How to Wash a Kanken

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 22, 2019 References

Kånken backpacks by Fjällräven have become well-known for their great functionality and durability, as well as their wide range of colours to suit your style. With outdoor adventures, it’s only a matter of time before your backpack gets dirty. However, washing your Kånken backpack is easy with the help of a few simple items.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Preparing for Washing

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Empty the backpack. Remove all items from the bag and check the pockets; sometimes small items can be missed. Shake the backpack upside down over a rubbish bin or an old newspaper page so small particles can fall out.^{[1]
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- You can also use a handheld vacuum to get rid of any loose dirt particles and crumbs.^{[2]
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- If any items are dirty, use this opportunity to clean them as you don’t want to put dirty items back into your bag once you’ve washed it.^{[3]
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2
Check the backpack material. Take note of all the marks and stains on the backpack, both on the inside and the outside, so you have a general idea of where to focus your cleaning efforts. Keep the backpack fully unzipped and the pockets open.^{[4]
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Make the washing liquid. Fill a large bowl with lukewarm water and mix in a mild detergent. A few drops of detergent will be enough.^{[5]
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- Water at a temperature between 98 °F (37 °C) and 105 °F (41 °C) is usually considered as lukewarm. Without a thermometer, you can check the temperature of the water by running it over your wrist. If the water feels a little warmer than your body temperature, you’re good to go.^{[6]
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- Mild detergents include dishwashing liquid or baby shampoo. ^{[7]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Washing the Backpack

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Wipe the bag with a cloth or sponge. Dip the cloth or soft side of the sponge into the washing mixture. Gently wipe to remove light marks or stains. Continue to wet the cloth or sponge as you go.^{[8]
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- Replace the water when it gets too dirty.
- Kånken backpacks have a large opening for the main compartment.^{[9]
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  Research source} You won’t need to turn them inside out to clean the inside.
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Scrub tough stains with a soft brush. A toothbrush can also be quite handy to scrub tougher stains or hard to reach spots such as inside corners and small pockets. ^{[10]
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Hang the backpack to dry. Once cleaned to your satisfaction, hang the backpack in an area out of direct sunlight and allow it to air dry. Colours may fade if the bag is left in strong sunlight.^{[11]
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- Check that the bag is completely dry before use. Items such as paper and electronics can be damaged by moisture.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I wash the Kanken before use?

Suhas Mukherjee

Community Answer

I recommend soaking your Kånken in lukewarm water before you start using it. or gently rub the surface with a soft brush. Make sure it's fully dry (hang it up in the bathroom) before filling it with fun stuff and strapping it on your back. Whatever you do, don't put Kånken in the washing machine.
Question

Should I soak my Kanken?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

If you just bought your Kanken, you may want to soak it before you use it to help keep the color from rubbing off on your clothes. Fill a bucket or sink with room temperature water. Place your Kanken in the water and keep it submerged for 30-60 minutes. Then, hang your backpack up to dry for a few hours before you use it and you're good to go!
Question

Are Kanken bags waterproof?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

Some Kanken bags are made to be waterproof. For instance, the Kanken No2 backpack is made out of waterproof material. But not every bag made by Kanken is waterproof. Check the tag or read the product description to find out for sure. If there isn't a tag, look up the bag online to see if it's waterproof.

Warnings

It is not recommended to use a washing machine for Kånken bags as this can affect the water resistance of the Vinylon F material.^{[12]
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Fjällräven use a special method to dye Kånken backpacks with their various colours. The colour can rub onto light coloured clothing. Fjällräven recommends that you soak the bag in lukewarm water for 30-60 minutes before your first use.^{[13]
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