We put our backpacks through a lot of wear and tear. Along the way, they spend much time on the ground developing a variety of different odors. Similarly, the items within the bag can have an equal impact on the development of smells within the backpack.
Fortunately, there are several things that can be done to deodorize the inside and outside of a backpack to make it smell as if it were new. By following the below solutions you can be sure that your pack will smell fresh and will be odor-free.
Deodorize Inside of Backpack
1 Baking Soda
This household ingredient is well known for it’s absorption powers. When there is a spill within a backpack, washing out the residues will not always remove the residual odors. Once all of the stickiness is washed away, pour a half cup of baking soda within the pouch containing the spill and zip closed. Shake bag vigorously to ensure that the baking soda cover the entire interior of the pouch and place the bag aside for 48-72 hours. After 2-3 days have passed, open the pouch to pour all of the baking soda out and place the freshened backpack into use.
2 Activated Charcoal
If you have the time, this solution can work wonders in absorbing difficult odors from within a backpack. Place several charcoal briquettes within an old pair of nylon leggings to avoid the charcoal rubbing off within the interior. After washing the residues from the interior area of the spill, place the nylon enclosed activated charcoal briquettes within the interior of the affected pouch and zip closed. Allow backpack to sit for 5-7 days as the charcoal briquettes absorb the unwanted aromas.
3 Coffee Grounds
These morning grounds are fantastic at absorbing odors from enclosed spaces. Bundle several paper towel balls with coffee grounds inside. Place 2-3 of these bound coffee ground balls within the affected pouch of backpack and zip the compartment closed. Provide 3-4 days for the coffee grounds to absorb the unwanted odors before removing them and putting the backpack into use. The odor will be removed, leaving behind a gentile aroma of coffee.
4 Wadded Newspaper + Vanilla Extract
This solution will have the effect of absorbing the unwanted odor within the wadded up newspaper and adding a gentile scent of vanilla. Wad up several pieces of newspaper and lightly moisten the edges with vanilla extract. Place these newspaper wads within the enclosed compartment and provide 2-3 days for all of the odor to be absorbed within the paper fiber.
Deodorize Outside of Backpack
1 White Vinegar
This household acid works to strip odors off the outside of a backpack without harming the waterproof sealant. Create a solution of one part white vinegar to three part warm water and pour within a spray bottle. Spritz down the outside of the backpack until the material becomes moist and hang outside to air dry. After a day hanging outside to air dry, fetch the freshened backpack and place back within use.
2 Enzyme Cleaning Spray
This solution helps to remove odors by using the powers of active enzymes. You can buy an enzyme cleaning spray at pet stores and most grocery stores. Use the enzyme spray to mist down the entire affected outside portion of the backpack and hang outside to air dry.
3 Rubbing Alcohol
The high levels of alcohol help to neutralize odors on the spot. Mix a rubbing alcohol and water in equal parts and pour within a spray bottle. Spritz down the exterior of backpack and hang for the day to air dry. Once backpack completely dries off put back into use.
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