Our Company » Press Room » Back to school laundry advice

It’s back to school season at SITEX, where many of our employees are sharing first day of school photos and comparing school supplies lists. While school shopping is a yearly occurrence, the cost can catch us off guard. This makes it more important than ever to try to make items like uniforms, backpacks, and sports equipment last more than a single school year. We put our over 50 years of laundry experience to the task to help you keep these items in prime condition for their intended lifespan.

Uniforms

If new uniforms were on your back to school shopping list along with the notebooks, pens, and art supplies, they’re one investment that has to go the distance. And when your child likes to get down in the dirt during recess, you may find yourself running loads of laundry as well. To avoid having to replenish your uniform stock during Christmas break, take our advice.

1. Use cold water and a gentle wash cycle to keep jumpers, slacks, and skirts from fading and looking worn. Additionally, pour your dye and fragrance free detergent directly on stains for better removal results without diminishing color.
2. Tumble dry on low heat only for the shortest time necessary to prevent over-drying and shrinkage. It’s a good idea of remove them from the dryer while slightly damp to minimize wrinkles and thus ironing time.
3. Wash sweaters (especially those with sewn-on patches) inside out and invest in a fabric pill remover.
4. Consider spraying jackets, ties, and other hard-to-clean garments with a fabric protector, like Scotchgard, to help repel spills and prevents stains.

Backpacks

Many students fall into two camps. Either: 1) They have a filthy, dirty backpack that is simply a means to an end, or 2) They want a clean, well-taken-care-of backpack that protects both its contents, but also the investment made in it. No matter where your child falls, parents would probably prefer the latter option. In order to return the backpack to its original state, follow these steps.

1. Look for care instructions on your backpack’s label. Just like clothing, many have advice on proper care.
2. Prep your bag by carefully checking each pocket. If it has dirt or crumbs inside, turn the pack inside out and use a handheld vacuum or attachment to clean the interior.
3. Pretreat any stains with direct application of soap or stain remover. After about 10 minutes, blot well and rinse thoroughly.
4. Hand washing is best, while paying extra attention to embroidered areas with a toothbrush to dislodge any dirt in the threads. Do not allow the bag to soak in soapy water! Want to wash your backpack in a washing machine? Place in a laundry sack or oversized pillowcase to prevent damage, especially to your bag’s straps.
5. Do not use a machine dryer due to the intense heat. Instead air dry, upside down, with all the compartments open.

Sports Equipment

While watching every varsity game may be on the top of your list, the stinky, smelly equipment bag after practice is not. In addition, when you need to be on the field multiple times a week, uniforms and protective equipment may not be dry in time if you are relying on soaking them. Luckily, we have a few things in mind that may help.

1. If you can’t wash the item traditionally, fill a spray bottle with a mixture of water and detergent and cover the surface of the sports gear with the soapy substance. Allow to set for several minutes, blot dry, then repeat with the process with plain water.
2. If you have time for a thorough wash, remove the foam padding if possible before adding to a tub containing soapy water. Consider adding vinegar if odors are particularly bad. Allow the pieces to soak for several hours, agitating occasionally, and then rinse completely with clean water.
3. Allow to air dry, maybe enlisting the help of a fan to speed up the process. Machine drying may cause rubber parts and adhesives to dry out and crack, so avoid at all costs.
4. Prevention is key when it comes to smelly sports gear. Airing out each piece as soon as possible eliminates the moisture necessary for mold and bacteria to grow.

No matter how you tackle the laundry challenges in your life, we just want to wish your family a great school year from your friends at SITEX! Finding yourself in need of a quality backpack that can carry everything from delicate laptops to bulky textbooks? We are currently running a special promotion on our line of backpacks through August 14. Contact your SITEX route rep for ordering information.