Cleaning Your Red Oxx Bag with Video
HAND WASH - SOAPY SOAK, SCRUB AND RINSE
We recommend soaking and then hand washing your bag in warm soppy water using a mild soap like Dr. Bronner's, Woolite, Ivory or Dawn. Then rinse the bag in running water and hang up to air dry. Here's a fun video with CEO Jim Markel on the rooftop of our bag factory. Originally broadcast live on Facebook.
AVOID WASHING MACHINES
Washing Machine spin cycles can damage hardware or the coated lining inside the CORDURA® Brand Nylon fabric. Our heavy-duty hardware may even cause damage to the wash basin of your washing machine!
AVOID DRYERS
Do not dry your Red Oxx bag in the a clothing machine dryer, as it will prematurely age your bag and could possibly ruin the lining. Lay flat to air-dry or hang up to drip dry. Note that bags with padding may take longer to dry.
CLEANING TOUGH STAINS
For tough stains, a nylon soft-bristle brush or soft cloth with a drop of soap works best.
AVOID HARSH CHEMICALS
Do not use harsh chemicals such as undiluted bleach to clean your bag. Harsh chemicals, solvents and cleaning agents may cause deterioration in the stitching, causing your bag to literally fall apart. Oddly enough, note that spilled toothpaste can also be a problem; immediately clean it off with a cold water rinse, then hang dry.
GOT BEDBUGS?
See our article here how to get rid of these annoying pests.
APPLY SCOTCHGARD FABRIC PROTECTION
You may further protect your bag using ScotchGard Water Shield Spray, which will assist in resistance to oils and stains and may make your bag more water resistant (not waterproof). ScotchGard will easily protect your bags from stains and improve water resistance. Scotchgard can also be effective at protecting your bag from pet urine or other strong odors. While ScotchGard adds a layer of protection against dirt, water damage, mold, bacteria, and oil and water-based stains, it will not protect your bag from viral habitation (such as COVID19).
REMOVING STRONG ODORS
Speaking of odors, to remove foul odors, mix one part distilled white vinegar with two parts warm water, scrub accordingly. The manufacturer CORDURA® Brand Nylon Fabric recommends using a baking soda and water mix of 1/4 cup baking soda to 1 cup water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. You may also choose to have your bag professionally dry cleaned.
ELIMINATING PET URINE ODORS
If your pet has urinated on your gear, know that the longer urine stays on, the more stubborn removing the odor becomes. Detergents with baking soda or enzymatic additives are best for cleaning items that have urine odor. Break down the stain and odor with an enzymatic cleaner. Enzymatic cleaners release microbiological cultures that consume the urine, leaving things sanitary and smelling clean after they have dried,
Many non-protein-based carpet and fabric deodorizers alone won’t be able to handle the strong, pervasive odor of pet urine. Dogs and cats have a stronger sense of smell than humans, so even if you can’t smell leftover urine, your pet might – making it more likely that they will soil the bag again.
Rinse the bag inside and out thoroughly but avoid using steam cleaners. Intense heat can actually cause odors to set.
Sodium bicarbonate, the main ingredient of baking soda, is effective at absorbing odors. One way to put it to use against urine odor is to sprinkle it on the bag after you’ve cleaned it and the bag has thoroughly dried. After sprinkling, let it sit for an hour or longer, then vacuum it. Here is a recipe for an all-natural way to freshen up your bags...
Bag Freshener Recipe:
- 1 cup crushed, aromatic dried herbs such as rosemary, southernwood, or lavender.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Mix ingredients together and sprinkle the mixture inside and outside of your bag, let it sit for 10-20 minutes, then vacuum.
For more detailed cleaning information visit:
How to clean your Red Oxx Bag or download and print this handy Bag Cleaning Instructions Guide.