Cleaning canvas backpack

[Watertank]

My canvas backpack is dirty - yes it does remind me of the times we have spent together but I would like to clean it before my next trip. It isn't mouldy but it has dirt and dust ingrained into it. What suggestions are there for cleaning the dirt out and also if necessary reproofing it. I understand that there are commercial reproofing products available - are there any that are particularly good and do I need to use them after I have cleaned the pack?

[Avatar]

Just wash it in warm water. No soaps or detergents and no harsh scrubbing. That's it. Canvas is supposed to improve its waterproofness after a couple of washes.

[Moondog55]

Try a vacuum cleaner on the pack first but in 20 years I haven't cleaned any of my canvas packs; I just shake them out. As for re-proofing it isn't needed until the canvas is very well bleached and almost white

[simonm]

Here is a link to cleaning canvas from the Defab site - http://www.defab.com.au/wp-content/uplo ... 0614-4.pdf

[Scottyk]

I agree that you just need to wash it in warn water, a little simple soap powder won't hurt as long as you don't go overboard. You want a simple soap, not a modern stain remover type. Canvas packs are just cotton, polyester and nylon so no different to your clothes.
Dry it in the shade as quickly as you can to avoid mould.

[GPSGuided]

Why not a modern stain remover type soap?

[Scottyk]

Why not a modern stain remover type soap?

Could wash the colour right out of your canvas
Some canvases aren't very colourfast

[simonm]

Modern Australian made canvas is also impregnated with a specific chemical formulation to increase water and mould resistance, increased UV protection etc, so I would assume soaps may affect this.

[Moondog55]

What Simon said.
See what I did there?

[simonm]

What Simon said.
See what I did there?

Put your hands on your head MD.

[CasualNerd]

Are canvas packs supposed to be waterproof / resistant ? I try not to let it get wet in the first place, but it definitely holds some water once it gets wet. Can it be treated with a fabric DWR ?

It's a macpac from about 5 years ago if it makes a difference. I just assumed it was never supposed to be waterproof.

[simonm]

Canvas is supposed to be water resistant but it will hold water. Hydrostatic head ratings for new Australian canvas seems to range from 700 to over 2000mm.

It can be retreated using products such as this one: http://defab.com.au/product/miscellaneo ... s/reproof/

[GPSGuided]

Could wash the colour right out of your canvas
Some canvases aren't very colourfast

Thanks, along with Simon's additions. Sounds like the old hot water soak is still the goer for this type of cleaning.

[MickyB]

Would a pressure cleaner be too harsh?

[Moondog55]

Would a pressure cleaner be too harsh?

I think so. gentle warm water and a soft brush should be enough

[Watertank]

I also emailed Mont and was told, " The best way to clean a canvas pack is to use a mild detergent and warm water. Applied using a soft bristle brush.
Then rinse the suds off."

So that is what I have done, the pack is hanging on the line to dry - I will see how it is when it is dry.