Sports bags can be washed in a washing machine at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees in delicate cycles. For cleaning, covers, liquid detergents, gels, capsules are used: BiMax Color, Tide, Persil, Laska. Bags made of genuine leather, leatherette, suede, refrigerator bags require manual or dry cleaning. Drying the accessory is carried out on the balcony or in a well-ventilated area. The product cannot be ironed. Difficult stains can be removed using soda, glycerin, ammonia, and ready-made industrial stain removers.
The question of how to wash a sports bag in a washing machine is acute when it is necessary to clean the product from dirt, talc, dust, and traces of cosmetics that arise during its daily use. The choice of mode, temperature, household chemicals depends on the composition of the fabric from which the bag is made.
Which bags are machine washable?
Products made of dense, durable materials can be subjected to automatic processing:
- nylon;
- membrane tissue;
- cotton;
- denim (jean fabric);
- tarpaulin;
- polyester.
Not all items can be washed in the machine
Models made of leather, leatherette, suede, tapestry, cordura, as well as those with a rigid frame, are cleaned only by hand.
At the production stage, each product is supplied with a label indicating the composition and a list of cleaning recommendations. Before cleaning, you should carefully study the information provided so that the bag does not become deformed.
Preparing to wash sports bags
The preparatory stage includes a set of actions:
Empty your bag, no matter the type of cleaning
- Freeing up interior space and pockets.
- Carefully shake out small debris and dust.
- We remove decorative elements if present (keychains, badges).
- Unfasten the structural elements (carabiners, straps, belts).
- We sew up loose seams, strengthen zippers and buttons.
- We wash and remove stains.
- Turn it inside out, remove the cardboard inserts and frame elements (if any).
To prevent structural and decorative elements from damaging the drum of the washing machine, it is better to place the bag in a special mesh cover.
Choosing a detergent and stain remover for washing bags
To clean a sports bag in the washing machine, it is advisable to use liquid, gel or capsule products. Do not use bleaches or chlorine-containing powders on colored fabrics; they can leave light specks and stains. We return the color to dark material with gel for black things.
Table 1. Detergents for washing sports bags
| Name | Photo | Volume | price, rub. |
| BiMax Color, BiMax Black Fashion | 1.5 l | 400–450 | |
| Tide Color | 2.5 l | 430 | |
| Persil | 1.45 l | 520 | |
| Ariel | 1 l | 220 | |
| Frosch | 1.5 l | 580 | |
| Weasel for sportswear | 1 l | 350 | |
| Nordland for membrane clothing | 750 ml | 300 | |
| Ariel capsules | 13 pcs. | 195 | |
| Tide | 12 pcs. | 167 |
To remove difficult stains, we use industrial stain removers for colored items: Vanish, Dr. Beckmann, Clean Home, BioMio.
Faux suede bags
High-quality artificial suede, unlike natural suede, tolerates contact with water well. As a rule, the pile of such products is covered with a protective Teflon coating, which protects it from moisture. Therefore, it is also possible to wash a suede bag in case of heavy contamination. It is best to do this manually, using powder, or better yet, gel for washing wool items.
Before you wash your bag, you need to remove stains and stains from it. To do this, dilute one tablespoon of liquid soap and half a teaspoon of ammonia in one glass of water. Stir the resulting solution until foam forms. Then apply the resulting foam with a dry sponge to stains and stains, blot off excess liquid with a dry cloth and leave until completely dry.
Machine washable sports bags
For automatic cleaning, it is important to choose the right cycle, temperature mode, rinse and spin settings. Strong heating of water, high speeds, twisting will damage the product and accessories.
Cleaning algorithm:
- We are carrying out preparatory activities.
- We pack the bag in a case.
- Place it evenly inside the washing machine.
- Select a cycle.
- Add powder, gel, liquid; add stain remover if necessary.
- Immediately after the program is completed, we take it out, straighten it, and send it to dry.
Selecting a cycle
The cycle should be gentle. Programs such as “Hand Wash”, “Delicate”, “Gentle” are suitable. In order to refresh a not very dirty product, set the “Daily”, “Economy”, “Short” wash mode with a cycle of about 15-30 minutes and light heating of the water or without it. To better clean heavily damaged surfaces, you can use the additional functions of soaking, pre-washing, and stain removal.
Setting the temperature
Water heating should not be higher than 30–40 degrees. If you just need to refresh the product, you can wash it in cold water.
A heavily soiled cotton bag will withstand temperatures up to 60 degrees.
Adjusting rinsing and spinning
The additional rinse function will help eliminate gel residues as effectively as possible and avoid the appearance of white streaks. To get rid of odor and soften the material, add a concentrated conditioner-rinse aid.
For spinning, set no more than 400–600 revolutions, so as not to damage the product.
Drying the bag
We dry the product on the balcony or in the bathroom, away from hot heating appliances and sunlight. Do not use a hair dryer or iron - they will ruin the shape and lead to shrinkage or stretching.
When hanging the bag to dry, we turn out the pockets, unfasten the buttons, zippers, and Velcro. Wipe metal parts with a soft cloth to avoid rust. Straighten the straps and straps.
Important! The sports accessory should not be used within 2-3 days after washing; it must be allowed to dry thoroughly, otherwise mold and a musty smell may appear.
Ironing of the product is excluded.
How to dry?
You need to dry the bag thoroughly. If moisture remains inside, it may cause mold to form on the lining. It will be indicated by an unpleasant musty smell.
Getting rid of fungus is difficult. Most often the product has to be thrown away.
Basic drying rules:
- the lining should be turned outward;
- the pockets are left open during the drying process;
- the product is not placed in the sun;
- It is forbidden to dry the bag on heating devices.
The product should not be hung to prevent it from losing its shape. You need to lay the accessory on a flat surface, covering it with a cloth that will absorb excess moisture.
Hand washing bags
We clean fabric bags, as well as those with a rigid plastic frame, by hand.
Remove stains locally without washing
If it is possible to compactly place the accessory in the basin, we wash it according to the following algorithm:
- We collect warm water.
- Make a weak solution of vinegar and baking soda, soak for 1.5–2 hours; This will help eliminate odors, light stains, and soften the product.
- Pour out the mixture and add fresh water.
- Dissolve the detergent according to the directions on the label.
- We place the item in the basin and carefully go over all problem areas with a brush.
- Rinse, changing the water several times.
- Let the water drain; Do not squeeze, twist, or squeeze; You can lightly remove the moisture with your hands.
- Let's dry it.
We place frame items that are resistant to wet cleaning on the bathroom on a hanger or crossbar:
- Lightly moisturize.
- We make a concentrated solution of water and detergent; the foam should be stable.
- Apply the mixture with a brush or sponge, paying special attention to dirty areas.
- Leave for an hour to an hour and a half.
- Brush again.
- We wash it off using strong pressure from the shower head and wait for the water to drain.
- Hang out to dry.
Practical tips for caring for your bag
Avoiding heavy stains is easier than trying to wash. The following tips will help you stay clean and fresh:
- sneakers, sneakers, flip-flops are packed in separate plastic bags to avoid street dirt and moisture;
- gels, shampoos, deodorants of your choice with tightly screwed caps, packed in a plastic cosmetic bag;
- ventilate your bag immediately after returning home, do not leave sweaty, wet clothes, towels, or swimming trunks in it;
- you carry alcohol wipes;
- if they are dirty, wipe them immediately, do not let them dry and soak;
- You carry the scent sachet in your inside pocket to prevent odors from spreading.
These simple tips will help keep your favorite bag clean for years to come.
Cleaning bags without washing
It is not advisable to clean a leather bag in a washing machine or by hand, as well as cases for tablets, laptops, and sports equipment on a cardboard base.
An exclusively dry method is suitable for them:
- We make a solution from ordinary laundry soap with the addition of a few drops of ammonia.
- Using a cotton pad, sponge, or soft cloth, apply it to the leather surface.
- We carefully process the areas of seams, rivets, and locks.
- Rinse the rag and wipe again.
- Let it dry.
- Apply castor oil, glycerin or a special cream for leather products.
We clean leatherette bags the same way, but instead of cream we use a special silicone-impregnated sponge.
Varieties of models and materials
First of all, you can classify bags according to their purpose:
- everyday;
- evening;
- sports;
- road;
- heat resistant;
- for laptops;
- beach
These are the main directions of product varieties, based on their functionality. The cleaning or maintenance process is generally independent of use cases. The material of manufacture is much more important.
Textile
A fabric bag is equally appropriate on the beach, in the gym, or on a walk. The spring-summer collections of the most famous designers are rarely complete without such an accessory. Fabric models have a variety of prints and decorative elements.
The methods of care depend on their presence, as well as on the type of fabric. Some are machine washable, while others are hand wash only.
Genuine Leather
The design of a genuine leather product can be classic, trendy or vintage. There are many models and shapes, but the cleaning and care rules for them are similar. Leather models need regular delicate cleaning, then they will serve the owner for as long as possible.
Natural suede, velor, nubuck
Accessories made from these materials will easily fit into any look. This model always looks expensive and attracts attention. A suede bag can only be cleaned dry, otherwise it will form a kind of “bald patches”.
Polyester
Sports bags, travel bags, and laptop bags are mostly made of polyester. This allows them to be more durable and wear-resistant. The material is easy to clean, some models are machine washable.
Knitwear
Bags made from knitted yarn look voluminous and expressive. As a rule, they are roomy, which makes them comfortable for everyday wear. With proper care, such a thing will last for quite a long time without losing the brightness of color and shape.
Faux leather
Fabric bags
A high-quality leatherette accessory serves as an excellent alternative to a leather product. At the same time, it compares favorably with its price. Caring for artificial leather is no easier than caring for natural products. The model will not lose its appearance if properly cleaned in a timely manner.
All of the options listed are interesting in their own way. Depending on the time of year, image or situation, each of them will fit appropriately and harmoniously into the overall image. And with good care, the service life can be extended for several seasons.
Special cases
Sports accessories for carrying things are varied and require an individual approach.
Suede
Delicate material that requires manual processing.
Suede does not tolerate washing
For daily care, we use a rubberized roller, paint spray, and dry starch that absorbs dirt. Do not get suede wet, rub it too hard, or twist it - this will damage the bag.
Genuine Leather
When deciding whether a leather bag can be washed, you need to remember that the natural material after such treatment can wrinkle, become hard and unyielding. The best option is gentle dry care.
Polyester
Durable material that can withstand machine processing in cold water. Absorbs odors perfectly. Requires preliminary soaking and additional actions to eliminate them.
Denim
Automatic cleaning in warm water, a thorough rinse, and a light spin are suitable.
The denim bag is machine washable
It must be remembered that the material sheds and shrinks. To avoid this, we carefully monitor the temperature regime.
Tarpaulin
The most resistant material, not afraid of any manipulation, hot water, spin.
Cooler bag
We choose the cleaning method based on design features. Wash the container that has access to the power supply with a damp cloth, preventing water from getting inside. To dry clean the refrigerator bag, use a vacuum cleaner. Models that do not have an electrical connection can be cleaned in a machine on a delicate cycle without spinning.
Removing stains from a bag
Sports accessories are subject to a variety of contaminants, ranging from ordinary street dust to stains from medications, creams, and food. To remove complex stains, you will need strong stain removers without chlorine or proven traditional methods:
- Starch, crushed chalk, fine salt, and soda can absorb greasy traces. Pour the powder onto the dirty area, leave for 30–40 minutes, and shake off.
- A drop of cream can be degreased with dishwashing gel.
- We treat splashes from brilliant green or iodine with hydrogen peroxide, nail polish remover, and acetone.
- We decolorize blots from juice or fruit with a paste of baking soda, a solution of vodka, glycerin, ammonia, a mixture of dish gel, water and table salt. Cover the stain, leave for half an hour, three, and wash off.
- Toothpaste can handle almost any blemish. Rub it onto the problem area with a brush and wash it off after 15 minutes.
- Laundry soap will help restore cleanliness and deal with any dirt.
Manually
Hand washing allows you to clean the bag from dirt carefully and without harm to its rigid frame, if any.
This procedure is carried out as follows:
- Dilute a soap solution or other detergent in a basin.
- Remove all items from the bag and empty the trash.
- Soak the accessory in water and leave for 30-60 minutes.
- Rub the stains with a soft brush or soapy sponge.
- Drain the dirty water and rinse the product.
- Let the water drain and send the accessory to dry.
If you use hard soap for washing, you must first grate it. This way it will dissolve better in water. Soap can be replaced with shower gel or mild shampoo.
You cannot wring out the bag. Before putting it in the dryer, just shake the product over the bath to straighten out the wrinkles.
