Backpack strap cleaning

[teaandpies]

Has anybody got a decent solution for getting the stank out of backpack straps?

Asking for a friend...

[prog99]

Put it through the washing machine. In a pillowcase if you are worried about things crashing around.

[Fiona Reid]

If i your sack has got a removable back insert then it's best to take that out before chucking in the washing machine.

[teaandpies]

If i your sack has got a removable back insert then it's best to take that out before chucking in the washing machine.

Put it through the washing machine. In a pillowcase if you are worried about things crashing around.

Cheers for the replies, I wouldn't have even though of putting the pack in the washing machine and unfortunately it can't be done.

I've taken Granger's gear cleaner to the straps and given them a good going over but they are honking. I guess a good old fashioned soak might work.

[Fiona Reid]

Soaking in nappysan or similar might help if you can't machine wash it.

[Veryhappybunny]

I had Salomon boots that turned evil, and a microbiologist friend suggested filling them up with a mixture of bleach in water. It did the trick, but is a fairly desperate measure, even assuming you can dangle the straps in a bleach solution.

[rabthecairnterrier]

Try soaking in a strong solution of bicarbonate of soda, or Milton fluid.
You might have to repeat several times though.
(Worked for a 'sack of mine after the cat peed on it.)

[Holly]

If you have a bath could you not give it a good wash in that? If just a shower the same principle with ability for easier rinse ? Or combination of both bicarbonate of soda is good for taking away smells .

[teaandpies]

I had Salomon boots that turned evil, and a microbiologist friend suggested filling them up with a mixture of bleach in water. It did the trick, but is a fairly desperate measure, even assuming you can dangle the straps in a bleach solution.

It's practically a brand new pack, I'm not ready to potentially ruin it just yet

Try soaking in a strong solution of bicarbonate of soda, or Milton fluid.
You might have to repeat several times though.
(Worked for a 'sack of mine after the cat peed on it.)

Definitely trying this. Cat pee is stinking

If you have a bath could you not give it a good wash in that? If just a shower the same principle with ability for easier rinse ? Or combination of both bicarbonate of soda is good for taking away smells .

Getting into the shower to wash my smelly sack is not the chat I was expecting to have here

[WalkWithWallace]

I don't normally wash rucksacks, but I had to once before sending it back to Osprey for repair. I just gave it a good wash with Nikwax Techwash in the shower. Came out really clean. Non-bio laundry liquid would work too.

[davekeiller]

If the sack is basically brand new, I'd be reticent about bleach, Milton etc. as they're going to ruin all the surface coatings etc. Either use Niwax gear stuff or old-fashioned soapflakes. a bin would probably be the easiest container to use, but a bath would work just as well.
Scrub, soak, rinse, repeat.