When washing hunting clothes, our main goal isn’t to remove dirt, grime, and stains. As hunters, we know how crucial scent is in hunting, and we need to ensure that our hunting gear is scent-free.
To do this, it’s important to properly wash and store your hunting gear after each use.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the essential steps for washing and storing your hunting gear so you can prepare yourself for a successful hunt! Let’s get started.
How Can You Wash Hunting Clothes?
First things first, let’s talk about the different ways you can wash your hunting clothes.
There are three main methods: hand washing, machine washing, and spot cleaning.
Hand Washing: Hand washing is a great option if you only have a few pieces of clothing to wash. It’s also a gentler method, which is important if you have high-performance hunting gear that can be easily damaged.
Machine Washing: Machine washing is a good option if you have a lot of clothes to wash or if they’re particularly dirty. However, you’ll need to make sure you’re using the right washing cycle and detergent to avoid damaging your gear.
Spot Cleaning: Finally, spot cleaning is a quick and easy way to deal with small stains or marks on your hunting clothes. However, it’s not a substitute for a full wash.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide.
How to Hand Wash Hunting Clothes
Before you start washing your hunting clothes, you’ll need to gather a few supplies.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A large tub or sink
- Warm water
- Detergent (make sure it’s suitable for high-performance clothing)
- Stain remover (if you have any particularly stubborn stains)
- Soft-bristled brush (optional)
- Hangers for drying
Step 1: Pre-Treat Stains
Although our main goal is to eliminate scent, it’s still important to keep stains to a minimum and make sure our hunting clothes last as long as possible.
Pre-treat any stains with either an unscented stain remover or mix a few drops of detergent with warm water and dab it onto the stain. Be sure the detergent is also scent-free.
Let the mixture sit on the stain for 5 minutes before washing.
Step 2: Fill Your Tub or Sink With Warm Water
Fill your tub or sink with enough warm water to cover all of your hunting clothes. Make sure it’s not too hot, as this could damage some fabrics.
Since we will be washing the clothes by hand, you want to limit how much water you’re using. The less water, the better!
Step 3: Add Detergent and Agitate
Add a few drops of scent-free detergent to the warm water and gently agitate it until it’s fully dissolved. If you are using a soft-bristled brush, you can use this to help spread the detergent.
Now, add your hunting clothes to the water and continue to agitate for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Rinse and Hang Dry
Once all of the dirt has been loosened from the clothes, drain the soapy water from the tub or sink. Then, fill it again with clean, warm water and rinse your hunting clothes until all of the detergent is gone.
Finally, hang your hunting clothes on hangers and let them air dry completely before storing them away.
How to Machine Wash Hunting Clothes
If you prefer to use a washing machine, don’t worry! You can still successfully wash and scent-proof your hunting clothes. However, there are a few extra steps you need to take.
Step 1: Pre-Treat Stains
Just like with hand washing, pre-treat any stains on the clothing with either an unscented stain remover or a mixture of detergent and warm water. Let the mixture sit on the stain for 5 minutes before washing.
Step 2: Choose the Right Washing Cycle
When using a machine, it’s essential to choose the right cycle. Use either a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water (never hot!) and an unscented detergent.
Step 3: Hang to Dry or Tumble Dry on Low Heat
Once the washing cycle is complete, hang your hunting clothes on hangers to air dry or tumble dry on low heat. Avoid using high heat, as this can damage the fabric and shrink your clothes.
If you’re using a dryer, make sure to remove your hunting clothes as soon as the cycle is complete to prevent them from wrinkling.
How to Spot Clean Hunting Clothes
Sometimes, a full wash isn’t necessary for your hunting clothes. If you have a small stain or area that needs cleaning, spot cleaning is a great option.
Step 1: Mix Detergent with Warm Water
Mix a few drops of unscented detergent with warm water in a bowl. Make sure the detergent is completely dissolved.
Step 2: Dab Stain
Dip a clean cloth into the mixture and gently dab onto any stains or marks. Repeat this process until the stain is gone.
Step 3: Rinse with Warm Water
Once the stain has been removed, rinse the area with warm water and a clean cloth to make sure all of the detergent is gone.
If the stain is still visible, repeat the cleaning process until it’s completely gone.
Step 4: Hang Dry
Finally, hang your hunting clothes up to air dry completely. This will help to ensure that all of the detergent is gone and your clothes are ready for their next outing!
Tips to Remove Odors from Hunting Clothes
If your hunting clothes are starting to smell, there are a few things you can do to help remove the odors.
Line Dry in the Sun: Line drying your hunting clothes outside in the sun is a great way to help remove odors. The sun’s UV rays can help break down bacteria, which leads to less odor. Plus, you get some fresh air!
Use a Deodorizing Spray: If you don’t have the time to line dry outside, try using an unscented deodorizing spray instead. These sprays are designed to neutralize odors and help keep your hunting clothes smelling fresh.
Use Baking Soda: Baking soda is a great natural odor remover for hunting clothes. Simply sprinkle some baking soda onto your hunting clothes and let it sit for a few hours before laundering. This will help to absorb any odors, leaving your hunting clothes smelling clean and fresh!
Soak in Vinegar: Another great option for removing odors from hunting clothes is to soak them in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and warm water. Let the clothes sit for about an hour before laundering them as usual. The vinegar will help neutralize any lingering odors.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is another natural odor remover that can be used on hunting clothes. Simply squeeze a few drops of lemon juice onto the fabric and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before laundering. This method works best when combined with other odor-removal techniques, such as vinegar or baking soda.
Activated Charcoal: If you have access to activated charcoal, it can be an effective way to remove odors from hunting clothes. Simply sprinkle the charcoal onto the fabric and let it sit for a few hours before laundering as usual. The charcoal will absorb any odors, leaving your hunting clothes smelling fresh and clean!
Odor Control Detergent: Finally, there are various types of odor control detergents that can be used to help remove odors from hunting clothes. These detergents are specifically designed to eliminate odors and leave your clothes smelling clean and fresh. Choose a mild unscented variety for the best results.
How to Store Your Hunting Gear After Washing
Once your hunting clothes are clean and dry, it’s important to store them properly.
Here are some tips for storing your gear:
- Hang your clothes on hangers or store them in a garment bag. This will help to keep them wrinkle-free and ready for the next hunting season.
- Store all of your gear in an airtight container or plastic bin. This will help to protect it from dust, moisture, and insects.
- Place silica gel packets in your container or bin to help absorb any moisture.
- Place cedar blocks or sachets inside the container for an added layer of protection against insects.
- Make sure to store your hunting gear in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Final Thoughts
Taking good care of your hunting gear is essential if you want it to last for many hunting seasons. By following these step-by-step guides for hand washing and machine washing your hunting clothes, you can ensure that your gear stays clean and in good condition.
Remember to always read the care labels on your clothing and use the appropriate detergents and washing cycles. If you have any particularly stubborn stains, don’t hesitate to use a stain remover before washing.
Once your hunting clothes are clean and dry, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. This will help prevent damage to the fabric and keep your gear in top condition for your next hunting trip.