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Can I wash a camera bag?

phinix
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Can I wash a camera bag?

Weird question, but hey - can I wash Think Tank Retrospective bag?
Like throw it to washing machine, maybe some gentle program and wash it?
Maybe throw it in a fabric bag first, or like a pillow case, so belt and other flying bits won't make a disco while washing

Or better hand washing?

I'm planning on buying a used one and would like to wash it, but don't want to ruin it

May 21, 2024 at 03:07 AM

mcbroomf
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Can I wash a camera bag?

What do Thinktank say?

Absent their comments I think I would spray it with a cleaner then hose it off and hang dry rather than use a washing machine.

May 21, 2024 at 04:07 AM

jcolwell
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Can I wash a camera bag?

I wouldn't run it through the washer, but I would take a scrub brush and warm, soapy water to it. Before that, I'd probably wipe it down with disinfeting wipes; inside, outside and straps (same for soapy water). The Clorox wipes I use have relatively low scent. I'd probably hose off the soapy residue (not blasting it off), and hang it to dry (not in direct sun).

May 21, 2024 at 06:22 AM

johnvanr
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Can I wash a camera bag?

You sure you want one? I used to have three and sold them all. The Velcro is loud. It’s not always easy to get gear out. There are too many pockets for my liking. Actually, I bought them used as well and found items in two of them, because the previous owners hadn’t looked in all those pockets before shipping them to me.

Nothing against Think Tank overall. I have several of their backpacks and airport rollers and love those.

May 21, 2024 at 06:29 AM

sjms
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Can I wash a camera bag?

i have 2 and have little issues with them. flip the silencers in place when needed and play.

you might want to try upholstery cleaner to clean

May 21, 2024 at 06:36 AM

rdeloe
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Can I wash a camera bag?

ThinkTank had an official Flickr site years ago. Here's your question answered: https://www.flickr.com/groups/1305588@N24/discuss/72157628168084287/ The ThinkTank rep wrote this:

"Generally, we recommend hand-washing with mild to no detergent but this [bag had been in a flood] calls for some bigger guns. You may want to re-apply the water resistant coating on the outside as it will be long gone after cleaning. Nikwax works great."

May 21, 2024 at 06:51 AM

Robin Smith
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Can I wash a camera bag?

I wash Domke bags in the delicate cycle of a machine. I don't think I'd put a ThinkTank in a machine though, too many different kinds of fabric and padding that I coud envisage would shrink and change shape that might cause a problem.

I have a large Thinktank Retrospective and agree with John Vahr. The only good thing to be said for it is that it takes a great deal of stuff, which is sometimes useful, but otherwise I ended up hating it.

Jun 07, 2024 at 10:19 AM

snegron7
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Can I wash a camera bag?

Camera bags are pretty tough. I had a Lowepro Medium Format shoulder bag that I placed on the ground while shooting an outdoor wedding. A guest saw a large dog urinating on the bag, so he took a water hose and hosed my bag down with water. Halh of my backup equipment was still in there!! Surprisingly, my equipment was dry! I later wiped it down with Lysol wipes. I still have that bag today, and that happened almost 20 years ago!

Jun 07, 2024 at 04:22 PM

oguruma
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Can I wash a camera bag?

If my wife's panties can make it through the wash without being damaged, I don't see why your camera pouches wouldn't.

I've never washed a camera pouch but when I was in the military I used to regularly run various nylon gear pouches in the washer and I never had a problem. We have a lot of kids so my wife has washed all sorts of the babies' things in the washer over the years (car seat covers, the little baby carrier that lets you carry your baby on your chest like a kangaroo, the little baby swing/basinet cover thingeys, etc). Never had any issues.

That said, even one trip through the wash might fade the color of the pouch a little bit.

If you're worried about the machine, you could just use some mild detergent and water in a bucket. Agitate it with your hands a bunch, rinse and call it good. A bucket and a toilet plunger (that everybody swears was clean, but who knows

) was how I used to wash my clothes when I was down range.

Jun 07, 2024 at 06:59 PM

mojoh
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Can I wash a camera bag?

phinix wrote:
..throw it to washing machine.. and wash it.

My concern would be - how to completely dry any concealed foam or paddings, since humidity and cameras / lenses don't mix.

Jun 08, 2024 at 04:53 PM

sjms
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Can I wash a camera bag?

and how is the average weather (heat/humidity) in Singapore most of the time?

most insulating material used today is closed cell foam. does not absorb moisture too easily if at all.

the hook/loop fabric also drys nicely. i do not advise a dryer at all the level of heat can affect the foam. time works better in ambient environments like an air conditioned room. i can attest to that.

Jun 08, 2024 at 05:56 PM

oguruma
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Can I wash a camera bag?

mojoh wrote:
My concern would be - how to completely dry any concealed foam or paddings, since humidity and cameras / lenses don't mix.

If the weather is nice, I place it on the table on the porch in the sun. If not, I put it in the dryer on low heat. That said, every dryer's "low" setting is different. Mine barely gets above room temperature, so I have no concerns about it damaging anything.

Jun 14, 2024 at 11:49 AM

sjms
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Can I wash a camera bag?

the only reason i refrain from heat from a dryer is if there is any elastic. i can reduce its lifespan and elasticity. just don't be in a hurry.

Jun 14, 2024 at 02:15 PM

dasams
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Can I wash a camera bag?

I'd wash a camera bag the same way I wash my hats: in the dishwasher. The advantages are 60+ min spray of soapy water and a rinse and no damage due to tumbling. This assumes that it'll fit.

Jun 28, 2024 at 09:20 AM

sjms
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Can I wash a camera bag?

Just a little extreme there. Generally dish washers are hot water only

Jun 28, 2024 at 09:51 AM

Robin Smith
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Can I wash a camera bag?

The only cold water available in my dishwater is quick rinse, which uses no detergent. Heat is required to get rid of fat and in my dishwasher normal and heavy wash is really hot.

Jun 30, 2024 at 09:33 PM

sjms
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Can I wash a camera bag?

well my 3 year old Maytag purchased and installed in 2021 has a single HOT water input. no COLD water input. even my very much older one that came with the house when i moved in 30 years ago had the same type of build. no connector from the cold water source either. what can i say.

Jul 01, 2024 at 07:57 AM


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