A school backpack endures more wear and tear in nine months than almost anything else bought for a child. Here are the three things that truly extend its life, and one that shortens it instantly.
What you should never do: washing machine with 3D relief
Backpacks with a molded front should not go in the washing machine. The drum deforms the relief structure and it doesn’t return to its original shape. Clean them with a damp cloth and mild soap on the surface.
Washing according to the material
Plain fabric backpacks can be machine washed, inside out and in cold water. If they have a name in heat-transfer vinyl, do not iron directly on it: the heat lifts the vinyl. Using a cloth in between is fine.
Always dry in the shade and open. Storing a damp backpack is what causes that smell that never goes away.
The three points where they break
The top handle, when it’s sewn only to the fabric and not to the reinforcement. The stitching of the straps where they join the base. And the zipper, almost always because the backpack is forced when it’s too full.
All three give warning signs before breaking: a loose thread on the handle or a zipper that starts skipping a tooth are the moments to sew, not to wait.
The weight, which is the underlying cause
The usual guideline is not to exceed 10% of the child’s weight. A systematically overloaded backpack will burst at the strap seams before the school year ends, and it also strains the wearer’s back.
Other characters in the catalog
- All Spiderman school gear: backpacks, pencil cases, and kits
- Avengers for school: backpacks, pencil cases, and Marvel kits
- Stitch for school: four backpacks, pencil case, and lunchbox
- Kuromi for school: primary backpack, thermos, and pencil case
And if you want to choose by age instead of character, in which backpack by age you’ll find size ranges, and in the school supplies list, what’s needed at each stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put the backpack in the washing machine?
Plain fabric ones yes, inside out and in cold water. 3D relief ones no: the drum deforms the front structure and it doesn’t recover.
How do I get rid of the musty smell?
Wash it if the material allows and always dry it open and in the shade. The smell comes from storing it damp, so the solution is not to do that again.
Can I iron a backpack with a vinyl name?
Not directly on the heat-transfer vinyl: the heat lifts it. Using a cloth in between is fine.
How much weight can a child carry?
The usual guideline is 10% of their body weight. A 25 kg child shouldn’t carry more than 2.5 kg, including a full water bottle.