Washing a Camera Backpack - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

07/07/2008 11:17:35 AM · #1

Can I just toss my backpack into the wash and put it on "gentle?" I was hiking a rather messy hike with it last week, and it's a bit dirty. We're going on vacation next week, and I want to take it along, but I'd rather it not look like crap the whole time :)

It's a Tamrac Velocity 9 if that makes any difference.

CEJ

Canon EOS-40D

07/07/2008 11:22:02 AM · #2

I have a Canon variety bag and have done just that after it took a dive in a mud puddle. I used the gentle cycle on the washer as well as a medium water level so it would 'float' more in the wash. No ill affects. Line dried upside down with all pouches/pockets stuffed with newspaper and all zippers open.

ETA - also the only thing in the washer.

ETA again - also removed the straps before washing and did those by hand.

Message edited by author 2008-07-07 11:23:14.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

07/07/2008 11:35:19 AM · #3

Does it have a tag with washing instructions? Obvious, I know, but I have to ask.

I've handwashed my Lowe Bags in woolite with pretty good results.

The biggest risk in the washer is not to the fabric itself, but to the waterproof coating and water-repellent treatments. Damage those and...well, you know... water + camera gear = bad news. Washing machines are actually pretty rough on fabric.

In the absence of a Tamrac approved procedure, I think you'd be better off handwashing it with something like Woolite in warm water, rinsing thoroughly and hanging to dry. You might look for a detergent specifically designed for tents/backpacks that won't damage the fabric treatments.

If you do use the machine, definitely skip the fabric softener, those will cause the fabric to absorb water, negating any water repellence.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

07/07/2008 11:41:23 AM · #4

Thanks for the help... I'll likely give 'er a spin, so to speak :) I'll skip the fabric softener, too.

Beetle

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

07/07/2008 12:32:39 PM · #5

Then, when it is all dry again, I'd spray on some water repellent.

KaDi

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

07/07/2008 01:09:48 PM · #6

Originally posted by Tamarac FAQ:

How can I clean my Tamrac bag if it gets stained?
For normal dirt: Use a mild soap and mix in one teaspoon per pint of warm water. Use a clean, white cloth dampened with the recommended cleaning agent, using the following removal method: Detergent/blot/water/blot. Optimum cleaning will be achieved by not over-wetting the cloth and by turning it frequently to keep it clean. Never submerge your bag in water, use any product containing bleach or dry cleaning solutions. After repeated cleanings, you may want to apply a water-repellant spray such as Scotch Guard to ensure continued weatherproofing. For oil or greasy stains: In addition to the above recommended method, some stains respond well to dry cleaners such as "HOST", "CAPTURE", and "K2R". Carefully follow directions on the label. --//www.tamrac.com/frame_exp.htm

Ann

Olympus OM-D E-M1

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

07/07/2008 04:18:00 PM · #7

Personally, I just put mine in a mesh bag and throw it in the wash.

Oh. I take the camera gear out first, though.

togtog

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

07/07/2008 04:28:47 PM · #8

Originally posted by Ann:

Personally, I just put mine in a mesh bag and throw it in the wash.

Oh. I take the camera gear out first, though.

Why remove the gear?

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

07/07/2008 04:34:15 PM · #9

I just got done running it through the gentle cycle, and all is well. The bag is nice & clean, and I dried it on low (I have a new washer with a shelf so you can dry stuff without tumbling it). Granted, this all would have gone better had I remembered to take the camera out first, but you guys didn't mention that at the beginning of the thread!

Jammur

Nikon D300

07/07/2008 04:49:01 PM · #10

too late :(

Thank you for your e-mail. As a rule, we don't recommend submerging your bag in water, however, since your bag is heavily soiled, you might want to take the chance and rinse the bag in cold, clear water to remove the dirt. Remove the dividers first and rinse them separately very thoroughly. Don't use soap on the bag or dividers. After you've rinsed your bag as best you can, let it air dry - preferably in front of a fan to dry fast and prevent mold. (DO NOT PUT IT IN THE WASHING MACHINE OR DRYER as it could ruin the foam padding and the shape of the bag.) After it has fully dried, you could spray it with Scotch Guard to waterproof it.

I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Rhonda
Tamrac, Inc.

KaDi

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

07/07/2008 05:24:32 PM · #11

Originally posted by alanfreed:

So....are you saying the reason this thread has no pictures is that your camera is in the dryer?
;-}