Girl with polka-dotted backpack smiles while holding hands with her father.

Cleaning Backpacks & Handheld Bags with OxiClean™

Your kids bring them to school. You may use them when commuting to work. Regardless, learn how to use OxiClean™ products to wash backpacks, tote bags and more.

How to Wash Backpacks & Tote Bags

Treat Spotty Stains on Washable Backpacks & Tote Bags

Clean Backpacks & Tote Bags in the Washing Machine

Hand Wash Backpacks, Tote Bags & Purses

Backpacks and handbags are every bit as prone to small stains as other laundry items. Children bring these items to school every day and, well, it’s more than likely those backpacks get a bit dirty over time. After all, kids will be kids! But you might be curious about cleaning your own backpacks and handbags, as well. Perhaps some mustard dripped onto the straps while you were putting your lunch together before work, or you accidentally smeared a little face blush on the exterior. Maybe you used your canvas bags to transport items for a summer picnic and now need help getting rid of grass stains.

Whenever small stains arise, OxiClean™ Laundry + Home Stain Remover Spray is the multi-faceted spot cleaner you need to help remove them from washable backpacks, tote bags and more.

1. Check

Verify your backpack, tote bag or handbag is water washable. Do not use OxiClean™ Laundry + Home Stain Remover Spray on wool, wool blends, silk, silk blends, leather or any items labeled dry clean only.

2. Spray

Spray Laundry + Home Stain Remover Spray directly onto spot or stain until saturated.

3. Rub

Rub into the fabric and let stand for up to 10 minutes.

4. Rinse

Rinse off your backpack or tote bag using cool water. Let air dry and attempt to keep out of direct sunlight.

Are there small droplets of sweat staining the drawstring bag you bring to the gym? Or you find some dirt stains and smudges on your kiddo’s backpack after some fun at the playground during recess on a school day? OxiClean™ Laundry + Home Stain Remover Spray can treat those stains on washable backpacks, tote bags and canvas carriers to help them look spotless and clean again.

Ever wondered if you can put backpacks or tote bags in the washing machine? Most generic polyester school backpacks, as well as canvas carriers and other small tote bags, can go in the wash! If you’d like to give your washable backpacks or handbags a nice refresh, try using OxiClean™ Odor Blasters™ Versatile Odor & Stain Remover Powder or OxiClean™ Odor Blasters™ Versatile Odor & Stain Remover Liquid Laundry Booster!

1. Check

Check the fabric care label to ensure your backpack, tote bag or handbag is water washable. Once you confirm, remove all the contents from every pocket of the backpack or handbag. Leave the pockets unzipped and shake your bags out to help remove any excess dirt or debris.

2. Add

Fill a full scoop of Odor Blasters™ Versatile Odor & Stain Remover Powder or one capful of Odor Blasters™ Odor & Stain Remover Liquid Laundry Booster per gallon of water. Mix until fully dissolved*.

3. Soak

Fully submerge backpack or tote bag in the solution for 3-6 hours, depending on the severity of the stains and odors.

4. Wash

Place the backpack or tote bag in a pillowcase or laundry bag to prevent zippers or strings from becoming tangled or caught. Wash on a gentle cycle with your normal detergent. Add a single scoop of OxiClean™ Odor Blasters™ Versatile Odor & Stain Remover Powder to the empty washing machine drum before adding the backpack for a stain-fighting boost!

5. Air Dry

Use a clean white towel to blot out any excess moisture after completion of the wash cycle. Hang backpacks or handbags out to dry. Do NOT put them in the dryer.

*When creating a solution, mix until completely dissolved. Use warmest water possible. Do not heat or boil. Do not mix or store solution in a sealed container.

Do not use OxiClean™ Odor Blasters™ Versatile Odor & Stain Remover on wool, wool blends, silk, silk blends, leather or any items labeled dry clean only.

Parents with young kids might think about how their children carry their backpacks around nearly all day for about 75 percent of the year, and in all sorts of weather conditions. That kind of usage and, ultimately, wear and tear can include stains and odors. OxiClean™ Odor Blasters™ can help to remove set-in stains and lingering musty odors after a long school year!