How to Clean Leather Backpack: Expert Tips for Proper Care

Wondering about the ins and outs of ‘how to clean leather backpack' methods when they get dirty or discolored?

Start by using a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and debris on the fabric. Then, use a leather cleaner to gently rub the surface to lift dirt and grime without stripping away the leather's innate oils. Finally, apply a specialized leather conditioner to restore moisture and flexibility after cleaning your backpack.

At Andar, we're experts in handcrafted full grain leather bags, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about cleaning your leather backpack. This includes the supplies you'll need, how to spot-test cleaning products, and how to properly treat your leather backpack after cleaning.

Let's get started!

What this article covers:

How to Clean a Leather Backpack
How to Wash a Leather Backpack FAQs

How to Clean a Leather Backpack

Below are our best Andar leather care strategies for cleaning a full grain leather bag or backpack.

1. Prepare Your Bag

Before you begin cleaning, it's essential to empty your backpack completely. That means taking out every item from the various pockets and compartments, including things you might not use regularly.

In the case of The Addison, our Andar backpack for women has three main pockets you need to check and remove your personal belongings from:

front pocket
bucket pocket
hidden pocket for phone or cash

Drawing from our experience, we suggest turning the bag inside out if possible to check you haven't missed anything. Once you've done so, shake it slightly to dislodge any debris that might be hiding in the seams or corners.

When your backpack is empty, it's time to tackle the interior. A lint roller is an excellent tool for this job, particularly with The Manhattan from our collection.

In contrast with The Addison, this leather backpack for men is wider, sporting:

three spacious zippered compartments
laptop sleeve
back pocket for phone and cash

Roll the lint roller over all interior surfaces of The Manhattan, paying special attention to corners and seams where debris tends to accumulate.

Don't forget to use the lint roller on both sides of its adjustable shoulder straps too. This process helps with removing dust, hair, and small particles that a simple shake-out might miss.

If you don't have a lint roller, a piece of tape wrapped around your hand (with the sticky side facing outwards) can work in a pinch as well.

2. Gather Your Supplies

At Andar, we've curated a selection of high-quality items in The Product Care range that are perfect for the job.

After trying out this product, we found that The Leather Care Kit in particular includes a soft microfiber cloth, which is gentle enough to use on even the most delicate leather.

For cleaning, we recommend our specially formulated leather cleaner, which effectively removes dirt without stripping the leather of its innate oils.

Follow this up with our leather conditioner to replenish moisture and keep your backpack looking and feeling supple.

For an extra touch of luxury, The Leather Cream can add a beautiful shine to your bag. You'll also want a damp microfiber cloth for wiping away excess product, a soft brush for stubborn dirt, and optionally, a cotton swab for getting into tight corners.

Using the right tools makes this cleaning process more effective and helps preserve your leather backpack for years to come.

3. Spot-Test Before Cleaning

Before you dive into cleaning your entire backpack, it's crucial to perform a spot test first.

Choose an inconspicuous area of the backpack, such as an interior corner or the bottom, and apply a small amount of your chosen cleaning solution.

Through our practical knowledge, we've discovered that it's best to wait for the test area to dry completely before checking for any adverse reactions like:

discoloration
stiffening
damage to the leather

Different types of leather tend to react differently to cleaning products, so what works for one bag might not be suitable for another.

Remember, it's always better to be cautious when it comes to caring for your modern leather goods.

4. Start Cleaning

After putting it to the test, we recommend using Andar's leather cleaning solution from The Leather Care Kit.

Start by applying a small amount of the cleaner to a dry microfiber cloth. Keep in mind that you want the cloth to be damp with the leather cleaner, not soaking wet.

Lightly rub the leather surface in circular motions, paying extra attention to visibly soiled areas. Be careful not to oversaturate the leather though, as excessive moisture can lead to damage.

Work your way systematically across the surface of the backpack, ensuring you cover all areas evenly. For stubborn stains, you may need to apply a bit more pressure to your movements, but always be gentle to avoid warping the leather.

After you've cleaned the entire surface area, lightly soak a microfiber cloth in water and use it to remove any cleaning residue. This step is crucial as leftover cleaner can attract dirt and potentially ruin the leather over time.

Learning how to clean apple leather case like The Aspen follows a similar process to backpacks - gradual cleaning with minimal moisture is key for conserving the supple feel of our leather iPhone cases.

5. Treat Your Leather Backpack

Our investigation demonstrated that applying a high-quality leather conditioner is pivotal for replenishing a backpack's moisture and flexibility. This can ultimately maintain its softness and durability over time.

We recommend using our specialized leather conditioner from The Leather Care Kit. Apply a small amount to a clean, soft microfiber cloth and work it into the leather using circular motions. Be sure to cover all aspects of the backpack, paying extra attention to areas that see more wear and tear.

Let the conditioner soak in for several hours. This will allow the leather to fully absorb the nourishing oils from the conditioner. Afterward, use a clean and dry microfiber cloth to wipe off any excess conditioner.

Next, apply The Leather Cream to your backpack. Buff it in light circles to achieve a smooth, polished finish. Then leave it to dry overnight for roughly 8 hours to lock the cream's natural properties into your backpack's fibers.

How to Wash a Leather Backpack FAQs

Can I Machine Wash My Leather Backpack?

We don't recommend cleaning a leather backpack in a washing machine. As per our expertise at Andar, the sheer agitation and excessive water exposure in a washing machine can potentially cause significant damage to leather.

Additionally, the harsh movement can distort the shape of your backpack, while the prolonged exposure to liquids can lead to waterlogging and potential mold growth.

It's important to remember as well that many detergents used in washing machines are usually too harsh for leather and can strip away its innate oils, leading to dryness and cracking.

Instead of machine washing, we suggest sticking to the hand-cleaning method we've outlined earlier in this guide. It may take a bit more time and effort, but it will ensure that your leather backpack remains in top condition for years to come.

Can You Put A Backpack In The Washer With Other Clothes?

As before, we don't advise tossing your leather backpack in with a load of laundry.

For instance, the backpack can become tangled with these items, potentially warping both the bag and your other clothes. Zippers, buckles, and other hardware on the backpack can snag or tear more delicate fabrics, also.

Moreover, the combination of water, detergent, and agitation can irreparably ruin the leather, causing it to lose its shape, color, and integrity.

The same goes for methods of ‘how to clean leather collar' if you have dogs. Overall, we suggest opting for gentle hand cleaning instead of putting leather backpacks and dog collars in a washing machine.

Do Leather Backpacks Shrink In The Dryer?

The intense heat and mechanical action of a tumble dryer can lead to significant damage, including shrinking, hardening, and warping of leather backpacks.

This not only affects the shape but can also cause the leather to become brittle and prone to cracking. We suggest gradually air-drying leather items for several hours to conserve their integrity and appearance instead.

How Long Does A Backpack Take To Dry?

Based on our first-hand experience at Andar, a leather backpack can take anywhere from several hours to a full day to air-dry completely.

The drying time for a leather backpack depends on several factors, including:

the material of the backpack
how wet it is
the drying conditions

What Should I Do If My Leather Backpack Gets Wet?

If your leather backpack gets wet, the first step is to blot the backpack with a dry, absorbent cloth made of microfibers to remove as much surface water as possible. Be very careful though – rubbing vigorously can damage the leather or push water further into its fibers.

It's critical to avoid using direct heat sources like hair dryers, radiators, or direct sunlight to dry your leather backpack, also. These can cause the leather to dry too quickly, leading to cracking or warping.

Instead, place the bag in a well-ventilated area at room temperature, letting it air-dry naturally for a few hours.

You also can stuff the bag with absorbent materials like white paper towels or unprinted paper to draw out moisture from the inside. Be sure to change them periodically if they become damp during the process.

Once your backpack is completely dry, apply our Andar leather conditioner or The Leather Cream to restore moisture and stop the leather from becoming stiff or brittle.

Is It Necessary To Use Leather Conditioner After Every Cleaning?

While regular conditioning is important for preserving the quality of your leather backpack, it's not necessary to use a leather conditioner after every cleaning session.

As a general rule, we at Andar recommend conditioning your leather backpack every few months under normal use. However, if you live in a particularly dry climate or use your backpack daily, you might need to condition more frequently than that.

Be careful of over-conditioning, though. This can lead to a buildup of residue on the leather, which can attract dirt and potentially clog the pores of the leather.

The key is to check your backpack often – if the leather starts to look dry or feel stiff – then it's time for some conditioning.

How Can I Prevent My Leather Backpack From Getting Scratched?

Preventing scratches on your leather backpack requires a combination of proper storage and handling.

First and foremost, when you're not using your backpack, place it in a dust bag or a soft pillowcase for safe keeping. This can protect it from debris, stopping it from rubbing against other items that could potentially scratch the fabric.

If you don't have a dust bag, make sure to store your backpack in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can fade and dry out the leather.

When you're using your bag, be mindful of its surroundings. Avoid placing it on rough surfaces or dragging it across abrasive materials. Be careful when wearing jewelry or watches that could potentially scratch the leather, as well.

Consistent cleaning and conditioning can also help maintain the leather's resilience.

For example, figuring out how to clean leather watch band is similar in this regard with our Apple watch bands 44mm. Like leather backpacks, they too require gentle handling and proper placement to prevent scratches on any leather item.

What Should I Do If My Leather Backpack Gets Wet In The Rain?

If your backpack gets wet in the rain, the first step is to blot it lightly with a dry, absorbent microfiber cloth as soon as possible.

Don't rub the leather though, as this can push water further into the material's fibers and potentially ruin the fabric.

Once you've removed as much surface water as possible, let the backpack air-dry at room temperature for a couple of hours.

When the backpack is completely dry, apply our Andar leather conditioner or cream to re-hydrate it and stop the material from becoming stiff or brittle.

This process helps preserve the integrity and appearance of your leather backpack even after unexpected exposure to rain.

Conclusion

In this guide, we discovered that learning how to clean leather backpacks is a straightforward process when you have the right tools and knowledge.

We've covered how to clean a backpack by hand using suitable methods and products from The Leather Care Kit, as well as discussed the do's and don'ts of drying a leather backpack when it's wet.

Ready to elevate your everyday carry?

Explore our collection here at Andar – from our full grain leather handbags to our versatile backpacks – and carry what matters.

Your perfect leather companion awaits!

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How to Clean Leather Backpack