the world, and at least 200 thousand pieces are produced annually.

The secret of the success of the Kanken backpack is that it appealed not only to schoolchildren, but also to many adults. To this day, it is widely used in sports and for city walks - it looks very stylish, moreover, it can easily accommodate all the things a modern city dweller needs - documents, thermos, lunchbox, everyday purchases. A big bonus is that the Kanken backpack is lightweight and looks very simple.

How does the material affect the process?

School bags can be made from various materials and have a complex design. For example, a compacted back, a large number of small parts. Most models are made from several types of materials, the features of which must be taken into account when choosing a washing method:

Leather, suede, vinyl.
School backpacks made of vinyl, artificial or natural leather, as well as suede ones are prohibited from being washed. Their cleaning should be as gentle as possible - without significant moisture and intense exposure.
Denim. This type of bag should be washed separately from other items, as denim fades easily. The spin cycle in the washing machine should be set to minimum.
Synthetics. Synthetic material is used very often for school bags and backpacks. In most cases, such fabric tolerates washing well.

How to wash a school backpack

School bags get dirty more often than others due to carrying writing instruments and food, regular exposure to the floor, ground or asphalt, and numerous mechanical impacts. Taking good care of such things will help maintain their appearance and maintain useful characteristics. To prevent stains from becoming embedded in the fabric, the item must be cleaned immediately after contamination appears. School bags should be washed and dried according to the same rules as others.

Particular attention should be paid to washing models with a hard back, which helps to develop correct posture. If the frame is removed, this must be done before washing.

If it is impossible to remove the orthopedic base, everything must be done to have minimal impact on it during the procedure, otherwise this important part of the product may lose its healing properties. Under no circumstances should such a backpack be twisted or squeezed too much.

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Features of processing frame backpacks with an orthopedic back

Many backpack models, especially those designed for younger schoolchildren, have special seals on the back. These may include plastic and metal plates. The complex design is designed to ensure that the backpack maintains its shape.

If all these elements are removable, then they are removed before washing in the machine. Otherwise, the backpack cannot be placed in the drum.

Frame seals require careful handling. For them, spinning and twisting should be excluded.