Can you wash North Face backpack and how to do that?

North Face backpack is becoming more and more popular, not only because of the Brand’s success but also simply because of its unique design and ease of usage. However, despite the multitasking of this bag, many users have the question of proper care for it, in particular, an accurate washing procedure that will not damage your backpack.

In this article, we will figure out how to properly wash a North Face bag, moreover, we will analyze different washing methods that are suitable for different types of pollution. Also, in this article, you can find practical tips that will help you not to ruin your favorite bag.

North Face backpack

The North Face is a company that originates from America and produces special clothing for outdoor activities. This company created its brand by first using climbers as potential customers.

You most likely could notice this brand on new down jackets, which are now especially popular.  

This brand was able to combine aesthetic appeal and also good thermal protection.

North Face backpacks are most often made from textiles and have a huge capacity. These backpacks are great for casual hikes but are also a favorite for those who enjoy mountain climbing, especially during the colder months.

Is the North Face backpack water-resistant?

One of the top questions from users who want to try to clean a North Face backpack is whether is it waterproof. And it is impossible to give an unambiguous answer to this. To begin with, the backpack has a waterproof top layer or DRW coating that protects it from water, but the backpack itself is not waterproof without top protection.

Of course, this protection is designed so that you are not afraid to take the bag even in rainy weather, but at the same time, if raindrops on a leaky backpack zipper, then you can notice the presence of excess water inside your bag, so you need to take this into account.

Will washing a backpack ruin it?

Here, the answer also depends on the situation and how exactly you want to wash your North Face backpack. So, just because the top layer can be considered waterproof, it doesn’t mean that with the wrong technique, your backpack will be able to withstand anything.  

You must understand what material the backpack is made of and how this material can react to certain substances.

It is possible that you will not damage the fabric of the backpack itself, however, other additional parts, such as a zipper, may suffer from the full soaking method of washing or submerging.

Can you put a backpack in the washing machine?

A lot of advice on the internet might say that machine washing is not allowed on your North Face backpack, and you will only end up with a torn fabric or a broken zipper because machine washing is too harsh a cleaning method that you can’t fully control, in general, but is this true?

Can I wash a North Face backpack in the washing machine?

“How to wash a North Face backpack” is a question that many backpack owners might have. They may wonder, “How do you wash a North Face backpack?”, “Can you wash a North Face backpack in the washing machine?”

Luckily, you can find here the most effective step-by-step instructions on washing their beloved North Face backpacks.

Of course, if you irresponsibly just toss the entire bag into the washing machine, turn on the wrong power, and use a harmful detergent, then your backpack will not come back the same as it was before washing. However, if you follow all the instructions and tips correctly, then your backpack will not be damaged in the process of washing.

Maintain a clean backpack with a damp cloth

Since you and I have discussed all the most asked questions about washing, it is worth first understanding how to properly care for and perform the cleaning process on an ongoing basis for your new North Face backpack.  

Below you can find a list of goods that will be needed for the proper washing of a backpack and detailed steps for the execution of the procedure:

Equipment 

1. Damp cloth
2. Regular or Paper Towel
3. Bleach-free detergent
4. Toothbrush 
5. Large hanger

Step 1

First, you need to make sure that there is nothing inside your North Face backpacks, check all pockets and even small compartments so that you don’t accidentally ruin your things when washing. After that, turn the backpack upside down and shake it several times so that all dust and small particles, such as crumbs, fall to the ground.

Step 2

Now you need to take a wet toothbrush and start cleaning the inside of the backpack, removing all the layers of top dust. If suddenly you realize that some places are dirty but hard to reach for a brush, either take a damp cloth and wrap your finger around these places, or the best way is to use a vacuum cleaner nozzle, which is very thin.

Step 3

Also, in addition to dust on the inside of your North Face, stains may appear, for example, from food that you carried on a hike, from sugary drinks, or other camping supplies. If you find such stains, try to wipe them with a damp cloth first, in most cases, this will be enough. 

Step 4

If you find that wet wipes do not cope with stains, then you can fill up a container with water. Add some non-bleach detergent and place your backpack on for a few minutes before you can try scrubbing the stains again. You should be sure to remove the detergent residue from the textiles of the backpack with a cloth.

Step 5

Finally, all you have to do is find a place with a hanger where you can just hang your wet backpack and it will be air dry. Make sure the area is completely dry to avoid mold growth. You need to wait until your backpack is completely dry before using it.

Instructions on washing old North Face backpack

After learning how to clean your new North Face backpack, many might get the impression that only new backpacks can be washed, and old bags from this brand are already easier to just stop using, but this is not the case. In case you have either an old backpack or just a badly soiled one, and you urgently need to clean it, this is quite simple.

First, you have to decide which cleaning method you want to use because depending on your situation or convenience, one of two different types may suit you: handwashing or machine washing.

Hand wash 

In this method, you use hand wash to wash a North Face backpack.

This method is suitable for you if you want to see exactly what you are washing and also if you are worried that the washing machine may damage your bag.

However, it is worth noting that this method takes much more time and effort, but the result will be more reliable.

Equipment for hand wash

1. Mild non-bleach detergent 
2. Toothbrush
3. Sponges
4. Regular Towel
5. Bath

Step 1

First, as in the first method, you need to make sure that there are no extra little things inside your North Face backpacks. Also, turn your bag upside down and shake it so that all the dust and crumbs fall out. It is best to do this over a soft surface so that if important things fall out from there, they are not damaged.

Step 2

Then, you need to carefully go through all, even the most inaccessible places with a vacuum cleaner and a toothbrush. Also, go over the inside of the backpack with a wet sponge or damp cloth to make sure that there are no dirty dust spots left, and that your backpack is fully prepared.

Step 3

After that, take a container with warm water and add detergent to it, then dip a sponge into it and use the wipe-down method. Wipe the North Face bag again, but with detergent. If you feel that this helped, you can wipe the cloth with a paper towel, but if you see that the backpack is still dirty, then read on.

Step 4

A risky method, but it can be effective, you need to immerse in a container of clean water and one spoon of detergent, leave for several hours, but periodically come and check the condition of your item and fabric. You need to add exactly one spoonful of detergent; otherwise, you will damage the textiles.

Step 5

Periodically come and rub the stains, and then leave the backpack again. After that, collect a container of clean water and re-immerse your backpack in it. It is very important to make sure that all detergent leaves the surface and inside of your bag.  

When you are satisfied with the result, then wipe the backpack with a towel and when all the moisture from the surface is gone, hang it on a hanger where the backpack will dry. You must make sure that the bag itself is not too damp and the place where it will dry too; otherwise there is a risk of mold.

Machine wash 

Machine washing differs from handwashing mainly in that here you will need to spend much less time, the washing machine will do everything for you.  

However, you will only be able to see the result when you pull out the North Face backpack, so follow all the instructions carefully so as not to be disappointed with a ruined backpack later.

Equipment for machine wash

1. Laundry bag
2. Mild non-bleach detergent 

Step 1

First, as in the previous two cases, you again need to make sure that there are no extra items inside your North Face bag such as coins or crumbs. You also need to shake the backpack again to get rid of excess dust. Make sure you remove all additional parts of the backpack, such as straps as well.

Step 2

Completely close all zippers so that they do not break during washing, also make sure that there are no protruding threads anywhere. Turn your backpack inside out and put your backpack in a laundry bag, if you don’t have one or your North Face backpack doesn’t fit a laundry bag, you can use a pillowcase.

Step 3

Take some detergent and, after you’ve added it to the machine, turn on the most gentle cycle your washing machine has, such as the delicate cycle. When the wash is over, you need to carefully remove the backpack and hang it up so that it is air dry. It is best to keep it upside down, as excess moisture can immediately drain to the floor.

Can you use the dryer?

It might seem that if there is a way to use a washing machine to wash a North Face backpack, then using a dryer is an even more, viable way.  

However, this is a completely erroneous opinion and if you use a dryer, then nothing may happen to your backpack for the first time, but this does not mean that one day you will not get just a completely unusable backpack.

The high temperatures of the dryer have a terrible effect on the textile material of the backpack, moreover, the drying itself involves spreading your bag all over the turbine, from which the fabric cannot only wrinkle, but even tear.

If you want to make your backpack dry fully, you can only do this with the “air dry” method, as moisture will provoke mold.

Conclusion 

The North Face backpack is a great backpack option for those who like outdoor activities such as hiking in the forests and mountains, as well as for simple travel due to the fabric features and huge capacity. However, despite its versatility, washing this backpack requires accuracy and following the clear instructions that you were able to read.

We hope that after reading this article, you will no longer have questions about “how to wash North Face backpack?” things, for example, a dryer, should never be used.