How do you clean a dirty gig bag?

Phil Smith · #1 11-02-2005, 09:18 AM

I have a trusty Undercover two bass gig bag that could use a good cleaning. Has anyone had their gig bag professionally cleaned? Machine washed? I need real suggestions, i.e. things that have ACTUALLY been done that turned out good.

Marcus · #2 11-02-2005, 09:23 AM

Hm... when you say "good cleaning," do you mean that it is just saturated with grime? Or does it just smell bad?

I usually use Febreze after every gig/jam/smoke ensconced recording session on my gigbags and let them just hang for a while. Empty, of course.

If you need to literally wash it though, you might want to not machine wash it, as the zippers, velcro and so on could deteriorate from the process.

Phil Smith · #3 11-02-2005, 09:39 AM

It's dirty, not smelly.

bassguitar · #4 11-02-2005, 01:51 PM

I made the mistake of putting mine in the washing machine.

There's now a tear at the bottom, and one of the hand straps broke off. The thing was totally twisted around the centre of the machine by the shoulder straps. I think it may have shrunk a bit too.

It's clean though.

gottawalk · #5 11-02-2005, 02:06 PM

You should check with a manufacturer. I'll bet if you go to the website for the Brand you have, they'd have a "contact us" link.

I would guess that most of those, (I don't have one presently, but have one on the way with a new bass), are "surface wash" only with damp cloth, etc. Maybe taking it to a professional cleaners...

Email the manufacturer. Let us know if you get a reply; I'd be interested to know how to clean mine when it needs it in the future.

Oh! I found the site, and email;
http://www.undercovercases.com/default.asp (under construction...)
Email address is info1@undercovercases.com
Give it a shot!

Eric Moesle · #6 11-02-2005, 02:56 PM

I did mine once with the hand-held nozzle of a home carpet cleaning machine, it sprays water out and sucks it up immediately. I didn't use any chemicals or cleaners, just water and it worked fine.

bassguitar · #7 11-02-2005, 02:59 PM

I imagine it could be dry cleaned?

43% burnt · #8 11-02-2005, 03:29 PM

Soap, warm water and a scrub-brush perhaps?

FriscoBassAce · #9 11-02-2005, 04:11 PM

I haven't ever washed a gig bag, but I have washed backpacks, which are somewhat similar in design and construction if you think about it. However, I don't have an ordinary top-load washing machine. Mine is the Maytag Neptune that is a front loader. There isn't an agitator, which can cause rips and tears as described above.

Here's a possible suggestion if the gig bag is indeed machine washable. Go to your local laundramat and find one of those really giant front-loading washing machines. I've seen women put whole comforters in these before. They wash by tumble action and don't have the agitator inside. Wash it with a little soap in cold water. After the cycle, don't put it in the dryer. Allow it to drip-dry over your bathtub or in your garage or patio. I wouldn't recommend drying it out in the sun because that can lead to fading.

Good luck man!

Phil Smith · #10 11-02-2005, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Moesle

I did mine once with the hand-held nozzle of a home carpet cleaning machine, it sprays water out and sucks it up immediately. I didn't use any chemicals or cleaners, just water and it worked fine.

This sounds like a good idea.

I've sent Undercover cases an email asking what their recommendation is. Stay tuned...