How to Wash a Nike Backpack – Easy TIps!~

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Have you ever splurged on an expensive Nike backpack, only to worry about ruining its breathability or breaking a zipper when it comes time to clean it? So, exactly how to wash a Nike backpack without ruining it is the point of this article.

Fear not! These backpacks are designed for durability and sustainability, so you can keep them looking fresh and new for longer.

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 Wash a Nike Backpack?

🎒 We all know that our expensive backpacks, like Nike, require special care to keep them looking their best. While it’s best to avoid washing them regularly to preserve their weather protection and material, sometimes maintenance is necessary. 💦

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you safely and easily wash your Nike backpack when needed. 🧼

9.4
Can You Wash a Nike Backpack?

You can absolutely wash your Nike 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 Nike Backpack?

Yes! But try to keep your backpack 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. Be part of the solution against fast fashion.

Cleaning Tips for Your Nike Backpack

TL;DR: How to Wash a Nike 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.

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Different Methods to Wash Nike Backpack

Step by Step Instructions for Hand Washing Your Backpack

Start with Spot Cleaning

  1. Completely empty your backpack and shake out any debris
  2. Use a warm wet sponge to get all the bits of dirt and debris out of any pockets or corners
  3. Use a toothbrush to remove dirt from zippers
  4. Rinse area with warm sponge
  5. Hang dry until completely dry indoors or in shade

Not enough?  Soak and Scrub

  1. All of the above steps plus add a drop of detergent like Nikwax on the sponge if needed.


Still not enough?

  1. Fill a bathtub with warm water and submerge the backpack.
  2. Use a wet towel or sponge to scrub areas of dirt or stain
  3. Completely rinse and hang dry indoors or in shade

Machine Washing Your Nike 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 Nike 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 Nike backpack?


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How to Clean Your Backpack [by Brand]

Detailed Guides on How to Clean According to the Manufacturer

BrandEXACTLY HOW TO CLEAN
The North Face How to Clean a Northface Backpack
Fjällräven KankenHow to Clean a Kanken Backpack
OspreyHow To Clean an Osprey Backpack
DeuterHow to Clean a Deuter Backpack
HerschelHow to Clean a Herschel Backpack
NikeHow to Clean a Nike Backpack
CanvasHow to Clean a Canvas Backpack
Vera BradleyHow to Clean a Vera Bradley Backpack
Jack WolfskinHow to Clean a Jack Wolfskin Backpack
JansportHow to Clean a Jansport Backpack

Author profile: Morgan Fielder is a Doctor of Physical Therapy 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.