How to Clean and Maintain Your Dry Bag
Keeping your dry bag or waterproof backpack clean is essential not just for hygiene but also to maintain their effectiveness in protecting your belongings. Here's a straightforward guide on how to clean your dry bags, ensuring they last and continue to perform at their best.
Mix Your Cleaning Solution: Start by filling your bag with warm water and adding a few drops of gentle dish soap. Mild soaps like Wilderness Wash are perfect as they won't damage the material.
Hand Wash: Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the inside and outside of the bag gently. Be thorough but gentle to avoid harming the bag’s waterproof coating.
Rinse Thoroughly: Empty the soapy water and rinse your bag inside out with clean water to remove any soap residue. It’s important to rinse well to prevent any soap from drying and leaving a residue that could affect the bag's performance.
Air Dry: Hang your bag upside down in a well-ventilated area to air dry. Ensure the bag is completely dry inside and out before storing it to prevent any musty odors or mold growth.
What Not to Do
Avoid the Washing Machine: Never put your dry bag in a washing machine as the agitation and harsh detergents can damage the waterproof sealing.
Skip the Dryer: Don’t use a tumble dryer. High heat can warp or melt the materials and compromise the bag’s integrity.
How to Clean Your Bag Without Water
Sometimes, you might just need to freshen up your bag without a full wash. Here’s how:
Brush Down and Shake Out: Use a soft brush to remove dirt and debris from the surface of the bag. Open the bag and shake it out to remove any loose dirt inside.
Dealing with Musty Smells
If your bag starts to smell musty, it could be due to mold or mildew, often caused by storing the bag while it's still damp. To prevent this, always ensure your bag is completely dry before putting it away. If the smell persists, a thorough wash as described above followed by air drying in a sunny spot can help eliminate odors.
Cleaning and maintaining your dry bag doesn't have to be a hassle. With these simple steps, you can keep your gear in top shape, ready for your next adventure. Remember, taking a little time to care for your bag not only extends its life but also ensures it continues to provide the reliable protection you count on.
