How to Clean my old Backpack? Help Please.

[AlabamaDan]

So, I finally found my old JanSport External backpack from years ago and I'm so pumped. I used it all the way through high school for camping & hiking, then it disappeared in college. My mom found it for me! Bad thing is that it's dirty! Not moldy or anything, just dirty from wear. All these years I've had it I never cleaned it. How would you clean a nylon external frame backpack?

[Jayboflavin04]

I had a old external frame I dug out of the basement a few months back. I just used a mild dish detergent and warm h2o, and aired it out. If it has a mildewie closet smell mist it lightly with some white vinegar.

[AlabamaDan]

So don't try to take it off the frame and wash it? Smells fine it was even unzipped all these years. Just wash it with a rag?

[Jayboflavin04]

That is what I did with mine. Kept it on the frame, and used warm water and dawn. If it is muddy u might use a old tooth brush or what not.

[fiddlehead]

Take it to the car wash, put in about 6 quarters and start with the tire cleaner. (skip the wax)

[AlabamaDan]

Ok. Just finished my 1st pass. I took it loose from the frame, except for the top where it would have been difficult. I started with a little dawn and a scrubby sponge. Ended up with a sink full of tide and water with the pack completely in there washing it by hand. It looks alot cleaner, but those pesky stains are still there. The whole thing looks better however. I might try goo gone on the bad spots.

Only thing is that there appears to have been some paper under the seams when it was made. That stuff is shot now.

[Reid]

I hit my old one with a hose pipe and some dish washing detergent.

[Hikes in Rain]

Don't worry too much about the stains. They're badges of honor, earned the hard way.

[max patch]

Car wash.

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[AlabamaDan]

Don't worry too much about the stains. They're badges of honor, earned the hard way.

Badges of Honor. I like that. I think I will darn the hole.

[Rain Man]

This has been the topic of several threads, which have good info on cleaning and removing funk--

get the smell out of my jacket.

Cat pissed on my tent

Cat urinated all over my new sleeping bag

I'm sure there are others, but thought these might be helpful. I'm a big believer in enzyme cleaners for removing smelly funk. Stains and tears are badges of honor.

RainMan

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