Hi Folks-
First of all, I had an excellent ride in this morning! It was a hair cold (28*F), but it's going to be 52*F and sunny on the ride home!

I have been using my rock climbing backpack to carry my clothes in. It fits nicely, doesn't move around, and has a nice set of loops for attaching a flasher. The backpack has started to smell quite badly. Can I just toss it in the laundry with regular detergent then let it air dry? Thanks!

MD

Aha, a topic I'm somewhat familiar with ... smelly stuff.

Before washing, I have found that spraying the offending areas with a vinegar/water solution, or sometimes
just detergent & water, then a light scrubbing helps. Then I put the pack in a pillow case and tie off the top.
Washing the pack in the pillow case helps reduce straps, zippers, zipper ties, etc. from snagging on things.
Plus I can wash it with a load of other smelly bits and get more done. Air dry and it's good to go.

Edit: As FredOak mentioned, no really hot water. I wash everything cold/cold anyway to save $

+1 /\

Also watch the temp setting, don't do hot as it can mess with fittings, clips, reflective material, etc.

I like to put a little tepid water in the bath tub with laundry detergent. I let it soak several hours, then give it a good swish and rinse, then air dry. Comes clean every time.

When washing my camping gear (which I do rarely) I prefer to take the item outside, hose it down to get off the chunky bits. I then take a stiff brush like a gong brush and using a solution of Oxyclean and warm water go over the item inside and out. Hose it out again, hang it upside down to dry and I'm done.
I've never even considered putting a backpack through a washing machine.

When I wash my backpacks I turn them inside-out. I do wash them in my hands, but I want the interiors to be clean rather than the exterior. Perhaps this would also help with the buckles and straps (if you throw it in the washing machine).

I just trusted my Vintage Rivendell Jensen to the machine yesterday. Bought it the mid 70's and I'd never washed it before.

wash rinse
Warm/cold


agitator spin
delicate/regular

I used regular laundry soap.

Hang dry, no machine.

She came thru fine.