An Easy Guide for How to Hand Wash a Bag
NEVER CLEAN YOUR RED OXX BAG IN A WASHING MACHINE OR DRYER.
Washing machines and commonly used detergents/softeners for clothes can destroy the polyurethane coated lining and cause it to flake or even become sticky. Additionally the hardware can cause damage to your machine.
STEP 1: Prep for the Wash
Take the time to clear everything out of the bag. If needed, put it all into a plastic bag, so it all stays together while you're washing; clean or replace anything that's soiled, so you're not putting anything dirty back into a clean bag. Make sure to get into every compartment, so you don't miss a thing.
If there are crumbs and dirt in the crevices, use a handheld vacuum to get out as much as you can; You can also use a computer-keyboard air blower. For hard-to-remove muck, try a toothbrush, The soft bristles will help loosen the debris without damaging the fabric.
Leave all the pockets unzipped. Cut away any loose threads near zipping areas, so they don't get snagged during washing.
For a good old-fashioned hand washing, here's what you'll need:
Soft brush or old toothbrush
Washcloth and/or sponge
Towel
If there are any exterior or interior stains, gently apply some stain remover with a soft brush or toothbrush to affected areas and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
Fill the basin with about six inches of lukewarm water. Add a small amount of gentle liquid detergent.
STEP 2: Scrub your bag
Scrub the bag with a soft brush or cloth, focusing particularly on especially soiled areas or spot stains.
A toothbrush or palm size soft bristle brush is good for ground-in stains and hard-to-reach crevices. Stubborn stains may require an additional drop of soap to them work out. Scrub in a circular motion while occasionally dipping the bag into the water to help dilute and remove the stain. A sponge might work better on mesh areas than the cloth. Turn the bag inside-out and wash the interior as well.
STEP 3: Give it a good rinse
Rinse the bag thoroughly making sure no soap residue is left behind.
Drain the dirty water, rinse and refill basin with six inches of clean cool water. Once rinsed, draw out water as best you can by folding it into a thick towel to absorb excess water. Applying a bit of weight helps.
STEP 4: Air-dry the bag
Allow the bag to air dry.
Leave all the zippers unzipped and hang it upside down so left over water can drip out. If it's a sunny day you can dry it outdoors. That will help any leftover odors drift away. Make sure it's completely dry before it's stored. Never put the bag in a dryer because it will damage the bag and the machine.
Like visuals? To see our fun cleaning video click here
The best way to avoid a completely filthy bag is upkeep: Take wet clothes and any food and garbage out of the bag as soon as it gets home, and gently clean stains with mild dish soap as soon as you notice them. Wipe down the bag regularly, and keep it dry on the inside to avoid mold and degradation.
ELIMINATING PET URINE ODORS
If your cat has urinated on linens, clothing or drapes, wash them or have them dry-cleaned as soon as possible. The longer urine stays on fabric, the more stubborn its odor becomes. Detergents with baking soda or enzymatic additives are best for cleaning items that have urine odor.
Break down the stain and smell with an enzymatic cleaner. “Enzymatic cleaners release cultures that literally eat the urine, leaving things sanitary and smell free once dry,”
Many non-protein-based carpet and fabric deodorizers alone won’t be able to handle the strong, pervasive odor of cat urine. Cats have a stronger sense of smell than people, so even if you can’t smell leftover urine, your cat might – making it more likely that she’ll soil the area again.
Rinse thoroughly but avoid using steam cleaners. Intense heat can actually cause odors to set into the fibers.
Follow-up with a baking soda-based air freshener. Sodium bicarbonate, the substance baking soda is comprised of, is great at absorbing odors. One way to put it to use against urine odor is to sprinkle it on the carpet or furniture or in your bag after you’ve cleaned your cat’s urine and the area has thoroughly dried. After sprinkling, let it sit for an hour or longer, then vacuum it up.
carpet freshener recipe:
1 cup crushed, dried herbs (rosemary, southernwood, lavender, etc.)
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
Sprinkle the mixture on your carpet, let it sit for 10-20 minutes, then vacuum.
Article of reference: 5 Cat Urine Odor Removal Tips.