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In my experience, it’s tough to keep a hiking backpack clean. It’s either forgotten bananas or the moldly growth from staying in the closet too long. These backpacks are designed to be durable and not contribute to the issue of fast fashion and waste. So, the question is: how to wash a Deuter backpack?
What You Will Learn
How to Wash Deuter Backpack
The last thing we want to do is ruin the material’s breathability or break the zipper on an expensive backpack.
I loved my Deuter backpack that I bought in Finland, but it’s been around since 2016 and definitely needs a cleaning from time to time (as you can tell by my photo).
Yes!!! The aim of this article is to show you the safest and easiest ways to do it without ruining the waterproof layer or damage the pack.
Read until the end where you’ll learn the safest cleaning detergent solution for terrible stains and dirt that help keep the breathability and waterproofing layer.
Is It Safe to Wash Deuter Backpacks?
Yes, but in general try not to wash your expensive backpacks regularly. It degrades the weather protection, but sometimes you’ve just got to do some maintenance so here’s the summary on how to wash your backpack:
You can absolutely wash your Deuter backpack, but with care. You'll want to avoid washing it if possible as the pack is covered with a protective weather sealant that will degrade with washing.
Your pack can withstand a lot of debris and water and may not need as much "washing" as you think. Simply dust it off after each hike to avoid having to wash it. 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.
Quick Links
🔥 🥾Related Reading: Advice from a physical therapist hiking addict:
- Need a gift for the outdoorsy person in your life, but not sure?
- Learn more about brand specific guides on washing a backpack.
- Read my list of the best lumbar waist packs for hiking.
Cleaning Tips for Your Deuter Backpack
Try to keep your Deuter 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.
TL;DR
You can wash a Deuter backpack if absolutely necessary. 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.
Different Methods to Wash Deuter Backpack
Step by Step Instructions for Hand Washing Your Backpack
Start with Spot Cleaning
- Completely empty your Deuter 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 Deuter Backpack
The manufacturer warns against using a washing machine to keep the integrity of the backpack. However if 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 Deuter backpack.
This is likely the biggest reason to actually wash a deuter backpack as a little bit of dirt is a badge of honor on a good backpack.
â–“ But when left in a closet or near a damp wall the packs can start to grow mold and mildew and you might have to take action.
Vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties, and it can be a cheap and effective treatment for many types of mold.
Put full strength vinegar into a spray bottle and soak the area of infestation. Let it sit for 1 hour minimum and then wipe away the mold with a damp cloth. Hang dry outdoors in full sunlight if possible.
Can I Put My Deuter Backpack in The Dryer?
Absolutely not. Do NOT put your deuter backpack in the dryer. If parts of your backpack 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 Deuter backpack?
Looking for the perfect gift for the Outdoorsy Lady in your life? 42 Gifts for Outdoorsy Women that Inspire Wonder – 2023 Gift Guide
Want to see other washing and hiking guides? Be sure to check out the following:
- Washing a North Face Backpack
- Washing an Osprey Backpack
- How long does it take to hike 3 miles?
- How to Wash a Herschel 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.
I hope you enjoyed this guide on how to wash Deuter backpack.