Summer is a time of freedom, travel, holidays, and adventure. For kids' school backpacks, however, it usually means 2 months when the backpack is forgotten. Forgotten under the bed, with the last crumbs from a snack and notebooks stuck together by spilled drinks. As the holidays end, it's time to reset not just the kids, but their belongings too. And the backpack is first on the list.
A neglected backpack isn't just an aesthetic issue. It can pose a hygiene risk. Kids don't want to put things into a musty, torn, chaotic bag or show it off to classmates. After the holidays, we often discover surprises: forgotten supplies, leftover food, or even mold. It's not only about cleanliness but overall functionality. Caring for the backpack before the first day of the new school year becomes part of a ritual that helps kids switch from holiday mode to school mode.
Before you reach for a cloth and soap, inspect the backpack thoroughly. Focus on the zippers and buckles to see whether they work and that no zipper is torn and no buckle is cracked. Examine the interior to make sure the seams are strong and the pockets are intact. Check for odors, which can be a sign of a forgotten snack or mold. Stains and marks from food, ink, or spilled drinks will also tell you whether cleaning will be enough, or if it's already better to get a new backpack.
Empty all the contents and turn the pockets inside out. Vacuum the crumbs with a vacuum cleaner fitted with a narrow nozzle. Then wipe the inside and outside with a damp cloth and mild soap (for example, hand soap). Use disinfectant on the bottom and sides, where bacteria can survive. Let the backpack air-dry completely—never on a heater or in direct sunlight. For fabric backpacks, you can consider a gentle washing-machine cycle according to the care instructions.
A holiday reset is the perfect moment to organize the backpack more efficiently. Get rid of unnecessary items, old papers, and supplies you no longer need. Use pockets and organizers to prevent chaos and make things easy to find. Well-sealed lunch boxes and bottles help prevent accidents. Simple labeling like colored covers or pictograms helps younger children find their way.
Sometimes cleaning is a lost cause. Torn material, cracked joints, broken zippers, or an odor that won't go away are clear signs the backpack has reached the end of its life. The same applies if it's too small.
Kids don't see the backpack as just a tool. It's their personal space, their "world" within the world of school. A clean, organized, pleasantly scented backpack gives them a sense of control, motivation, and joy about returning to school. When they take part in cleaning it (for example by sorting the contents, decorating it themselves, or choosing accessories), the bond with the backpack deepens. A regular shared backpack clean-out can become a pleasant monthly habit.
A few simple habits can extend a backpack's lifespan. Using a rain cover in the rain, storing snacks in sturdy boxes, or a regular weekly check of the contents.