I spent a couple of days in a VERY smoke-filled trade show, using a small backpack as my carrier.

And now it stinks, something fierce.

I know bad things happen when ya toss a backpack into a washing machine… what’s the better method for de-stinking it?

I’m tempted to hang it up in the back yard and hose it down, but I figure all that’s going to get me is a wet and smelly backpack.

Trip to the dry cleaner’s?

Put it in a large plastic yard trash bag with activated charcoal, and leave it for several days.

Trust the Monkey.

if after that it still smells, do the bag thing with some canned ozone.

Ozium spray has worked well for me.

Bought a P 230 Galco shoulder holster used off ebay many years ago that came from a smokers home.
It was bad. I have used ozium in the past in vehicles. Sprayed it down heavily and let it hang for a few days then repeat.

If it's nylon or canvas, the easiest option would be to put it in a mesh garment/lingerie bag, put it in the washing machine on delicate with a little detergent, and then air dry in the sun.

Or hand wash in a tub or large bucket with detergent, then rinse thorougly and air dry in the sun.


The combination of the bath, the soap, and the UV light should kill the smell.

I've laundered several backpacks and other pieces of similar gear over the years. The fabric isn't the problem when it comes to putting it in the washer, it's the loose straps and dangly bits. Hence the mesh bag, which is designed for safely washing strappy thing.

This stuff.

https://malcoautomotive.com/pr...riant=49937535795496

Activated Charcoal packets. Stuff a couple of them in there for a week.

I'm with Rogue. Wash it.

On it!
Thanks, y’all!

I am curious, what kind of trade show?

quote:

Originally posted by lyman:
I am curious, what kind of trade show?

Tobacco, I'm guessing.

(Or nowadays, maybe weed.)

Leave it outside for several days.

Take it to a dry cleaner that has ozone cleaning.

https://www.amazon.com/ZORBX-U...ps%2C358&sr=8-6&th=1

This works , but it will take more than one spraying. Simple though, just spray and wait to dry, repeat as necessary

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:

quote:

Originally posted by lyman:
I am curious, what kind of trade show?

Tobacco, I'm guessing.

(Or nowadays, maybe weed.)

Not weed, but definitely tobacco. My employer had a display at the Premier Cigar Association show last week.

I'm a non-smoker, so my sinuses are wrecked right now.

Hang it outside in the sunshine for a few days.

I was volunteer firefighter for years and my wife found this to be the best way to get smoke smell out of my clothes. Washing before hanging them out only set the smell.

You could just start smoking whatever is was they were smoking. You'll stop noticing the smell.

quote:

Originally posted by vthoky:

Not weed, but definitely tobacco. My employer had a display at the Premier Cigar Association show last week.

I'm a non-smoker, so my sinuses are wrecked right now.

If you go next year you can hire me for no fee, I'll happily sit there for you and take the hit from the cigar smoke!

You know, I'm just thinking of your sinus issues and want to help protect your lungs...

Bonus for you, HRK: the show is in Vegas next year!

quote:

Originally posted by vthoky:

I’m tempted to hang it up in the back yard and hose it down, but I figure all that’s going to get me is a wet and smelly backpack.

This!
Depending on the back pack, if it's dirty and muddy... If it's a good one, cordura nylon, canvass or some other sturdy material, you're good. A little soap and water, a good rinse and leave it outside to dry. Unzip it, use something to keep the pockets open and leave it hanging outside for a day or so.

Here's the downside: You may be washing off any type of waterproofing that's on there.


OR...

Try some frebreeze / ozone / ozium and hanging it outside for a day or two. This works a lot of the time!