Product Care

How to Clean Your Backpack

The best way to keep up the appearance of your beloved Eastpak backpack is through regular cleaning. However, it’s essential to know how to clean and wash your Eastpak backpack in the right way, to avoid any accidental damage and extend the bag’s life.

Cleaning fabric Eastpak backpacks

Can you wash your Eastpak bag? The answer depends on what the bag is made of. With fabric backpacks, the answer is a definite yes, but with care. We recommend following the steps below, to avoid damaging your favourite backpack:

Step 1

Empty and prepare

Remove books, tech devices, pencil cases, and anything else you don’t want to get wet. Also, be sure to remove detachable parts like straps. Then unzip all pockets and turn the backpack inside out.

Step 2

Remove dust

Before cleaning the outside, get rid of any dust or debris inside. You can either shake the bag out over a bin or gently vacuum it using a handheld vacuum or a hose attachment.

Step 3

Spot clean

For small stains, use a damp cloth to gently clean the area. If the stain is particularly stubborn, use a mix of water and neutral soap. Dab the solution onto the stain, then gently scrub until the stain fades.

Step 4

Hand wash

Fill a basin or a bathtub with cold water and a mild detergent, submerge your bag, and gently scrub with a soft cloth or a soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly, ensuring no detergent remains.

Step 5

Air dry

Always air dry your Eastpak fabric bag. Lay it flat in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Similarly to the washing machine, the tumble dryer is also a no-go, as it can damage the backpack's structure and material.

Step 6

Protection

For added care, use a universal protective spray designed for fabric bags. This helps repel water and protect against future stains, dust, and anything that may damage your fabric Eastpak backpack.

Cleaning water-resistant Eastpak backpacks

While Eastpak bags aren't fully waterproof, they provide a good degree of protection against moisture and light rain. However, they need extra attention when cleaning, as both the internal PU (polyurethane) coating and the external DWR (durable water repellent) treatment are quite delicate. In case you had a water-resistant Eastpak backpack, like an Out Of Office or an Up Roll, here’s how you should take care of it:

  • Step 1: Routine clean

Similar to fabric bags, spot cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap works well for small stains. For a deeper clean, hand washing in cold water with a gentle detergent is recommended.

  • Step 2: Protection

Treat your bag regularly with a water repellent product. This not only renews the bag's resistance to water but also prolongs the life of the water-resistant layer, which can wear off due to light and water exposure.

Caring for leather Eastpak bags

While Eastpak no longer produces fully leather backpacks, you might have bought one in the past, or it was passed down from your dad. Therefore, as we strive to make our product last as long as possible, here’s how to properly care for your all-leather backpack:

Step 1

Dust regularly

Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe your bag clean regularly. This removes dust and prevents it from settling into the leather, without requiring you to perform more thorough cleaning.

Step 2

Leather care products

When more thorough cleaning is required, use specialised leather care products, like a leather conditioner. These products should be colourless and tested on a less visible area first, to ensure they won't alter the leather's colour or texture.

Step 3

Avoid water and chemicals

Do not wash your leather Eastpak bag or use any chemical cleaners. Leather should be kept dry and must avoid contact with damp or wet surfaces to prevent staining and damage.

Nice to know

The uniqueness of the Wyoming

Among our wide range of backpacks, the Wyoming stands out as a unique model crafted from both leather and fabric. To preserve the quality and durability of each material, be sure to follow the care instructions specific to both leather and fabric parts.

Nice to know

Leather is a natural material

Each leather Eastpak backpack is unique, with natural colour variations that make it special. Proper care keeps these variations vibrant, prevents the leather from drying out or cracking, and over time, your bag will develop a beautiful patina — making it even more unique as it ages.

FAQs

• Can I use any kind of soap to clean my Eastpak fabric backpack?

It is recommended to use a neutral soap or a mild detergent to clean your Eastpak fabric backpack. Harsh detergents or bleach can damage the fabric and cause discoloration.

• Can I use a hair dryer or heater to dry my Eastpak backpack faster?

No, it is not advisable to use a hairdryer, heater or any other artificial heat source to dry your backpack, as direct heat can damage the material of your backpack. It is best to air dry your bag in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.

• How often should I clean my Eastpak backpack?

The frequency of cleaning your backpack depends on how often you use it and what conditions it's exposed to. If you use your backpack daily, a monthly deep clean with regular spot cleaning for stains is recommended.

• How can I deodorise my backpack?

One way to deodorise a backpack is by using baking soda. Empty the backpack and sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside, then let it sit overnight. The next day, vacuum or shake out the baking soda. For persistent odours, you may need to repeat the process.

• How should I store my backpack when I'm not using it?

When not in use, empty your backpack and store it in a dry place out of direct sunlight. If possible, store it in a way that maintains its shape, such as hanging it up or filling it with tissue paper.

Our 30 years limited warranty

In case of any manufacturing defects related to materials or workmanship, you’re covered by our 30 years limited warranty.

Discover our warranty

Our 30 years limited warranty

In case of any manufacturing defects related to materials or workmanship, you’re covered by our 30 years limited warranty.

Discover our warranty