Back-to-School Backpack Rescue

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  Guest: Jeanne Badgett, MS Extension Associate for Clothing, Textiles, and Household Equipment Season 9 | Episode 4 On this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley and guest Jeanne Badgett, Senior Extension Associate for clothing and textiles, walk listeners through practical steps to clean backpacks for the new school year. Topics include checking care labels, emptying and vacuuming crevices, treating stains, and caring for straps and hardware. Jeanne explains when to machine wash versus hand wash, how to treat canvas/nylon vs leather, and why air drying is essential. The episode highlights easy stain-removal tips, balancing loads, and towel-rolling to remove excess water after hand washing. Key takeaways: many backpacks can be refreshed instead of replaced, extending product life, saving money, and reducing waste. For more practical tips and local resources, contact your Cooperative Extension office and subscribe to Talking Facts for more Family and Consumer Sciences guidance. Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS. Kentucky Extension Offices UK FCS Extension           Website           Facebook           Instagram           FCS Learning Channel