What supplies do I need to remove perspiration stains from my backpack?

You’ll need a few supplies to properly clean and remove perspiration stains, including mild detergent, water, a soft-bristled brush, white vinegar, dishwashing liquid, and baking soda.

How do I clean my backpack?

To completely clean your backpack, start by filling a basin or bucket with warm water and some detergent and submerge your backpack in it for an hour. Then, scrub it down with the brush before rinsing it off with cold water.

How do I get rid of perspiration stains?

Mix up an enzyme solution of 1 part vinegar, 4 parts water, and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Apply the solution to the stained area with a sponge, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub gently before rinsing off with cold water. Repeat if needed.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Perspiration > Backpacks

Make Your Backpack Look and Smell Fresh Again: Get Rid of Those Pesky Perspiration Stains

Q: How can I make my backpack smell fresh again?

Sprinkle some baking soda over the fabric and let it sit overnight. This will help absorb any lingering odors and leave your bag smelling fresh.

Has your backpack seen better days? Over time, perspiration stains can start to build up around the straps and other parts of your bag. Not only does it look bad, but it can also make your bag smell less than pleasant. Fortunately, with a few simple steps, you can get those stains out in no time and have your backpack looking and smelling good again.

Updated 27 Jun 2023

By Peter Blackwood

Step 1: In-Depth Cleaning

Before you begin tackling the stains, you want to give your bag a thorough cleaning. This way, you’ll be sure to get out any dirt or grime that might make the stain worse. To do this, you’ll need a few supplies. Gather some mild detergent, water, and a soft-bristled brush. Start by filling a basin or bucket with warm water and a few squirts of the detergent and mix it together. Then, submerge your backpack in the tub and let it soak for about an hour.

Once the hour is up, take the backpack out of the water and scrub it down with the brush, paying special attention to any areas with visible stains. Don’t be too rough though — use gentle strokes and focus on getting up the dirt and grime. Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse the backpack off with cold water and hang it up to dry.

Step 2: Treat the Stains

Now that your backpack is nice and clean, it’s time to tackle those pesky perspiration stains. The best way to do this is to mix up an enzyme solution. Enzymes are proteins that break down the leftover sweat, dirt, and oils in the fabric. To make this mixture, combine 1 part white vinegar with 4 parts cold water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Stir it up and then apply it to the stained area with a sponge.

Let the solution sit on the stains for about 10 minutes, then take the sponge and scrub gently. Rinse off the solution with cold water and then repeat the process if necessary. You’ll know the stains have been removed when the fabric returns to its original color.

Step 3: Freshen It Up

Once the stains have been removed, it’s time to give your backpack a little extra boost. To do this, you can sprinkle some baking soda over the fabric and let it sit overnight. This will help absorb any lingering odors and leave your bag smelling fresh. Then, in the morning, simply use the brush to brush off the baking soda.

Conclusion

Getting rid of perspiration stains doesn’t have to be difficult. With a few simple steps and the right supplies, you can have your backpack looking and smelling good as new in no time. Just remember to be gentle — excessive scrubbing can cause damage to your bag’s fabric.

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