People have to deal with smells, including in a backpack. The reasons for their occurrence are different: sweat, spoiled food, school shoes, or even the fabric itself smells bad. First, you need to find the source of the smell and eliminate it. Then think about how to get rid of the smell itself.
Washing
One of the easiest ways to get rid of a bad smell is washing the bag. Oftentimes this is quite enough. A washing type (manual or machine wash) depends on the recommendations for the backpack. After the thing is washed, dry it. To prevent the backpack from deforming, you need to dry it at room temperature away from heating devices.
In order not to spoil the item, carefully look through the labels on the backpack and do not neglect the care instructions. For washing, select precisely the specified temperature and mode.
Airing the backpack out
Sometimes, in order to cope with the problem,you don’t have to carry out complicated manipulations, it is enough to ventilate. This method is even simpler than the previous one, but not as effective. It will not get rid of pungent smells.
Turn the bag inside out and hang it in the yard or on the balcony. After airing it out, you just need to return the backpack to its original position.
Rubbing alcohol (or Vodka) and ammonia
Any cleaning solutions that contain alcohol will not only remove the smell but also kill microbes perfectly. You don’t need a lot of alcohol and ammonia, 50 g is enough, or even less.
To eliminate the unpleasant odor of sweat, wipe the straps and the part of the backpack that is in direct contact with the back. If it smells inside, wipe it in there. For ease of application, you can use a spray bottle. After processing, dry the backpack well.
Vinegar
Another way to get rid of the smell is to use vinegar. Vinegar has a strong aroma, so it is better to wash the backpack in soapy water or in a washing machine after using it. If you do not want to wash the item, then air it out.
Apply vinegar without the addition of water. You can use a rag or spray bottle for cleaning the backpack. Vinegar will help get rid of even the worst smells.
Cleaning product for animal smells
Now in stores, you can find a large number of cleaning products, the purpose of which is to save the house or a certain thing from the smells of animals. They are very powerful in dealing with this problem, so you only need a little bit of those.
It can kill not only animal smells, but also many others like sweat or mold. Spray the detergent onto the bag and wait while it becomes dry.
It is better to read the instructions for the product. There are some restrictions for use of certain products on some materials.
Lysol for the smell
Lysol is a popular remedy for removing various odors. It is often used for disinfection, as well as for handling rental shoes in a bowling alley or at a climbing gym. Lysol not only masks the smell but also kills harmful microorganisms.
You can apply Lysol to any surface inside or out. It will work well with straps and the back of the backpack. After treatment, you need to wait until the remedy dries, after that the bag can be used again.
Coffee beans
Black coffee absorbs smells well, it also adds a unique coffee scent. It is not effective against the pungent smells but can remove a discreet odor. It’s also not suitable for dealing with «flavors» from a poor-quality material.
You can use not only whole-bean coffee but ground coffee for these purposes, however, you will have to wash the backpack afterwards.
All you need to do to remove a foul smell is put a handful of coffee beans inside the backpack. after a while, they will absorb everything. Coffee can be used not only to remove the smells but also as a fragrance, even if the situation does not require it.
Kitty litter
Kitty litter does not only absorb moisture, but also gets rid of smells. The only negative is that it disguises, but does not destroy. To get rid of the problem, put the backpack into a bag or box and fill it with kitty litter. In such a condition, leave the bag for a week. Then the problem should disappear.
Tea bag
You can put a tea bag inside a smelly backpack. Like kitty litter, it can only mask, not remove the odor. Also, it cannot cope with the serious smells, but you can refresh your backpack with the help of the tea bag.