BootsnAll Travel Community

I tried to search for this, but I don't think that I'm calling this the right thing. I'm sure this has been mentioned before.

Does anyone use something to keep your pack from stinking? If so, what do you recomend?

Is it stinking because you have smelly old socks and undies in there or is it stinking because it is an older pack and the polyurethane coating is deteriorating?

If it is the former, putting a dryer sheet inside is one way, or you can use some Febreeze. If it is the latter, then there is nothing that can be done.

It doesn't smell at all, yet that is. I'm just wondering what people do when they've been carrying it around for months. Maybe I'm thinking of something that would almost be preventative.

If this should ever become a problem, tear the scratch and sniff perfume ads out of magazines and put them in your pack.

I usually get a few small mesh bags and throw some potpourri in it.

You can also launder your backpack by hand in a bathtub.

Just soak it in hot soapy water for a few hours, give it a scrbu, then hang upside down to dry.

My ex, sweetheart that she is, used to sew together these little 3 inch "pillows" filled with dry lavender. Even just one works extremely well for long periods. So much so that one of my bags still smells fresh as rain three years later.

i would definately recommend washing it. the obvious areas which press agaist you and absorb sweat are the tops of your shoulder straps and the parts that touch your back. they could probably use a good scrub once in a while.
zop

Fabric softener sheets work wonders. I sealed a stash in a plastic baggie and pulled them out as needed on the road.
I also came across a scented satchel in Vienna that lasted for a year. I also bought the best clothes washing detergent in Vienna. If you pass through Austria, stock up on cleaning agents!

Thanks!

I second the fabric softener sheets idea.

quote:

Originally posted by Marisa:
I second the fabric softener sheets idea.

What a great idea! I also put dryer sheets in my drawers to keep them nice and fresh. I just got a sample of Bounce from the new pure essentials line, and it smells great! Its too bad I didn't think to put it in my suitcase before my trip. Next time...

I bring a couple of dryer sheets too. I also leave them in my bag when it's stored at home. When I need to wash a backpack I take it to the car wash. One of those coin operated, do it yourself places with the hose...works great.