Has anyone washed the regular size - non roller - ETBD backpack. I have had mine for a few years and would like to "clean it up". Since it is cloth, I would think it would be fine to stick it in the washing machine. Thanks.
Posted by
Davis, CA
92 posts
My experience is that it has been a mistake to wash Cordura in the washing machine. The inside coating starts to fray and separate from the cloth. I have successfully spruced my old ETBD pack using a scrub brush with mild detergent on the spots, rinsing with a hose and drying outside. My fairly old ETBD bag appears to be made with Cordura.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1883 posts
If you stick the bag in a washing machine, even on gentle cycle, you will ruin it. The coating on the bag will come off, make a mess of the machine, and ruin the fabric for any future use. The straps will also suffer.
To wash any daypack, or piece of luggage, you may place it in a sink, or bathtub, use gentle detergent and a brush to clean the fabric. Do not soak the bag, just get it wet and clean as much of the dirt off as you can. Expect the bag to look better, but not new!
Your bag is not "cloth" it's a nylon and will hold onto oils and grease. Do not use any harsh cleaner for this purpose. Just think of all the places your bag took you and wear the dirt as memories!
Posted by
OP
525 posts
Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I hadn't thought about "carrying around" the memories in the dirt and germs and....
For the day bag - I did take a piece of foam, covered it with the same color as the bag and attached it to the inside of the bag on the backside. It feels better against my back. I also took a piece of thin foam and covered it to sew around the handle we carry it with. It also helps on the hands. Rick's bags have been MANY places! Thanks again.
Posted by
Beautiful Austin TX
582 posts
Just to be on the safe side, why not ask Rick's travel store? Just tell them which of Rick's bag you have, and they will tell you. That's what I would do.