How To Clean Mold Off Of Your Backpack

Written by Jarett Wegner in Gear Guides

Everyone has a favorite set of gear for their outdoor activities.

And when that gear undergoes normal wear and tear we try to preserve it for as long as possible.

But every once in a while you go on a trip and are just too tired to clean when you get back.

One thing that can accumulate mold when left unclean is a damp backpack.

If this happened to you, you’re in luck.

Here’s how to clean mold off of your backpack: to clean mold off of your backpack, you’ll want to first set it out in the sun to kill the mold, then spray it down with a vinegar, bleach, or lemon juice solution, and finally allow it to dry before storing.

If you’re looking for a more in-depth guide on how to clean your backpack, keep reading.

I’ll cover different backpack materials, how to get rid of stubborn mold, and more.

Can You Wash Mold Out Of A Backpack?

When it comes to dirty gear, one of the biggest questions I’ve seen get asked is: can you wash mold out of a backpack?

The answer is most of the time, yes.

Unfortunately, mold and mildew can have a damaging effect on fabric, compromising its integrity.

And sometimes if it is left for too long you’ll be left with a brittle backpack even after you’ve cleaned it off.

That’s why it’s important to make sure you clean your pack before storing it and try to clean it right away as soon as you see any signs of mold.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s take a look at how to actually clean mold off your pack.

How Do You Get Mold Out Of A Nylon Bag?

Most backpacks are made of nylon or polyester, and mold can be removed from both materials just the same.

Materials Needed

  • Soft-bristled brush
  • Water
  • Bathtub or large container
  • Rag
  • Laundry detergent
  • Color-safe bleach (or lemon juice and salt if preferred)

Instructions

  1. Flip the backpack inside out (if the mold is on the inside)
  2. Brush the mold stain using the brush. Be sure to do this outside to keep mold spores out of your home.
  3. Hang your backpack out in a sunny area for 24 hours to kill any remaining mold
  4. Soak your pack in cold water
  5. Fill up your bathtub or large container with warm water and add laundry detergent
  6. Scrub pack in the warm water solution
  7. Blot the remaining mold stains with color-safe bleach or lemon juice and salt solution
  8. Hang out to dry for another 24 hours

How Do You Get Mold Out Of A Fabric Bag?

While there are many similarities with cleaning backpack materials, there are a few key differences.

And just like with nylon packs, there are a few ways to get mold out of a canvas backpack.

Both of the methods below will help not only get mold out of your pack but also help neutralize the odor that accompanies it.

Method #1: Using White Vinegar

This first method is a lot fewer steps and is a great way to get mold out of your pack.

Materials Needed

  • A clean rag
  • White vinegar
  • Water

Instructions

  1. Remove everything from the backpack and flip it inside out
  2. Pour the white vinegar onto your rag to dampen it
  3. Scrub the moldy parts of your backpack until you don’t see any left
  4. Rinse your backpack out with water and hang it outside to dry in a sunny area for 24 hours

Method #2: Using Baking Soda

This method has a bit more steps but is also a very effective way to get stubborn mold out of your pack.

Materials Needed

  • Baking soda
  • Rag
  • Water

Instructions

  1. Remove everything from the backpack and flip it inside out
  2. Set the backpack in a sunny area for 24 hours
  3. Flip the backpack back to its original form
  4. Fill the bottom of your backpack with baking soda (roughly ½ cup)
  5. Zip the pack and leave it inside overnight
  6. The next day, use a damp washcloth to scrub the baking soda into the moldy areas until the mold is gone
  7. Dump out excess baking soda from your pack
  8. Either soak your bag with water or put it in the washer on a gentle cycle
  9. Air dry in a sunny area

The Best Way To Remove Mold Is To Prevent It

This may sound obvious, but making sure your backpack is clean and dry before storing it is the best way to keep mold away.

If your pack has gotten dirty or wet during your travels, be sure to wash it and leave it out to dry before storing it.

Flipping your backpack inside out while drying is a great way to make sure that there isn’t any moisture being trapped.

With all of this information, I hope you can keep your favorite backpack clean and usable for many years to come!

 

Recent Posts