Down Odor management

**HURTHEART** · 08-17-2012, 23:06

I have a lot of down things such as quilts, coats, hats etc. I use one of the high tech Wool Washes. I stopped using Woolite, it left too much residue.

Tennis balls, clean tennis shoes, and stopping the drier every so often to get the down dried. Watch what you use, you do not want to have an allergic response to substances you have used on your equipment.

**wilder setx** · 08-18-2012, 21:30

Originally Posted by dragon360

I have used parts cheap vodka and water in a spray bottle. Gave my down a good dosing and then into the dryer with 5 tennis balls on no heat for half hour / hour. Always worked so far.

ive heard of the drying down with some tennise balls. what do the tennise balls do?

**DivaB** · 08-18-2012, 21:37

Originally Posted by cookie setx

ive heard of the drying down with some tennise balls. what do the tennise balls do?

Gets that down all broke apart and fluffy, fluffy, super fluffy

**wilder setx** · 08-18-2012, 23:14

thanks divab

**Buffalo Skipper** · 08-19-2012, 10:47

I did end up using Febreeze Sport Extreme Odor Eliminator. This stuff is marvelous! It knocked out 90% of the odor on the first application. I did have to treat the feet area 3x, but my son has very very sweaty feet and that is no real surprise. But it did take care of the odor.

I would recommend this as a simple solution to odor issues on backpacking gear.

**weaver2469** · 08-19-2012, 10:50

I don't like that particular type of Febreeze. I think it is mostly perfume. They make one type, with an orange top, that is antibacterial. I think it works best, by breaking down the stink instead of covering it. It is a little harder to find. The Target near me sells it.

The ozone generator idea is a really good one. It bombards the items with ozone and does a great job on stink. I don't know anyone who has one, but it is a common item for cleaning hockey gear. If you have a hockey rink or pro shop near you, call them and ask them if they have the machine at their facility. It is a huge metal box. For 5 or 6 dollars, you can put gear in it, shut the door and let it do its thing. No water or chemicals. I haven't considered using it for camping gear, but now I might. Hmmmm......

**body942** · 08-19-2012, 15:52

FWIW: we have both rosemary and lavender in rampant proportions outside the front door. When I get home, if it's sunny, I just drape my down over these and leave it till evening. Always comes out funk free and smelling fabulous. I've often thought, even before this thread, that if I didn't have it as part of the landscape, it would be worthwhile to plant one or both of the plants in a half barrel for this exact purpose. Just showed the wife the febreeze you located for gym bag purposes though...