How to Clean a Rolling Backpack: EVERKI Step-by-Step Guide

f you have ever tried to clean a rolling backpack, you know it is not as simple as tossing it in the wash. The wheels collect dirt, the fabric holds onto stains, and the handle can be tricky to keep spotless. 

Many travelers even search forums asking things like “How to wash a rolling backpack in the machine?” or “How to clean a rolling backpack wheels?” Maintaining a professional backpack is key for business traveler, and learning the right way to clean it makes the process stress-free. 

This guide breaks it down into clear steps so your rolling backpack stays fresh, polished, and travel-ready.

What Do I Need Before Cleaning My Rolling Backpack?

To clean your EVERKI rolling backpack effectively without damaging its premium fabric.

Cleaning Materials for wheeled backpacks:

• Gentle, non-bleach detergent: This cleaning material is safe for ballistic nylon and other high-performance fabrics of Everki durable wheeled backpacks.
• Soft microfiber cloths or sponges: It is ideal for wiping surfaces with care and maintaining backpack quality.
• Soft-bristled brush (or old toothbrush): The Brush is perfect to remove stains from backpack exterior, like around zippers and seams.
• Baking soda: This soda powder naturally get odor out of backpack without harming protective coatings.
• Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment: Vacuuming is a big part of cleaning a wheeled backpack thoroughly.
• Warm water: Use only lukewarm water to avoid weakening the wheeled backpack fabric fibers and maintaining its quality.
• Clean towels: These are for blotting and drying after cleaning the rolling backpack.

Pro Tip: Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or bleach. Always use mild detergent to care for high-performance fabrics like ballistic nylon. 

What is the Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Rolling Backpack?

Step 1: Empty and Inspect Your Wheeled Backpack

A wheeled laptop backpack can collect pens, crumbs, and receipts that need to be cleared first.

While unpacking, quickly check for:

• stuck or stiff zippers
• stains on the fabric
• loose threads or tears

Catching these small issues in your backpacks now makes the cleaning smoother.

Step 2: Shake Out and Vacuum the Backpack Interior

Turn your rolling laptop bag upside down and gently shake out dust or crumbs. Then, grab a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Carefully clean:

• padded laptop compartments
• mesh interior pockets
• seams and corners of the wheeled backpack

This step ensures you don’t rub dirt deeper into the fabric when you wash it.

Step 3: Spot Clean Stains on the Fabric

Mix a mild detergent with warm water. Dip a microfiber cloth, wring it out, and blot stains gently. Don’t rub aggressively on ballistic nylon and polyester fabrics on a travel backpack with wheels respond better to dabbing.

For tougher stains:

• Let the soapy solution sit for a minute
• Scrub lightly with a soft-bristle brush
• Rinse with a damp cloth to remove soap

This method helps remove stains from backpack exterior without damaging the high-performance fabric

Step 4: Safely Clean the Interior and Laptop Compartment

If wondering “How to clean the inside of a backpack and laptop compartment safely?” For this, use a damp cloth with minimal moisture; electronics and water don’t mix. 

Wipe gently inside the padded laptop sleeve and let it air dry quickly.

If your bag has a removable laptop insert, wash it separately based on its care label.

Step 5: Wash the Exterior of the Rolling Backpack

For business travelers wondering how to disinfect a travel backpack, use gentle cleaners and avoid harsh chemicals. 

If you’re thinking about how to wash a rolling backpack, avoid dunking it in water. Instead:

• Use a leather cleaner or conditioner
• Wipe dry immediately to prevent water spots

Step 6: Clean Backpack Wheels Thoroughly

If wondering “how to clean backpack wheels thoroughly?, then cleaning wheels on a rolling backpack is essential for smooth travel. One of the main differences in backpack vs rolling luggage care is the extra attention required for wheels.

So, for that, use tweezers or a small tool to pull out hair, threads, or dirt wrapped around the axles.

Then:

• Wipe wheels with a damp cloth and mild detergent
• Scrub with a brush if there’s heavy dirt
• Dry completely with a towel to prevent rust

After drying, you can lubricate backpack wheels lightly with silicone spray for smoother rolling

Step 7: How to Clean the Telescoping Handle

Extend the telescoping handle on your wheeled backpack and wipe it with a damp cloth. Slide it in and out several times to remove grime stuck in grooves.

If you ever need to clean a stuck backpack handle, extend it fully and wipe inside the grooves

Step 8: Remove Odors from a Rolling Laptop Bag

A rolling school bag or laptop bag on wheels can develop odors after long use. To refresh it:

• Sprinkle baking soda inside and leave overnight
• Vacuum it out the next morning
• For strong odors, place a pouch of activated charcoal inside for 2–3 days

Proper care helps extend the freshness of your bag, and with EVERKI’s Limited Lifetime Warranty, you know your backpack is built for the long run

Step 9: Dry Your Backpack with Wheels the Right Way

Never put your rolling backpack in a dryer. Instead:

• hang it upside down in a well-ventilated area
• Keep zippers open for airflow
• Stuff padded sections with dry towels to absorb moisture and maintain shape

Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade fabric and weaken fibres.

Step 10: Final Check and Care for Your Wheeled Backpack

Once dry, do a quick inspection. Look for stains you may have missed and test the zippers, wheels, and handle. You can also consider useful bag add-ons like protective covers or organizer pouches to keep your rolling backpack looking new.

At this point, you can also:

• Apply fabric protector spray for stain and water resistance
• repair snags or tears with patches
• Lubricate zippers for smoother function

With regular rolling backpack maintenance, your bag will stay durable and travel-ready.

Conclusion

Whether you’re commuting daily or flying across the globe, maintaining a professional backpack reflects your attention to detail and keeps you ready for any business setting. In the end, following these steps makes cleaning a business travel bag easy and stress-free.

Looking for a backpack that is built with premium materials and designed to handle years of travel? Explore our collection of rolling laptop backpacks at EVERKI and experience durability, comfort, and style.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to clean the wheels on my rolling backpack?
 Remove hair or debris with tweezers, then wipe the wheels and housing with soapy water. Dry them well to avoid rust.

2. How can I prevent my rolling backpack from getting dirty too quickly?
 Use organizer pouches, wipe them down after trips, and apply a fabric protector spray.

3. Can I clean my backpack without getting it wet?
 Yes. Vacuum and wipe with a dry microfiber cloth for light cleaning. Moisture is only needed for deep cleaning.

4. Can you put a rolling backpack in the washing machine?
 Generally no. The wheels, handle, and frame are not designed for machine washing. Hand-cleaning is the safest method.