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🎒👜 We’ve all been there – you finally splurge on that expensive Vera Bradley backpack or cute Vera Bradley tote bag, and the last thing you want to do is ruin its breathability or break a zipper. 😩. So how to clean a Vera Bradley backpack the right way?
But fear not! These backpacks are designed for durability and sustainability, so you can keep them looking fresh and new for longer. ♻️
💪 In this article, we’ll show you the safest and easiest ways to clean your Vera Bradley gear without damaging it. No more stains or dirt to worry about! 😎
👉 So, make sure to read until the end to discover the best cleaning detergent solution for removing tough stains and dirt while preserving the breathability and waterproofing layer of your gear. Let’s get cleaning! 🧼
So, How to Clean a Vera Bradley Backpack?
🎒 We all know that our expensive backpacks, like Vera Bradley, require special care to keep them looking their best. While it’s best to avoid washing them regularly to preserve their weather protection and cotton material, sometimes maintenance is necessary. 💦
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you safely and easily wash your backpack when needed. 🧼
Be part of the solution against fast fashion.
You can absolutely wash your Vera Bradley backpack or tote, but with care.
The biggest problem will likely be mold from food left in the bag or if you let it sit overwinter in a closed closet.
From least to most damaging ways to wash:
- 1. Avoid placing on exterior walls or closets where mold will occur
- 2. Hand spot clean with cloth, old toothbrush
- 3. Hand wash with soapy water
- 4. Soak in tub with soapy water
- 5. Machine wash on gentle cycle
Never place it in the dryer.
Get it outside in the sun to dry completely.
Can You Wash a Vera Bradley Backpack or Tote Bag?
Yes! But try to keep your backpack or tote in a well ventilated storage area and avoid the back of the closet or along an outer house wall.
Also, try wiping down your pack the day of use with a simple wet cloth to avoid accumulation of dirt that will require it to be washed in future.
Cleaning Tips for Your Vera Bradley Backpack
TL;DR: How to Clean a Vera Bradley Backpack
You can wash your backpack if needed. Start with spot cleaning it with a wet cloth. If that doesn’t work you can soak it in cold water in the bathtub and scrub it with a toothbrush.
For really stubborn stains, you can finally try to add some mild detergent to the water. For mold utilize a vinegar solution and exposure to natural sunlight.
Finally, if it’s really bad, use a delicate cold cycle in the washing machine at your own risk. Hang dry. Do not use the dryer.
You will also like:
💤 My guide to the best hiking shorts for women.
Different Methods to Wash Vera Bradley Backpack
Step by Step Instructions for Hand Washing Your Backpack
Start with Spot Cleaning
- Completely empty your backpack and shake out any debris
- Use a warm wet sponge to get all the bits of dirt and debris out of any pockets or corners
- Use a toothbrush to remove dirt from zippers
- Rinse area with warm sponge
- Hang dry until completely dry indoors or in shade
Not enough? Soak and Scrub
- All of the above steps plus add a drop of detergent like Nikwax on the sponge if needed.
Still not enough?
- Fill a bathtub with warm water and submerge the backpack.
- Use a wet towel or sponge to scrub areas of dirt or stain
- Completely rinse and hang dry indoors or in shade

Machine Washing Your Vera Bradley Backpack
The manufacturer states using a washing machine is okay to keep the integrity of the backpack. When you feel it is necessary, use the gentle cycle with cool water only and a slow spin cycle.
Do not use the dryer, only hang dry your backpack. You can also put it inside a mesh bag to protect it further from the machine wash.
Cleaning a Moldy Backpack
Plain white vinegar can help you get rid of mold on your canvas backpack.
🎒 While a little bit of dirt can be a badge of honor on a good backpack, leaving it in a closet or near a damp wall can lead to mold and mildew growth. 😷
But don’t worry! There’s a cheap and effective solution – vinegar! 🙌
🍶 Put full strength vinegar into a spray bottle and soak the area of infestation. Let it sit for at least 1 hour, then wipe away the mold with a damp cloth. Hang dry outdoors in full sunlight if possible. ☀️
👉 So, if you’re dealing with mold or mildew on your backpack, give this vinegar treatment a try. Your backpack (and your health) will thank you! 🧼
Can I Put My Vera Bradley Backpack in The Dryer?
Absolutely not. Do NOT put your bag in the dryer. If parts of your backpack, bag or tote refuse to get dry after a wash, try using a hairdryer on the low cool setting to get the small corners dry.
Recommended Resources
NikWax Tech Wash is trusted by backpackers and people interested in keeping their packs for decades. It refreshes the backpack material’s water resistance capacity and breathability to keep you dry and comfortable.
Are you curious about hiking with your Vera Bradley backpack?
Want to see more great gear and tips for hikers and nature lovers? Be sure to check out the following:
More Hiking & Outdoor Gear Resources
Here’s more awesome gear to empower your journey. I have written in-depth comparisons of products that make hiking and exploring the Great Outdoors safer and more fun, especially if you’re a beginner (or like me, a little rusty in the knees).
Physical Therapist Curated Gear Guides for Hikers
- 🧎 Make your knees feel better while hiking and walking: Best Knee Braces for Hiking
- 🌳Make the downhills stop hurting and hike with more confidence Best Trekking Poles Review
- ⌚ Never get lost on the trail and navigate the wilderness safely with My Review of the Best GPS Watches for Hiking
- ❄️ Go hiking in the winter or on icy surfaces safely: The Best Microspikes for Hiking
- 🥾 Don’t get lost in the backcountry during a big hike: My Review of the BEST PLB – Personal Locator Beacons
How to Clean Your Backpack [by Brand]
Detailed Guides on How to Clean According to the Manufacturer
Brand | EXACTLY HOW TO CLEAN |
---|---|
The North Face | How to Clean a Northface Backpack |
Fjällräven Kanken | How to Clean a Kanken Backpack |
Osprey | How To Clean an Osprey Backpack |
Deuter | How to Clean a Deuter Backpack |
Herschel | How to Clean a Herschel Backpack |
Nike | How to Clean a Nike Backpack |
Canvas | How to Clean a Canvas Backpack |
Vera Bradley | How to Clean a Vera Bradley Backpack |
Jack Wolfskin | How to Clean a Jack Wolfskin Backpack |
Jansport | How to Clean a Jansport Backpack |
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Author profile: Morgan Fielder is a physical therapist and passionate hiker who believes in exploring the world on foot with good food. Follow her journey as she shares science-based hiking tips and advocates for sustainable tourism.