Keeping a Herschel backpack clean has been quite a challenge for me. However, I’ve discovered some reliable methods to maintain it and I would love to share them with you.
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 Herschel backpack?
What You Will Learn
How to Wash a Herschel backpack
Discover the safest and easiest methods in this article, including a cleaning solution for tough stains that preserves breathability and waterproofing and does’t ruin the zippers.
Can you wash it??? 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.
Is It Safe to Wash Herschel Backpacks?
Yes, but try not to wash your high end backpacks regularly. It starts to damage 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 Herschel 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 to dry completely by hanging it.
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Basic Herschel Backpack Maintenance
Try to keep your Herschel 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.
When to Wash Your Herschel Pack in Washer?
When the above methods fail or you have extensive mold growth.
TL;DR: How to Wash Your Herschel BackPack
In case of dire need, it is possible to wash your Herschel backpack. Begin by spot cleaning the affected areas with a damp cloth. If that does not work, soak the backpack in cold water in the bathtub and scrub it with a toothbrush.
For tougher stains, add mild detergent to the water. To remove mold, use a vinegar solution and expose the backpack to natural sunlight. As a last resort, use a delicate cold cycle in the washing machine at your own risk. Remember to hang dry afterwards.
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Different Methods to Clean a Herschel Backpack
Step by Step Washing Instructions for Hand Washing Your Backpack
1. Start with Spot Cleaning
- Completely empty your Herschel 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
2. Not enough? Detergent Step
- All of the above steps plus add a drop of detergent like Nikwax on the sponge if needed.
- Only use a mild soap.
3. Still not enough? Soak and Scrub
- Fill a bathtub with warm water and submerge and clean the backpack.
- Use a wet towel or soft sponge to scrub areas of dirt or stain
- Remove soap residue completely
- Completely rinse and hang dry indoors or air dry in shade
This one def needs a sprucing up!
Machine Washing Your Herschel Backpack
The backpack manufacturer advises against using a washing machine to preserve the integrity of the backpack. I recommend machine washing when hand washing won’t cut it.
However, if machine washing is necessary, use the gentle cycle with cool water and a slow spin cycle. Use a liquid laundry detergent.
Avoid using the dryer and hang dry the backpack instead.
Additionally, placing the backpack inside a mesh bag during the wash can provide extra protection.
Can I Put My Herschel Bag or Backpack in The Dryer?
Under no circumstances should you put your Herschel backpack in the dryer.
Instead, use a hairdryer on the low cool setting to dry hard-to-reach areas after washing.
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How to Clean Herschel Backpack That Has Mold
Plain white vinegar can help you get rid of mold on your Herschel backpack.
| Steps To Clean A Moldy Herschel Backpack |
|---|
| 1. Spray affected area with full-strength vinegar |
| 2. Let it sit for at least an hour |
| 3. Wipe away the mold with a damp cloth |
| 4. Hang dry the backpack in direct sunlight, if possible |
Special Pack Soap
Backpackers and long-term pack owners trust NikWax Tech Wash for its ability to refresh the material’s water resistance and breathability, ensuring a dry and comfortable experience.
Backpack Cleaning Tips by Brand:
➡️ How You Can Clean a Kanken Backpack
➡️ How to Clean an Osprey Backpack
➡️ How to Clean a North Face Backpack
➡️ Exactly How to Clean a Deuter Backpack
Youtube on How to Clean a Herschel Backpack
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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 I answered all your burning questions on how to wash a Herschel backpack.