View Full Version : Cleaning A Pack?
Whats the best way to clean a backpack? Type of soap, type of cloth to use etc.. Its an older canvas type material pack.
rocketsocks
07-01-2016, 04:24
Whats the best way to clean a backpack? Type of soap, type of cloth to use etc.. Its an older canvas type material pack.i don't think you could go wrong with bar soap and a stiff brush.
garlic08
07-01-2016, 07:23
If you put it in an older agitator-type washing machine, turn it inside out so the straps don't get torn off. Ask me how I know....
TheCheek
07-01-2016, 07:35
If you have thru hikers stink on it, put it in a large plastic bucket or Rubbermaid type storage box. Put that it in your tub. Cover with water, mix in a large amount of ammonia. Cover tightly and let sit overnight, and turn on the bathroom fan just in case. The only reason I suggest in the bathroom is for easy drainage, but if you can do it outside and still safely drain it, that's best. Just be sure there's no chance of fumes getting into your lungs. Ideally do it outside. Despite the hazards it works wonders. Did it halfway through my hike and people thought I smelled like a weekender.
Mirazyme workspretty well, too.
https://www.rei.com/product/852525/mcnett-mirazyme-odor-eliminator-8-fl-oz?cm_mmc=cse_PLA_GOOG-_-8525250001&CAWELAID=120217890000857546&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=15877488160&CATCI=pla-127175265880&lsft=cm_mmc:cse_PLA_GOOG&gclid=CjwKEAjwqdi7BRCL6Zmjk5-rsTwSJABmrVabAE4tPrzJQMgDAEp5g8AIer5yxbtTWzIFEeXze UT-DRoCAo7w_wcB
Sarcasm the elf
07-01-2016, 08:12
I don't know if it's the "right" way, but I wash my packs in the bath tub using a scrub
brush and Simple Green.
Puddlefish
07-01-2016, 08:48
I wrapped my pack in plastic and duct tape for the plane ride home. Upon unwrapping it, I was assaulted by the hiker stink.
Osprey recommends a mild soap (like Woolite) and water. I let mine soak in a 36 quart drink cooler with warm water and a small amount of dish soap. Brushed gently and rinsed it well, no more hiker stink.
Berserker
07-01-2016, 10:21
I throw mine in a bathtub with some water and an odorless dish soap. I let it soak for a while on both sides, agitate it some and then rinse it really well. I have one of those shower heads that is on a flexible hose, so that makes rinsing it a lot easier.
I have one of those shower heads that is on a flexible hose, so that makes rinsing it a lot easier.
or take it to a car wash and use their pressure hose.............
MuddyWaters
07-01-2016, 11:36
Bathtub
Soak and swish
Rinse in clean water
Hang to dry
+1
This is the way I do mine too.
MtDoraDave
07-01-2016, 17:45
Bathtub with laundry detergent, soak and swish, rinse, hang dry. Perhaps some vinegar to kill odors in the rinse water.
Christoph
07-02-2016, 20:02
I take mine apart as far as it'll go and run it through the washing machine on the lightest setting. Then hang outside to dry. I just use regular detergent.
Tipi Walter
07-02-2016, 20:47
Pertinent question especially after a long sweaty trip with a favorite pack. More pertinent since I just cleaned my Mystery Ranch pack in warm water with Dawn detergent. It took 4+ days to dry as the back of the foam hipbelt stayed moist for almost a week.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Backpack-2016-Trips-171/19-Days-in-a-Rattlesnake/i-7WTd2KJ/0/L/June%202016%20021-L.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Backpack-2016-Trips-171/19-Days-in-a-Rattlesnake/i-nP9wkZv/0/L/June%202016%20025-L.jpg
Red Cinema
07-06-2016, 08:14
I used no-perfume laundry detergent in a five-gallon bucket, churning by hand then rinsing multiple times. Amazing how fast my Mariposa picks up The Stink.
Are some packs more susceptible to The Stink than others?
One time, I used a soak in Sink-the-Stink.
Usually, I use Sports Wash.
I am unsure what to use on cuben? Anyone know?
AfterParty
07-06-2016, 16:46
or take it to a car wash and use their pressure hose.............
X2
I agree completely
Never bothered to wash a pack, except when I used one during logging to carry gas and oil canisters - and a tree fell right on the pack, smashing the chainsaw oil canister (the gas canister survived).
Whatever cleaning or washing I tried on this pack, it got never rid of the strong smell of bio chainsaw oil.
But it's completely waterproof since.
Whats the best way to clean a backpack? Type of soap, type of cloth to use etc.. Its an older canvas type material pack.
Depends on if I'm cleaning it on trail or not. I typically will wash and repair all gear on trail with regularity. This means less or no need post hike to do a thorough cleaning. It pays big dividends!..less wt, less smell, less funk, greater gear longevity, less interest from wildlife(bears, etc), When available a soak in tub with a $1 bush bought at Dollar General will usually do it. Sometimes I'll hose it down thoroughly while hanging on a tree. For an older canvas sack I too will rec McNett's Mirazyme.
Don't throw your pack in a top loading agitator type washer. Find a front loader to wash your stuff including pack. Be careful to zip up all zips, shorten all cords/straps, etc. Use gentle cycle.