Clean and like-new school bag: our simple tips for busy parents!

How to properly care for and clean a school bag ?

This schoolchildren's luggage is put to the test throughout the year: dirt, ink stains, food stains, and sometimes even unpleasant odors. Preserving these school essentials not only extends their lifespan, but also ensures better hygiene for your child.

In this article, we offer you Simple and effective tips for the care and cleaning of school bags and backpacks.

Whether it's for a satchel made of fabric, leather or with plasticized parts, discover our Practical tips to keep these accessories in good condition all year round !

Why is school bag maintenance and cleaning so important ?

Clean regularly Your child's schoolbag offers many advantages.

✅ First, regular maintenance prevents premature wear and helps maintain a clean and neat appearance.

Dirt and stains, if not treated quickly, can become embedded and damage the material, making the accessory less attractive and less comfortable to wear.

✅ In addition, clean luggage contributes to better hygiene.

For example, regular disposal of food scraps (cake crumbs or other pieces of fruit) prevents bacteria from growing. It also reduces the chances of bad odors that can build up over time.

✅ Finally, good maintenance extends the life of the schoolbag, allowing you to avoid repeated purchases and save money.

Tools and products needed to properly clean a school bag

Recommended cleaning products

To effectively clean a school bag, there is no need to take out aggressive products.

Here's what we recommend...

• Marseille soap or mild detergent : ideal for removing stains without damaging materials. Use it diluted in warm water for a gentle clean.
• White vinegar : to disinfect and eliminate odors without damaging fabrics. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water to create an effective cleaning solution.
• Specific leather cleaner : If your school bag has leather elements, use a product that is specially designed to nourish and protect this material.

⛔ Avoid harsh products such as bleach or chemical cleaners that can damage colors and weaken seams.

Practical tools for effective cleaning

• Handheld vacuum cleaner : to vacuum crumbs and pieces of paper from the bottom of the bag.
• Soft brush : to scrub stains without scratching the material.
• Sponge or microfiber cloth : for surface cleaning without leaving streaks.
• Waterproofing spray : Apply after cleaning to protect against future dirt and moisture.

Steps to clean a school bag or backpack depending on the material

Cleaning a fabric satchel

1. Remove superficial stains. Use a damp sponge and a little mild soap to clean any localized stains. Avoid soaking the binder completely.
2. Deep cleaning. For a more complete washing, prefer hand washing using a solution of warm water and soap. Rinse gently with clean water and let it air dry, away from any direct heat source.

Cleaning a leather satchel

1. Dusting. Wipe with a dry cloth to remove dust.
2. Gentle cleaning. Use a specific cleansing milk for leather and apply it with a soft cloth. Never wet the leather directly to avoid damaging it.
3. Nourishing the leather. Use a special leather cream to maintain its suppleness and avoid cracking.

Cleaning a school bag with plastic or waterproof inserts

1. Simple cleaning. Use a slightly damp cloth with a little mild soap to clean plasticized surfaces (e.g., clasps or the trolley device of a Wheeled bag).
2. Quick drying. Let the school bag air dry. Avoid hair dryers or radiators that could warp the materials.

3 tips to maintain and extend the life of your school luggage

1. Waterproof to prevent stains

After cleaning, apply a waterproofing spray to protect the luggage from future soiling and moisture. This creates a protective barrier on the fabric or leather.

2. Store the binder correctly

When the schoolbag Not in use, store it in a dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Avoid placing it on the floor to limit the accumulation of dirt.

3. Repair small wear and tear quickly

Make it a habit to check the condition of the bag regularly. Quickly sew up small tears and replace broken fasteners to prevent the problem from getting worse.

What not to do: Mistakes to avoid !

❌ Never machine wash the school bag. Even on a delicate program, machine washing can damage the seams, shoulder straps and reinforcements of the bag.

❌ Avoid corrosive products. Products that are too aggressive can discolor or weaken materials, especially on delicate areas such as upholstery.

One last secret...

The secret to effective schoolbag maintenance and cleaning is above all regularity !

Every week, take the time to review the school bag from every angle. Then, use the right tools and products to keep the schoolchild's number 1 accessory in good condition throughout the school year.

For more practical tips and to discover our cute bags for school, go to The Toon Shop.

▶️ Also check out our other Articles to know everything about the maintenance of school supplies and find the best solutions to make your life easier !

Discover school bags

Sources:
wecasa.fr