Domke Bag

[midocr]

Has anyone ever ran a Domke bag through the washing machine? This one has been sitting in the back of a closet for a while. I pulled it out to use for something and it smells incredibly musty. The closet is dry and the bag feels dry. It has that waxy waterproofing on it too. Suggestions?

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Thanks!

 

[mematsu]

Domke says do not but if I still had one and it needed it I would.
Here's a post with someone who has washed one and it sounds like without any hesitation or issues.
Can I wash a Domke bag...

 

[dburanich]

Someone in the dry cleaning business could probably help you with this.
If it removes the waterproof finish they sell spray that you could use on it to restore it.

 

[frdjohns]

I have cleaned other (non-domke) photo bags with a bucket of mildly soapy warm water (just dish soap) and a nylon laundry brush. brush lightly, rinse with clear water, and allow to air dry. I do it whenever necessary and have never had an issue.

 

[SRHEdD]

I've done it before and it was fine. My concern is that yours looks like their "Rugged Wear" version while mine was straight canvas. Canvas? No problem, still have the bag. The rugged wear might have a wax/waterproof coating you'd lose.

 

[dburanich]

If you do lose the wax finish when cleaning they do sell the original Domke wax.
Not sure how difficult it is to apply but maybe worth it to you.

DomkeRuggedWear Refinishing Wax

 

[midocr]

Thanks everyone. I'll give it a shot. I have some of their water-proofing wax.

 

[West]

I throw my into the washer about once every year and a half (non oiled type) best not to tumble dry though as the metal parts could create some damage, leave out in the sun to dry.