How to Remove Odors From Dry Bags

If you want to remove a bad smell from your dry bag, try a quick fix. Use baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice from your kitchen. These help because most smells come from small bits of food, sweat, or other things left inside.
Here’s what really causes those smells:

• Bacteria break down old stuff and make strong acids and smelly nitrogen things.
• Clostridium and Lactobacillus bacteria make short acids that smell bad.
• Other tiny germs add their own weird smells.

Wash your dry bag well, then let it dry all the way in fresh air. You will see a big change!

Key Takeaways

• Use things like baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice to get rid of smells in your dry bag.
• Clean and check your dry bag every time you use it. This helps you find smells or mold early.
• Keep your dry bag in a cool and dry spot. Do not put it in sunlight. This stops damage and bad smells.
• If your bag smells bad, soak it in salt and hot water. You can also use silica kitty litter to take away moisture.
• Make a habit to clean your dry bag well once or twice each month. This keeps your bag fresh for your next trip.

Dry bag odor removal steps

Gather supplies

Before you start, grab everything you need. You want to make this process easy and effective. Here’s a quick checklist:

1. Mild soap (like non-detergent or Wilderness Wash)
2. Soft sponge or cloth
3. Warm water
4. Hose or bucket for rinsing
5. Towel for drying
6. Baking soda, vinegar, or enzyme-based cleaner for tough odors

Tip: Keep baking soda and vinegar handy. These work wonders on stubborn smells.

Empty and inspect

Take everything out of your dry bag. Shake out any crumbs or dirt. Look inside and check for stains, mold, or spots that smell bad. Regular inspections help you catch problems early and keep your gear fresh. If you see mold or strong odors, plan to clean those areas extra well.

• Check for signs of mold or odor.
• Clean and dry after each use.
• Store in a cool, dry place.

Rinse with water

Fill your bucket with warm water or use a hose. Rinse the dry bag inside and out. This step removes loose dirt and helps you see where you need to focus. Warm water works better than cold for lifting grime.

Clean with dish soap

Add a few drops of mild dish soap to your sponge or cloth. Gently scrub the inside and outside of the dry bag. Pay attention to seams and corners, since these spots trap moisture and odors. If you find greasy stains, a mild liquid detergent helps break them down.

Note: Always test your cleaning solution on a small hidden area first, especially if your dry bag has special coatings.

Apply odor remover

Now it’s time to tackle the smell. You have a few options:

• Make a baking soda paste with water. Spread it on smelly spots and let it sit for a few hours.
• Spray a mix of equal parts vinegar and water inside the bag. Wait 30 minutes before rinsing.
• Use lemon juice for a fresh scent. Wipe it on, then rinse.

Enzyme cleaners like Grangers Odour Eliminator also work well if you want a commercial option.

Scrub and focus on smelly spots

Use your sponge or a soft brush to scrub the inside, especially the seams and corners. These areas hold onto moisture and odors. Don’t forget to clean the outside too. If you notice a stubborn spot, apply more baking soda paste or vinegar solution and scrub gently.

• The interior traps moisture and odors.
• Seams need extra attention.

Rinse and air dry

Rinse your dry bag thoroughly with clean water. Make sure you remove all soap and cleaning agents. Use a towel to blot away excess water. Hang the bag upside down in a well-ventilated area. Let it air dry completely. This step prevents mildew and keeps your bag smelling fresh.

Reminder: Never store your dry bag until it’s totally dry. Moisture leads to musty smells and mold.

Stubborn dry bag odors

Sometimes, a dry bag holds onto smells even after a good wash. If you notice a stubborn odor that just won’t quit, don’t worry. You have several tricks to try before giving up on your gear. Here’s how you can tackle those tough smells and keep your dry bag fresh.

Baking soda method

Baking soda is a classic choice for fighting odors. You can use it when your dry bag still smells after regular cleaning. Here’s what you do:

1. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside your dry bag.
2. Close the bag and shake it so the powder covers all surfaces.
3. Let it sit overnight or for at least 8 hours.
4. Dump out the baking soda and rinse the bag with warm water.

Note: Baking soda works well for masking odors, but it may not remove very strong or stubborn smells completely. You might need to repeat this process or try another method if the smell lingers.

Vinegar solution

Vinegar is another powerful tool for odor removal. It’s safe, natural, and easy to find. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the inside of your dry bag until it’s damp but not soaked.
3. Let the solution sit for 30 minutes.
4. Rinse the bag thoroughly with clean water and let it air dry.

• Vinegar works well for mild to moderate odors.
• For very strong smells, commercial odor removers might work faster and more effectively.
• Vinegar is safer for the environment than chemical cleaners.

If the odor remains, you can repeat this process or switch to a commercial product for extra strength.

Lemon juice soak

Lemon juice gives your dry bag a fresh, clean scent. It also helps break down odor-causing bacteria. Here’s what to do:

1. Squeeze the juice from two lemons into a bowl of warm water.
2. Pour the mixture into your dry bag or use a sponge to wipe the inside.
3. Let it sit for 1-2 hours.
4. Rinse well and hang the bag to dry in the sun.

The natural acids in lemon juice help neutralize odors. If you still notice a smell, you can repeat the soak.

Salt and hot water soak

Salt and hot water can help draw out deep odors from your dry bag. This method works well for bags that have absorbed sweat or food smells.

1. Fill your dry bag with hot (not boiling) water.
2. Add half a cup of table salt and stir until it dissolves.
3. Close the bag and shake it gently.
4. Let it soak for 2-3 hours.
5. Empty the bag, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely.

Salt helps pull out moisture and odors. You can repeat this process if needed.

Silica kitty litter

Silica kitty litter is not just for cats! It’s great for absorbing moisture and odors from your dry bag. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Pour a cup of silica kitty litter into a clean sock or small cloth bag.
2. Place it inside your dry bag and close the bag.
3. Leave it for 24-48 hours.

• Silica crystals have millions of tiny pores that soak up moisture.
• Removing moisture helps control and reduce odors.
• This method is popular for keeping things fresh and dry.

You can use this trick after every cleaning or whenever your dry bag smells musty.

Tip: Deep clean your dry bag once or twice a month to prevent stubborn odors from building up. Regular care keeps your gear ready for any adventure!

Preventing odors in dry bags

Keeping your dry bag fresh is easy if you follow a few simple habits. You can stop odors before they start and enjoy clean gear every time you head outdoors.

Store dry bag properly

Storing your dry bag the right way makes a big difference. You want to keep it away from direct sunlight because the sun can fade colors and damage the material. Always rinse or wash your dry bag after each trip. Use gentle dish soap and water. If you notice stubborn smells, try baking soda with vinegar. Here’s what outdoor gear makers recommend:

• Rinse or wash your dry bag after every use.
• Avoid leaving your dry bag in direct sunlight for long periods.
• Store your dry bag in a cool, dry place.

Tip: Hang your dry bag upside down so air can flow inside. This helps it dry faster and keeps it smelling fresh.

Clean after each use

Cleaning your dry bag after every adventure keeps odors away. Make sure your bag is completely dry before you put it away. If you notice a musty smell, give it a good wash and let it dry in a sunny spot. Here are some quick reminders:

• Dry your bag fully before storing.
• Wash your bag if it starts to smell.
• Air dry in sunlight for best results.

You can set a routine to check your bag after each trip. This habit saves you time and keeps your gear ready for action.

Use odor absorbers

Odor absorbers help keep your dry bag fresh for the long haul. You have several options that work well and last a long time. Check out this table for some popular choices:

You can toss a silica gel packet or a bamboo charcoal bag inside your dry bag when you store it. These products soak up moisture and stop odors from building up.

Pro tip: Replace odor absorbers regularly to keep your bag smelling fresh.

You can keep your dry bag smelling fresh by following simple cleaning steps and using natural deodorizing methods. These solutions are safer and better for the environment than chemical products, though they may take a bit longer to work. Regular cleaning and smart storage help your dry bag last longer and stay ready for any adventure.

• Clean and inspect your bag often.
• Store it in a cool, dry place.
• Fix small problems right away.

Stay consistent with your care, and your dry bag will always be odor-free and reliable!

FAQ

How often should I clean my dry bag?

You should clean your dry bag after every trip. This habit keeps odors away and helps your bag last longer. If you use it often, a quick rinse and dry will do the trick.

Can I put my dry bag in the washing machine?

No, you should not use a washing machine. Hand washing works best. Machines can damage the seams and waterproof coating. Stick with gentle soap and a soft sponge for cleaning.

What if my dry bag still smells after cleaning?

Try a second round with baking soda or vinegar. Let it sit longer this time. If the smell stays, use a commercial odor remover or place silica gel inside for a day.

Is it safe to use bleach on my dry bag?

Avoid bleach. It can weaken the material and ruin waterproofing. Stick with natural cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda. These options keep your bag safe and fresh.

Can I dry my bag in direct sunlight?

Short periods in sunlight help kill germs and dry your bag. Too much sun can fade colors and damage the fabric. Air dry in the shade or indoors for best results.

See also

Why Every Outdoor Explorer Needs A Waterproof Dry Bag

What Sets Waterproof Dry Bags Apart for Travel and Camping

What Are the Best Alternatives to a Waterproof Dry Bag in 2025

The Difference Between A Bicycle Saddle Bag And A Bicycle Bag