How To Remove Mould From a Backpack

As any outdoor enthusiast knows, a backpack is an essential piece of gear when enjoying outdoor activities. While experiencing an adventure, a backpack is subjected to many elements including water, which can leave the material damp. When this happens and the backpack is not properly cleaned before its next outing, the result will be a backpack covered in smelly mould and mildew. Read on for our top tips on how to remove mould from a backpack.

Even if your backpack is dry before storing it, the environment, and conditions of where it’s stored can still result in a mouldy piece of gear. Storing your backpack in a place that maintains a warm temperature and high humidity or where mould spores are already present will lead to mould.

Table of Contents

In understanding how to remove mould from a backpack, there are a couple of solutions, but which one will work best depends on the material used to make the backpack. The following instructions provide cleaning tips for nylon and canvas backpacks.

Cleaning Canvas Material

Vinegar is one of the most useful ingredients for cleaning, not only backpacks but a long list of items. The reason it is so powerful is due to its makeup of acetic acid. The power of the acid is strong enough to dissolve grease, dirt, grime, mineral deposits, and bacteria.

Supplies needed to clean a canvas backpack are simple. You’ll need white vinegar, water, and a clean rag. The following steps are all that’s needed for cleaning.

Empty the backpack of all contents then turn it inside out.
Pour enough white vinegar onto the rag so that it is moist enough to clean but don’t overdo it to the point the rag is dripping.
Use the dampened rag to vigorously scrub each area of the backpack affected by mould. Scrub the area until there is no longer any sign of mould or mildew.
Thoroughly rinse the backpack with water to make sure all areas are cleaned.
Hang the backpack in a sunny location and let it dry for at least 24 hours.

Note: Read the label for washing/cleaning instructions if your backpack has any leather components. It’s also possible your canvas backpack has a waterproof coating that will need to be reapplied after it’s cleaned.

Another method of how to remove mould from a backpack is to use baking soda. You’ll also need water and a clean rag. There are a few more steps to follow, but the end result is no more mould or mouldy smell.

Remove the contents of the backpack and turn it inside out.
Place it in an area with a lot of sun for 24 hours.
Once dry, turn it right side in.
Measure 1/4 cup of baking soda and pour it in the bottom of the pack.
Zip it up and place it inside overnight.
The following day dampen the rag with water.
Use the rag to begin scrubbing the baking soda into each area affected by mould. Scrub thoroughly until there is no sign of mould.
When all traces of the mould are gone, turn the backpack upside down to empty out the remaining baking soda.
You have two options for rinsing the backpack. You can either soak it in water or place it in the washing machine on gentle cycle.
Place the backpack in a sunny area to air dry.

Cleaning Nylon Material

Whether your backpack is nylon or polyester, removing mould follows the same steps.

What you’ll need to clean these materials are a soft-bristled brush, water, rag, laundry detergent, and colour-safe bleach. An alternative to the bleach is salt and lemon juice. You’ll also need a place for cleaning such as a bathtub or other large container. You’ll want to clean the backpack outside to avoid getting mould spores inside your home.

If the mould is on the inside of the backpack, empty out the contents and flip it inside out. ‘
Use the brush to remove the mould.
Once you’ve removed all the mould, hang the backpack in an area that receives sunshine. Leave it hanging in the sunny area for at least 24 hours to ensure all mould is killed.
Soak the backpack in cold water. Do this by either placing it in a container filled with water or use a garden hose to spray it until it’s completely soaked.
Fill the large container with warm water and laundry detergent. Place the backpack inside the container of sudsy water.
Scrub the backpack using the warm water and detergent solution.
Use the rag dipped in colour-safe bleach to blot out the any remaining mould stains. You can also use a mixture of lemon juice and salt instead of the bleach.
Hang the backpack in a location where it can dry for 24 hours.

Other Alternative Cleaning Methods

Along with the white vinegar solution, baking soda method, and direct sunshine. A borax and water or bleach and water solution is also an efficient way to remove mould. To use these methods do the following.

To clean with bleach, combine one quart of warm water with two tablespoons of bleach. Use a rag dabbed into the solution to scrub the mouldy residue. Keep in mind bleach can/does change the colour of fabric.

To clean with borax, mix equal parts of borax and hot water. For example, mix 1/2 cup borax with 1/2 gallon of hot water. Apply the solution to the mouldy area using a sponge or rag.

Mould Prevention

The best way to avoid a mouldy backpack is to make sure it’s clean and dry before storing it between outdoor excursions. Take steps to clean and dry it as soon as possible. To make sure any moisture build up that may be hiding in the crevices and seams of the interior is removed, it’s recommended to always turn the backpack inside out while it’s drying. Also, avoid storing it in a place prone to dampness.

With these helpful tips, removing unsightly and smelly mould and mildew residue takes just a few minutes and a few supplies to ensure your backpack will be ready for your next great outdoor adventure.

Looking for further backpack cleaning tips? Look no further than our additional guide to keeping your backpack fresh and clean.