Cordura is an abrasion-resistant material that consists of nylon fibers, which are woven into a thick fabric formation. It’s used in many outdoor activities for its extra strength and durability. Over time, the color of your Cordura products will fade which means the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) layer is wearing off. You can easily bring them back to life by re-applying a new coating of water repellency spray.
But how often did you clean your Cordura items? And what does cleaning actually do to your fabric?
If you want to keep the original color, it’s recommended that you wash your Cordura items after 5-15 days of use. If you don’t mind the color fading away, washing after each trip is OK too. You can still get years out of your gear if you only do it every couple of months.
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap to remove dirt, bacteria, and oils (you should do this before each step).As Cordura has no padding, you should use one of the following methods depending on what you’re washing.
- Hand wash: Fill a small bucket or basin with 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap (Dawn is the best) and 1 cup of warm water. Use only enough to completely saturate the fabric without soaking it.
- Machine wash: Set your machine on the RINSE CYCLE ONLY, use cold water and add 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap (Dawn is the best). Do not add any fabric softener. As stated before, do not use the wash cycle on your machine.
How to Clean a JanSport Backpack
A JanSport backpack is an extremely useful item that can last for many years with the proper care. If your pack isn’t looking as good as it used to, though, you can restore its original look using simple household materials. Whether the damage is on the front or back of the pack, this method works for both.
To start, you’ll need the following items:
- Dish soap or detergent
- Laundry detergent
- Large bucket or basin
- Bleach (optional)
- Mild laundry detergent (such as Woolite)
- Sponge or soft cloths
*If your pack is not water-resistant, you’ll need to purchase a waterproofing spray before starting.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before beginning any restoration project, make sure that you have gathered all of the necessary materials. If your backpack is not water-resistant, it’s important to purchase a waterproofing spray before starting.
A JanSport backpack is an extremely useful item that can last for many years with the proper care. If your pack isn’t looking as good as it used to, though, you can restore its original look using simple household materials. Whether the damage is on the front or back of the pack, this method works for both.
Step 2: Make a Soap Solution
The first step to cleaning your backpack is to make a soap solution. Fill a large bucket or basin with 1 teaspoon of dish soap and 1 cup of warm water. If you’d like, you can purchase a special laundry detergent designed for waterproof materials as well as a waterproofing spray to protect your backpack’s exterior.
Step 3: Wet the Fabric
Use a sponge, soft cloth, or your hands to completely wet the fabric with water. Make sure you do not soak it you only want it damp.
Make sure that you are using clear, even strokes while running the cloth over the material. If you rub roughly, the color of your material may look faded and uneven.
Step 4: Apply Detergent Solution
Next, pour a small amount of laundry detergent onto the cloth or sponge. Gently apply it to the backpack’s stained areas with even strokes. Allow this solution to sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the soap time to permeate the fabric.
Step 5: Rinse & Air Dry
After you’ve allowed the soap solution to sit for a few minutes, use a clean sponge or soft cloth to wipe it away. You can then rinse out your sponge or cloth and repeat this process until you no longer see suds on the material. Once gone, allow your backpack to air dry. If you have a waterproofing spray, it’s a good idea to apply it now to protect your pack from future water damage.
Is it ok to dry clean my JanSport backpack?
No, it is not. Please do not use a commercial dry cleaner as the chemicals used could damage your pack. Instead, simply hand wash or machine wash with cold water and mild detergent. Using any type of bleach on your JanSport without first testing it on an inconspicuous area of your backpack is not recommended and may cause damage.
How can I fix water spots on my JanSport backpack?
Water spots are caused by minerals in the water reacting with your pack’s fabric. Fill a large bucket with 1 cup of distilled white vinegar and 1 gallon of warm water. Soak a sponge or soft cloth in the solution and use it to wet all of the stained areas. Allow your backpack to air dry after soaking. If you have a waterproofing spray, go ahead and apply it now to keep your pack protected from future water damage.
Can I use bleach on my JanSport backpack?
No, do not use bleach without first testing it on an inconspicuous area of your backpack. Bleach will damage the DWR (durable water repellent) coating which will cause your pack to soak through when it gets wet.
