How to clean mold from camera bags

[Rod McD]

Hi,

I've a camera bag that seems to have acquired a strong moldy smell - nothing visible. It must have been put away damp. Does anyone have a good remedy? The bag is the usual ballistic nylon exterior with nylon interior, internal dividers with closed cell foam padding and Velcro strips, mesh pockets, coil zips, etc. It's an expensive one, so I'd like to clean it, but I don't want to cause deterioration of the fabric, stitching or zips.

Any ideas? Dunk/saturate in bleach solution? Vinegar? Nappy wash? Then rinse and dry?

Many thanks, Rod

 

[Neil Schofield]

I would be strongly tempted to replace it as that better than risking any actual gear getting moldy

If you have to, then you could consider having it dry cleaned or washed in a washing machine and then properly dried and see if that helps and if you’re looking for something to try regarding the smell then coffee granules may help

 

[Rod McD]

Hi,

Thx. Replacement had occurred to me, but simply binning a good bag seems a bit too fast a response - I'd like to try some form of cleaning first. I'd hoped someone here might have come across the problem and have a successful solution. I hadn't thought of dry cleaning - I might ask the local dry cleaners if they can do it.

Thx, cheers, Rod

 

[Bobby2Shots]

Hi,

Thx. Replacement had occurred to me, but simply binning a good bag seems a bit too fast a response - I'd like to try some form of cleaning first. I'd hoped someone here might have come across the problem and have a successful solution. I hadn't thought of dry cleaning - I might ask the local dry cleaners if they can do it.

Thx, cheers, Rod

Another solution may be soaking the bag in a bucket of "cleaning vinegar", which has a high acetic acid content. (above 5%) The PH level will kill the mold and roots but it has to soak for at least an hour. I'd be tempted to soak it over-night, then wash it in the washing machine, and dry thoroughly. The cleaning vinegar is environmentally friendly.

 

[rsn]

Check boating and RV stores for products that deal with mold, they'll shelves full of them.

 

[BBbuilder467]

Hi,

I've a camera bag that seems to have acquired a strong moldy smell - nothing visible. It must have been put away damp. Does anyone have a good remedy? The bag is the usual ballistic nylon exterior with nylon interior, internal dividers with closed cell foam padding and Velcro strips, mesh pockets, coil zips, etc. It's an expensive one, so I'd like to clean it, but I don't want to cause deterioration of the fabric, stitching or zips.

Any ideas? Dunk/saturate in bleach solution? Vinegar? Nappy wash? Then rinse and dry?

Many thanks, Rod

I've used the spray foam upholstery cleaner on totes, travel bags, backpacks, etc. It seems to take away that musty smell from storage. It doesn't hurt anything.