Can You Put A Duffel Bag In The Washer? (Find Out Now!)

Which Duffle Bag Materials Can Be Washed?

Before you attempt to wash your duffle bag, you must first make sure that the material is washable. In other words, if your duffel bag is made of leather or suede, you’ll want to ensure the bag doesn’t get wet, as water can damage these materials, often irrevocably.

But most duffel bag materials are washable, and some common washable duffel bag materials are listed below:

While all these materials are washable, each one has its own washing process. For example, cotton duffel bags detail washing instructions on their care labels, whereas canvas duffel bags must only be washed by hand. To ensure an attempt at cleaning doesn’t ruin your bag, look up which cleaning method is best before you reach for the soap and scrub brush.

Which Duffle Bags Are Safe for the Washing Machine?

Tips To Consider Before Washing a Duffel Bag in the Washing Machine

How to Properly Wash a Duffle Bag

If you’re unable to use the washing machine—and you need to get your duffel bag cleaned—you can wash it by hand, provided you have a bathtub, mild detergent, a scrub brush, and access to plenty of cool water. Below are the steps you’ll need to follow to thoroughly clean your duffel bag by hand. Keep in mind that this is a time-consuming cleaning process, and once you get started you shouldn’t quit until the cleaning process is complete.

Step One: Clean the Duffle Bag in a Bathtub

When it’s time to clean your duffle bag, head to the nearest bathtub, as this fixture provides plenty of space for cleaning. Just make sure the tub is empty, as you don’t want the bag to be over saturated with water. If you have a deep sink, this can also be used, but most sinks aren’t big enough to accommodate a duffel bag.

Step Two: Creating Your Cleaning Solution

Mix a quarter cup of mild detergent with cool water in a bucket. This will be your cleaning solution.

Step Three: Start Scrubbing

Dip your scrub brush in the bucket and then use this soapy brush to clean the exterior of the duffel bag; don’t forget about the straps. Once you clean the exterior, scrub the interior by turning the bag inside out.

Step Four: Rinse

Using the shower head, rinse away the suds. Remember the duffel bag shouldn’t get too wet, or else it may take forever to dry. The water pressure should be low as well. If you don’t have a shower head, grab a cup of water and use this to rinse off the bag.

Step Five: Let the Bag Dry for an Hour

After the duffel bag has been scrubbed and rinsed, you should dry it out for one hour. Set a towel down and put the duffel bag on it so the bottom of the bag doesn’t get dirty or create puddles.

Step Six: Wiping the Bag Down

Once the bag has had ample time to dry, grab some sanitizing wipes and wipe down the bag’s interior and exterior.

Step Seven: Removing Stubborn Stains

If you notice stubborn stains on the outside of the bag, grab a stain-remover and apply this to the stain. Now repeat the rinsing process. You can also try white vinegar, as this is good at removing stains.

Step Eight: Final Dry

After the stain-removal process is complete, turn your bag inside out and hang it up to dry. It shouldn’t be that wet at this point, so natural air drying will do the rest. When you dry a duffle bag naturally, you don’t have to worry about shrinkage or damage.