The Wallet Shoppe
We’ve all been there.
You go hunting for the backpack you last used in the fall, or spring, but it’s been months (ahem… years) since you last used it. You look high and low and finally find it crumpled up in a corner of the basement or the back of the closet.
The worst part? It hasn’t been opened (or cleaned out) since. “My backpack smells like MOLD!” is the first thing you say… so now what?
We’ve put together this quick guide to deodorizing a backpack (or any bag, really).
Step 1 - Face the Facts… Open Up Your Backpack
You sort of remember leaving your backpack down here, but you haven’t a clue what’s still in it. All you know is that it hasn’t been opened since your last birthday… at least.
There could be literally anything on the other side of that zipper: a water bottle, a half-eaten granola bar, a protein shake or, worst of all… a wet swimsuit.
Bottom line, unless you want to throw the bag away, it’s time to open it up and face the music. Do it outside if you can, and if you can see actual mold (fuzzy or blotchy patches), wear gloves and don’t shake it out indoors.
Throw away the trash, food and other perishables. Any clothing that’s gone moldy is probably a lost cause, too.
Listen, you haven’t worn that t-shirt or swimsuit since you last opened the backpack, so do you really miss it?
We didn’t think so. You’ll be surprised how much getting rid of the junk does for the smell. Some people can stop here, but if there’s still a lingering smell, go on to the next step.
Step 2 - Do a Rough Clean With Just Water
You may not need to soak your backpack yet. Get a rag (or even a paper towel), dampen it with water and wipe down the entire inside of the bag.
Don’t rush this part. Really take your time to get into every crevice and hidden pocket. The rag should be damp, not dripping.
Once you’ve opened every zipper and Velcro pocket and wiped it all down, leave the bag outside to air out, somewhere shady (direct sun can wreak havoc on your bag’s colors).
Some people can stop after this step. For more serious smells, keep going.
Step 3 - Read the Label: Can You Wash Your Bag?
The maker knows exactly what your backpack is made of, so the care label is the best place to check what’s safe.
Why is this step 3? In our experience, you want to be as gentle as possible with a backpack to keep it in good shape (colors included), so try steps one and two before committing to a full wash.
The one big exception? Leather! If your bag has leather trim, a full wash can ruin it. Our backpack washing guide covers what JanSport, North Face, Osprey, Herschel and others recommend.
Step 4 - Go Easy on the Soap
Bags aren’t made like clothing. They have thick seams, pockets and padding, and too much soap gunks them up and is a nightmare to rinse out. We’ve heard of people washing a backpack 2, 3, even 4 times trying to get the soap out… before giving up.
So if the label allows washing, use a small amount of mild, non-bleach detergent and rinse thoroughly. For a musty smell, a cup of white vinegar in the rinse water is an old trick. Don’t let the smell of vinegar scare you: it fades once the bag is dry. (Never mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaners.)
A word of warning on actual mold, though. Vinegar is fine for odor, but it won’t reliably kill mold that’s got into the foam padding or the seams. The EPA’s mold guide points out that mold can work its way into porous materials, and some of those just need to be thrown away. If the growth is widespread or inside the padding, it may be time for a new bag.
Step 5 - Outdoor Drying Is Your Friend
As we said in step 2, it’s best to dry your bag opened up and outside.
Don’t put it in direct sunlight, but you do want constant airflow moving in and around the bag so it dries evenly. If it’s really cold out, dry it indoors with a fan nearby to keep the air moving.
18-24 hours usually does it, but check the padded back and the pockets before you put it away. A bag that’s still damp inside will start smelling again.
Step 6 - Don’t Let It Happen Again
After all that, we’re fairly confident you won’t let this happen again. But you’d be surprised.
The remedy is simple. When you get home from your trip or hike, clean out your backpack. That means opening every pocket and checking for the items above, and letting it dry out before it goes in the closet. You’ll thank us (and yourself) in the long run.
My Backpack Smells Like Mold - Wrap Up
In summary, your backpack can usually be made to smell normal again. Be as gentle as possible and only do what’s needed to get rid of the smell, and you’ll be back to using it in no time.
Before You Go…
OK, so you’ve tried everything and it really can’t be saved? We’ve got you covered there too. Our guide to the different types of backpacks will help you pick the next one.
