Herschel backpacks are known for their simple, stylish look and clean colors. If your Herschel backpack gets dirty, you might wonder how to clean it without causing any damage. Avoid using a washing machine, as this can harm the bag. Instead, try spot cleaning small stains with mild soap and water. For a deeper clean, handwash the backpack gently and let it air dry. With just a little effort, your Herschel backpack will look fresh and new again!
Method 1: Treating Small Spots
Start by emptying your backpack, and taking out all items, whether they’re school supplies or personal belongings. This will prevent any cleaning solution from seeping through the fabric and getting onto your things. Plus, an empty bag makes it easier to flip and move around as needed while you clean. To keep everything organized and easy to find later, place your items in a separate bag or stack them neatly in a corner until your backpack is clean.
Removing Grimy Spots: Use a soft makeup brush to brush away patches of grime or crumbs gently. Lightly dab and sweep the brush over dirty spots to lift off the dirt without pressing too hard. Avoid using brushes with stiff bristles, as these can damage the fabric. If there’s a lot of dirt, it’s best to do this outside or over a trash can to keep the mess contained. No makeup brush? A paintbrush works well as an alternative!
Applying Mild Soap on Stains: Squeeze a small amount of gentle soap onto a light-colored sponge or cloth. Dab it onto the stain until the spot is well-covered with soap. For tougher stains, gently scrub the area. If you’re not planning to wash the entire bag, allow it to air dry for several hours until it’s fully dry.
Choose soaps labeled as “gentle” or “sensitive” to avoid any harsh chemicals, and skip strong laundry detergents, as they can be too rough. A light-colored sponge or cloth helps prevent any dye from transferring to your bag. A soft-bristled brush, like a toothbrush, also works well for this.
Letting the Soap Sit: If you plan to wash the whole backpack, place it in a clean, airy space and let the soap soak into the material for about 30 minutes. This helps lift the stains for easier cleaning later. After 30 minutes, you can hand wash the entire bag.
If you’re only spot cleaning, simply let the backpack air dry for several hours or until it’s completely dry. For spots cleaned inside the bag, leave it open while the soap soaks in to ensure it dries thoroughly.
Method 2: How to Clean a Herschel Backpack
Emptying the Bag Before Cleaning: Start by taking everything out of the backpack, including items in any outer or inner pockets. Check thoroughly to ensure nothing is left behind. Once emptied, set all your belongings aside for easy access later.
Since you’ll be soaking the bag, double-check that no electronics or delicate items remain inside before washing. This keeps them safe and dry while you clean your backpack.
Removing Dirt and Crumbs with a Vacuum: Grab a small, handheld vacuum to clean out any large crumbs or dust from the inside of your backpack. Use it on a low setting, paying special attention to the bottom seams where dirt tends to collect.
Don’t worry if you don’t get every single bit of dirt or dust—the vacuuming helps make the overall cleaning process more effective!
Soaking the Bag in Warm Water: Fill a basin or bin with warm water until it’s mostly full, ensuring there’s enough space to soak your backpack without overflowing. If you’re using a large tub, aim for about 6 inches (15 cm) of water.
Be careful not to use hot or boiling water, as this can affect the color of your bag.
Washing the Backpack Gently with Mild Soap: Take a soft cloth or a gentle brush and apply a small amount of mild soap (about the size of a coin) to both the outside and inside of your backpack. If spot cleaning didn’t fully remove tough stains or dirt, use a toothbrush to carefully scrub those areas. If you prefer wiping down the bag instead of scrubbing, a sponge works well for this purpose.
For cleaning the inside of the backpack, turning it inside out can make the process easier and more effective.
Rinsing the Bag with Cool Water: First, pour out the dirty water from the basin and refill it with clean, cool water. Instead of rinsing the bag under a faucet, fully submerge the backpack in the basin to ensure it gets soaked thoroughly. Once the entire bag is wet, carefully lift it out of the water.
To remove excess water, gently wring the bag over the basin. After rinsing, be sure to empty the basin again.
Blotting the Backpack with a Towel and Air-Drying: After rinsing, wrap the backpack in a soft towel to absorb any remaining water. If possible, place the bag outside or in a well-ventilated area to help it dry. Allow it to air dry for a day or two, checking occasionally to see if it’s still damp.
Make sure all pockets and zippers are open while the bag is drying. It’s best to avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause the color to fade.
Understanding Herschel Backpack Material
Herschel backpacks come in a variety of materials, such as nylon, polyester, and canvas. Each material has specific care instructions:
- Polyester and Nylon: Light and durable, these materials are relatively easy to clean.
- Canvas: Canvas requires more gentle cleaning, as rough scrubbing can cause wear.
It’s important to identify the material before starting the cleaning process to avoid damaging the backpack.
Things You’ll Need
For Treating Small Spots
- Makeup brush
- Mild soap
- Sponge
- Cloth (optional)
For Handwashing the Bag
- Handheld vacuum
- Large basin
- Water
- Mild soap
- Rag
- Sponge (optional)
- Toothbrush (optional)
- Towel
FAQs
Can You Wash Herschel Backpacks in the Washer?
Herschel has clearly advised its customers not to wash their bags in a washing machine. Instead, they recommend using liquid soap to clean any affected areas.
Why You Should Avoid Machine Washing Your Herschel Backpack
Washing your Herschel backpack in the machine can lead to damage. It could ruin both the functionality and appearance of the bag, and you definitely don’t want to be seen carrying a backpack that looks bad.
Herschel backpacks are known for their unique designs and high-quality construction. They are durable and designed to maintain their stylish look for many years.
Remember, it’s best not to machine wash your bag or clean it too frequently, as this can lead to wear and tear. Spot-clean your backpack every three months. If it’s particularly dirty, you can hand wash it instead.
Why You Should Clean and Maintain Your Herschel Bag
Herschel creates some of the best backpacks available today. To keep your bag in great condition, it’s important to take proper care of it.
Regular maintenance will help your bag last for years, allowing you to build a collection of your favorite backpacks without needing to spend money on replacements each year. With the right care, you can have different backpacks for various outfits and occasions.
How to Get the Smell Out of a Herschel Backpack
To eliminate odors from your Herschel backpack, you can try the following methods:
- Scented Dryer Sheet: Place a scented dryer sheet or a fabric freshener sheet inside the backpack for a few hours. This can help freshen up the interior.
- Baking Soda: If the odor persists, sprinkle some baking soda inside the backpack. Zip it shut and leave it for a few days. The baking soda will absorb the smell. Afterward, be sure to dump out or vacuum the baking soda before using the backpack again.
These simple steps can help keep your backpack smelling fresh!