A complete guide to cleaning, stain removal, and waterproofing your backpack and hiking boots. With the right products and the right order, you can keep your outdoor gear in great condition for longer.

How to Clean Your Backpack and Waterproof Your Hiking Boots

Cleaning a backpack might seem straightforward, but doing it wrong can damage the fabric or the water-repellent coating. And hiking boots that no longer keep out moisture can make any trip a lot less enjoyable. This guide walks you through how to properly care for both.

How do I clean my backpack without damaging it?

Always use a mild cleaner designed for outdoor textiles. Household cleaning products and laundry detergents can damage the fabric and break down the water-repellent coating. Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo is a gentle shampoo for synthetic outdoor fabrics such as polyester and nylon — the most common materials used in backpacks.

Here's how to clean your backpack:

1. Empty the backpack completely and remove any detachable parts, such as hip belts, if possible.
2. First brush or shake off any loose dirt while the bag is dry.
3. Dilute the Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo in water and clean the exterior with a soft brush or sponge, working in circular motions.
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Don't leave any soap residue behind, as it actually attracts dirt.
5. Allow the backpack to air dry in a well-ventilated spot, away from direct sunlight.

Do not put your backpack in the washing machine unless the manufacturer explicitly says it's safe. The zips, frames, and coatings are usually not built to withstand a machine wash.

How do I remove salt stains and sweat marks from my backpack?

After longer trips, you may notice white marks on the shoulder straps or back panel of your backpack. These are usually salt deposits left by sweat. Regular cleaning won't be enough to shift them.

In that case, use the Fabric Power Cleaner — a stain remover for stubborn soiling on outdoor textiles. Here's how to use it correctly:

1. First clean the backpack with the Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo to remove any surface dirt.
2. Apply the Fabric Power Cleaner directly to the stained areas only — not over the entire surface.
3. Leave the product to work for a maximum of 15 minutes.
4. Gently scrub the area and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
5. Allow the backpack to dry completely before continuing.

Only apply the stain remover where it's actually needed. Treating the entire surface offers no added benefit and simply isn't necessary.

My backpack is no longer water repellent. How do I re-waterproof it?

If water is no longer beading off but soaking into the fabric, the water-repellent coating has worn out. This happens through wear and tear, UV exposure, and washing. You can restore it with a reproofing treatment — but only on a clean, dry backpack.

For synthetic backpacks, use the Sprayhood & Tent Protector. This product is suitable for polyester and other synthetic outdoor fabrics.

Here's how to apply it:

1. Make sure the backpack is clean and completely dry. Never reproof dirty fabric — the protection won't bond properly.
2. Spray the Sprayhood & Tent Protector evenly over the exterior.
3. Allow the product to dry according to the instructions on the packaging.

After treatment, water will bead off the fabric again. Repeat regularly, especially after heavy use or after cleaning.

How do I clean and waterproof my hiking boots?

Hiking boots are often made from a combination of materials — leather, synthetic textile, nylon, or mesh. Check what material your boots are made from before choosing a product.

For cleaning the upper of boots made from synthetic textile, you can use the Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo. Work carefully with a soft brush and use as little water as possible. Rinse well and allow the boots to dry away from direct heat sources such as a radiator or direct sunlight. Drying too quickly can damage the fabric and adhesive.

If there are stubborn stains on the textile sections — such as ingrained mud or salt residue — you can apply the Fabric Power Cleaner directly to those spots after the general cleaning step.

To waterproof the upper of synthetic hiking boots, the Sprayhood & Tent Protector is the right choice. Apply it to the clean, dry upper and allow it to dry thoroughly.

Do you have hiking boots made from genuine leather? The products mentioned above are not intended for leather. For leather boots, use a product specifically designed for leather care.

When do you need to reproof — and when don't you?

You don't need to reproof your backpack or boots after every outing. A good rule of thumb: check whether water still beads off. Simply drip a little water onto the fabric. If it beads off, the water repellency is still doing its job. If it soaks in, it's time for a new treatment.

Plan on treating your gear at the start of the hiking season, and potentially again mid-season if you use it heavily.

Frequently asked questions

Can I put my backpack in the washing machine?

We advise against it, unless the manufacturer explicitly says it's safe. In most cases, the construction, zips, and coatings cannot handle a machine wash cycle. Hand cleaning with the Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo is safer and works well in the vast majority of cases.

Do I need to reproof after every wash?

Cleaning does reduce water repellency. After the backpack has dried, check whether water still beads off. If it doesn't, apply a fresh coat of Sprayhood & Tent Protector. With regular washing, this is often the case.

Do these products work on canvas or cotton backpacks?

The Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo also works on cotton and canvas. For waterproofing genuine cotton or canvas materials, use the Canvas & Cotton Protector instead of the Sprayhood & Tent Protector. Not sure what your backpack is made from? Check the label or the manufacturer's product specifications.

How long does drying take after waterproofing?

This varies depending on the product and conditions. Always follow the instructions on the packaging. Give your backpack or boots enough time to dry completely before using them. Drying in a well-ventilated space gives the best results.

Can I use the Fabric Power Cleaner inside my backpack?

The Fabric Power Cleaner is intended for exterior fabrics. For the inside, a damp cloth with a small amount of mild cleaner and a thorough rinse is all you need. Leave the backpack open afterwards to air out fully.