How do you clean an MK VII bag???

IndyJango · Post by **IndyJango** » Sat May 31, 2008 10:25 pm

Hey everyone, I'm a newbie here and had a question. I just found a original MK VII bag from a surplus store in the UK. It arrived today in great shape but smells like it's been stored in a mound of hay for the last 60+ years. What's the best way to get the funk out of it? Do I dare put it in the washing machine since it is so old or just try odor eliminating sprays? Thanks for your help.

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Sat May 31, 2008 10:28 pm

I know what your talking about that bag has been sitting around for 60 plus odd years and has got a funky smell. I just let it sit outside in the sun for many days, my friend he came over and put Febreeze on it, I am not sure if you have that over there or anything similar, but it did help some. Unlike some of the dead people in Indy IV, this bag needs to air out.

IndianaChris

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Sat May 31, 2008 10:38 pm

What I do is get a sink full of warm water and add a little soap. Soak the bag and gently whish it around in the soapy water for about 10 minutes or so. Then hang it in a place where it can air dry and the dripping water won't be a problem.

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Sat May 31, 2008 10:41 pm

Strider's advice is sound.

I washed a couple in the washing machine to no ill effect. But I'm a bit foolhardy like that.

. Don't do it with a repro though!

Chewie Louie · Post by **Chewie Louie** » Sun Jun 01, 2008 2:44 pm

I put mine in the washing machine with regular detergent and some Clorox 2 (safe for colors) to kill off any mold, fungus, smells, etc. that may have been present. Tumble dry in low heat.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Sun Jun 01, 2008 2:52 pm

You can also soak it in OxyClean for a bit. Keep in mind, however, that if you wish to preserve any markings found inside the bag, that how you clean it will affect the stampings. I prefer hand soaking vintage bags, but tat's just me.

ANZAC_1915 · Post by **ANZAC_1915** » Sun Jun 01, 2008 10:09 pm

I like the funk smell.

IndyJango · Post by **IndyJango** » Sun Jun 01, 2008 11:30 pm

Thanks for your advise. So far I've sprayed 1/2 a bottle of febreeze on it and let is hang outside all weekend. I think it's a little better but I'll probably try the sink washing method. Mine isn't very green already and I'd like to the look and stamps it has now.

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 12:02 am

Strider wrote:What I do is get a sink full of warm water and add a little soap. Soak the bag and gently whish it around in the soapy water for about 10 minutes or so. Then hang it in a place where it can air dry and the dripping water won't be a problem.

I did not think about this, I don't have reproduction, but I just didn't want to ruin the bag and I did not want to throw it in the washer. The smell is gone on mine, but I may just wash it to give it some distressing. I just put mine in the sunlight for many days and eventually with wear and being outside and some febreeze, the smell went away.

IndianaChris

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 1:21 am

Bink is right. I washed mine with the top flap of the bag sticking up so that I wouldn't affect the stamp there (not to mention Deborah Nadoolman's autograph!

). It is nice now after a few sink washings.

aza1701 · Post by **aza1701** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 3:20 am

Well I'm glad I found this thread!

Before I joined COW I was looking 'round the net at prop replica's in general and came across a page for Indy's bag. While taking a closer look at the pics, a sense of familarity came across me. "It couldn't be..." I thought. I went out to my garage and went through all the old stuff I should really throw away but just can't and found it. "It is!" I exclaimed happily. Years ago, my mother gave me my grandfathers old WW2 gas mask and, you guessed it, the bag it came in is a Mk VII. I've had Indy's bag for years and never knew it.

The problem is that because it's been stored away in, ahem, less than ideal conditions, it's developed a bad case of mold. I have been wanting to clean it but due to its age was too scared to throw it in the washing machine. Now I'm going to try cleaning it as you guys have suggested and see how it turns out. If all goes well I will just need to replace the strap and I'm good to go!

Aza1701

Indiana Jake · Post by **Indiana Jake** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 8:44 pm

My girlfriend suggested I wash it in the tub with hot water and white vinegar. She says this will take care of the smell. It may need a soap wash later to get rid of the vinegar smell! Good luck. I had one that needed to be washed twice with woolite to kill off the mold smell.

Indiana Jake

SpeedRcrX · Post by **SpeedRcrX** » Sat Aug 09, 2008 5:05 am

I put mine in the washing machine at 30°C then I let it dry outside.

Solent MKIII · Post by **Solent MKIII** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 1:42 am

ANZAC_1915 wrote:I like the funk smell.

Smells like......history. I kinda like the smell too, but I did dampen mine a bit, mainly
to work out some of the creases. :junior: