Smelly Camera Bag

I have a Tamrac 5585 expedition 5x that I have really enjoyed and used a lot since I purchased it around 4 years ago. But after using it in a lot of hot and very humid conditions and literally sweating so much into it that it was like I dropped the bag into a puddle it now has a smell to it. I was wondering if anyone has a way to get rid of the smell? I just do not want to cover it up but get rid of it. It is not an option to throw it in the washing machine as I am sure that would get rid of the smell but also sure it would kill the water resistant coating on it.

If not I am just going to buy another one as it is the perfect size for what I need and fits pretty much anywhere on an airplane which I must have.

Thanks

There are shoe inssoles which use activated charcoal plus other sweat swallowing chemicals. See.

The insoles are best because they are not a powder.

I use them in smelly fridges and they work well. Another benefit is you can find them at supermarkets or pharmacies.

Edited by brettania - 02 January 2012 at 07:51

Hi Ryan,

bretannia's suggestion of the charcoal inserts would work well for the inside - charcoal has a massive capacity for absorbing all sorts of odours (good as well as bad!) and this should work pretty well.

If it's the outside, try spraying it with Febreeze (or a similar product) - it has odour 'masking' agents within it that should reduce or even completely remove the odour fairly quickly; to my knowledge it shouldn't affect the water proofing either but perhpas try an area that normally doesn't get too wet. The other bonus is that they normally have a decent fragrance that will also help mask the odour until it has been removed (I do know about these - I think our company provides them!! ).

Good luck - these should be cheaper than a new bag!!

Kind regards, Neil

Another product to look at is a foot deoderant spray. If these can deodorise a pair of smelly boots or trainers, they can surely cope with a camera bag.

Agree with revdocjim, you don't want anything funky growing inside the padding, it might jump to your lenses.

I acquired a bag from a smoker that smelled horrible. I bought an odour remover from the hardware store. I sealed it all in another bag and let it sit. I also used the dryer sheets and Febreeze. Not sure if those products are available to you but I would try that before the washing machine.

I wonder too about asking the dry cleaner if they have any ideas.

Good luck.

I have used the washing machine approach with considerable success, many times. I wash the item at least two times: at least one time with the item turned inside-out and at least one time with the item in normal/usual condition (outside-out). I use an ordinary detergent and cool water. Then I leave the item to dry outdoors in the sun, first inside-out and then outside-out. Repeat several times, if needed.