How to wash a sports bag?

When it comes to washing clothes and bed linens, we have a certain schedule and rules. But who among you remembers the last time you washed a gym bag?

We didn't mean to offend you, by the way! And of course we are sure that you look after your sports accessories as carefully as you do your other things. Especially since most modern sports bags are often made of textiles or leather using special impregnations and protective layers that make them easier to care for. And to get rid of a small stain on the product, dry or wet cleaning is enough. But there are cases when only washing can extend the life of your favorite accessory. We will tell you how to properly wash a sports bag in this article.

1. How to wash a sports bag?
2. What should I do before washing?
3. How to wash a bag by hand?
4. Machine wash.
5. Helpful tips.

1. How to wash a sports bag?

Sports bags are made of polyester, leather, leatherette or canvas. The design of the products can be soft, frame (i.e. rigid) or semi-rigid (this is when there is a panel insert or stiffening ribs). Find out what you have and pay attention to the label. If it has manufacturer's care instructions, follow them. If the label is missing or there are no care instructions on it, but there are symbols, follow our recommendations.

The sports bag must not be washed if the following symbols are present.

Bags made of polyester, nylon, taslan.

Soft and semi-rigid sports bags made of polyester, nylon, taslan can be washed by hand or in a machine. Even after multiple washes, they do not lose their attractive appearance. The choice of washing method depends on the size of the bag and the design possibility of removing the elements of its frame for the period of washing. But frame (rigid) sports bags made of polyester - are washed only by hand. Here is one example - a sports bag for golf.

Leather sports bags.

It is not recommended to wash sports bags made of leather. Leather easily tolerates water, but after getting wet it tends to stretch, so there is a risk that the bag will lose its shape. Therefore, only hand wet cleaning.

Use medical or industrial alcohol as a cleaning agent. If there is no alcohol, use vodka. If an alcohol-based wipe (or one soaked in vodka) does not cope with the task, wet a cotton pad or a piece of thick fabric and wipe the dirty surface with a little effort.

Sports bags made of leatherette, leatherette or eco-leather.

Sports bags made of leatherette, leatherette or eco-leather. Unlike genuine leather bags, alcohol and other aggressive stain removers are not used to clean these items. Use only a foamy soap solution. You can thoroughly treat the surface with a porous sponge or a makeup sponge.

Sports bags made of canvas, sailcloth.

If we are talking about single-color items, they can be washed without restrictions, both by hand and in a washing machine, using detergents for natural fabrics.

We recommend hand washing multi-colored bags and bags with a print using a soap solution. Fresh stains almost always wash out the first time. It is better to pre-soak old stains, then treat with a soft brush and wash. No need to wring. Gently squeeze out so as not to damage the pattern and hang on a dryer.

2. What should you do before washing a sports bag?

Before soaking your sports bag or putting it in the washing machine, don't forget to empty it of things, "shaking out" not only the contents, but also the trash. The latter, in the form of small crumbs, can get stuck in the seams. A vacuum cleaner will help solve this problem quickly, or an old toothbrush will help solve it slowly.

It is recommended to zip up all the pockets, but you don't have to. But what is really important is to remove all the metal and non-metallic decor and fittings (which are removable): carabiners, straps, belts, pullers on runners and other hangers.

3. How to wash a sports bag by hand?

1. Prepare a bag (see point above).
2. Prepare a bathtub, basin or other container of a suitable size that will fit your sports bag.
3. Fill with warm water. Its temperature should be within 30-35 ℃.
4. Add white vinegar and baking soda (70 g of soda and 70 ml of vinegar per 8 liters of water).
5. Dip the bag and leave it for 1-2 hours. During this time, all the dirt will be soaked and unpleasant odors will be destroyed.
6. After some time, drain the solution and fill it with a new portion of warm water.
7. Add soap shavings or washing gel until a foamy solution is formed.
8. Dip the bag in it and go over its surface with a soft brush.
9. Rinse with warm, clean running water.
10. Do not wring out, but let the water drain naturally.

Dry in a ventilated room (not on a radiator) or outside (not in direct sunlight), hanging the bag by the base at several points or placing it on a clothes dryer.

4. Machine wash. Can you wash a sports bag in a washing machine?

Yes, you can and should, if three conditions are met at the same time:

1. the product is soft or semi-rigid;
2. its dimensions allow it to be loaded into the machine;
3. there is no "NOT MACHINE WASHABLE" symbol on the tag

The process itself is simpler and more enjoyable than hand washing:

1. Prepare the bag (see point #2).
2. Pour the required amount of washing gel into the container (see manufacturer's instructions).
3. Select one of three washing modes: "Delicate", "Gentle" or "Hand wash" (the temperature should not be more than 40℃).
4. Turn on the "Extra rinse" function.
5. Turn off the "Spin" function

Start the machine. After washing, dry the bag either in a ventilated room (not on a radiator) or outside (but not in direct sunlight), hanging the product by the base at several points or placing it on a clothes dryer.

5. Useful tips for care and washing.

Before washing, be sure to remove (if any) the panel insert at the bottom, internal or side stiffeners that help the bag maintain its shape. It is better to clean these elements separately by hand wet cleaning. In addition, without them, the bag is easier to wash and dries faster.

To eliminate very persistent unpleasant odors (even after washing), use an odor neutralizer in an aerosol can. Thanks to the natural enzymes and microorganisms included in the product, the neutralizer does not mask, but eliminates the sources of unpleasant odors (kills unwanted bacteria).

Use soap solution or washing gel as detergents. Unlike powder detergents, they dissolve and rinse better without leaving streaks.

It is better to place a sports bag with massive decorative elements that cannot be removed during washing in a laundry bag. This will protect the inside of the machine drum from impacts.

If you can't remove the shoulder strap, layer it and secure it with a cord or string (or tie it in a knot).

After washing, when the water has drained, wipe the bag outside and inside (you can turn it inside out) with a terry towel. Do the same with the pockets. It will be even better if you fill the bag with a terry towel inside and wrap it with the same towel outside. Terry quickly absorbs moisture, speeding up the drying process several times. After 20-30 minutes, remove the towel and leave the bag until completely dry.

Conclusion.

No matter how carefully you use your sports bag, sweat, dust, dirt, grass stains and precipitation take their toll. You can buy a new accessory or you can fix the old one. Washing your gym bag once or twice a year is an easy way to extend its lifespan, and have peace of mind that its contents will also be clean and odor-free. We've shown you it's not hard. The choice is yours.