Looking for tips on cleaning military bags

[Alley_Cat_Jack]

Hello,

I just picked up a used NBC bag from a local army surplus. The bag is in good condition, other than it needs a good cleaning. I was curious if any of you have tips for cleaning these bags to get out the oils and smells.

Information

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[Flying10uk]

For canvas/webbing that is very oily/dirty I usually place the item in a clean bucket add a small amount of washing machine liquid followed by hot water and leave to soak for an hour or so. I then thoroughly rinse with hot water and dry. Be very careful not to use too much washing machine liquid or you will lose the colour of the item you are cleaning; you can always repeat the process if needed.

[browningautorifle]

I always just threw mine in the washing machine like normal laundry. I'm guessing you mean the small backpack we had issued starting 20 years back? If it's a one time wash, you shouldn't lose anything. Strip it into it's parts first, when it's done straighten it out and lay it out to dry. NBC isn't particularly old kit, it was just in it's infancy when I was using it so it ain't '42 OD3 equipment. Keep it simple.

[Aragorn243]

If it's from WWII and has markings, I hand wash. I usually use dish soap or shampoo rather than detergent. I believe they are a bit less harsh and set up for oils better. Just an opinion though.

[browningautorifle]

If it's from WWII and has markings,

There were no NBC bags then. Nuclear Biological Chemical (warfare), it's a recent bag I should think...he's Canadian and we have precious little good surplus here...now...

[Flying10uk]

I have had problems with colour loss on webbing caused by being over generous with the amount of washing liquid used.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

On a whim I tried Murphys oil soap on a Finnish mag bag that was particularly foul smelling. It did a good job on the smell & stains with no effect on color.

[Brian Dick]

I've had good luck using Woolite.

[browningautorifle]

Aaaaaand the OP hasn't been back since posting...

[Sentryduty]

He probably forgot to mention the NBC bag was originally found discarded in the no go zone of the Suffield and he gassed himself accidentally while scrubbing the mysterious smells out of the bag.