The Wallet Shoppe
If you have a messenger bag, you know they’re roomy, well organized and light. They’re perfect for carrying your laptop, papers and keys to and from work, or when you travel.
Like anything that carries your stuff around, though, messenger bags get dirty.
Can you wash a messenger bag? It’s a question we often get asked, and the answer is yes, usually, but you need to be careful and watch out for a few things.
Can You Wash a Messenger Bag?
Yes, most fabric messenger bags can be washed to some degree. But how depends on what it’s made of, and the most important thing is to check the label (or the maker’s care page) first.
- Some bags can go in the machine, usually on a cold, gentle cycle.
- Some should only be hand washed or spot cleaned. Timbuk2, for example, says to spot clean its bags with a damp towel or sponge and mild detergent, with no machine washing or tumble drying.
- Leather bags (and leather trim) shouldn’t go in water at all; they need leather care, or a specialist.
We can’t say this strongly enough:
IF IN DOUBT - HAND WASH (OR SPOT CLEAN) ONLY!
Put the wrong bag in the machine and you might destroy it. The fabric can shrink or warp, you can damage the lining or the foam padding in the laptop compartment, you can wreck the zippers and buckles, or worse, the washing machine itself.
(That’s no joke. I’ve had to replace a washing machine after metal buckles cracked the drum’s internal parts.)
How to Machine Wash a Messenger Bag
OK, so you’ve checked the label again to make sure you can machine wash it, right?
Once again(!), these steps are only for messenger bags whose label says they can go in the machine.
1. Empty the Bag
Go through every compartment so you don’t accidentally wash something you shouldn’t. And if there’s anything dirty in there, wash that too; there’s no point putting grubby stuff back into a clean bag.
Get rid of the crumbs by turning the bag upside down and shaking it gently, with a damp kitchen towel, or even a hand-held vacuum if you have one.
2. Prepare to Wash
If the label allows a stain remover, gently work it into any stains with a soft brush first.
Then, before the bag goes in the machine:
- If there’s a removable frame or stiffener, take it out.
- Open the pockets, so the water and detergent can get in.
- Put it inside a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase to protect it (and your machine) from the buckles.
3. Wash the Bag
OK, here we go. The label will almost certainly say cold water and a gentle cycle. Don’t be tempted to try something different. Skip the fabric softener and bleach, too.
4. Let it Dry
Once the cycle’s done, leave the zippers open, hang the bag upside down and let it air dry somewhere ventilated. We wouldn’t even use a hair dryer; just let it dry naturally. Check the inside pockets and padding before you repack it, as the outside dries long before the lining.
How to Hand Wash a Messenger Bag
If your bag can be washed at all, hand washing is the best way to do it. Even when a bag is machine washable, hand washing gives you more control and is less likely to damage anything. (If your label says spot clean only, just do step 2 on the dirty areas and skip the soaking.)
1. Prepare to Wash
As before, empty the bag completely. Then fill a bucket, basin or bathtub with a few inches of lukewarm water (not hot) and add a small amount of gentle soap.
2. Scrub the Bag
With a cloth, a sponge or a soft brush, gently scrub the dirty areas, focusing on the most heavily soiled spots. A sponge works well on mesh, while an old toothbrush is great for getting into the corners.
3. Rinse the Bag
Once the dirt is gone, empty the bucket and refill it with clean, cool water. Rinse the bag thoroughly with your hands.
Don’t wring or twist it, especially if it’s padded. Instead, lay it on a thick towel, fold the towel over, and press down to soak up as much water as you can.
4. Let it Dry
Hang the bag upside down with the zippers open in a well-ventilated area, out of direct heat, and let it air dry.
We strongly recommend you do NOT put your messenger bag in a dryer! That’s likely to damage it no matter what it’s made of.
Before You Go…
As you can see, washing a messenger bag isn’t that difficult, whether by machine or by hand, as long as you check the label first. (It’s a lot like washing a backpack.)
A lot depends on what the bag is made of, of course. Take a look at our next article for the low-down: The Best Material for a Messenger Bag
