Bunko.T Loc: Western Australia.

I'd kick her arse till her nose bleeds. Vac it & use it mate. Too much waste in the world today.
There's dust in the air outside the bag. Can't do much harm.

TJBNovember Loc: Long Island, New York

You don't happen to say what type of bag it is so most of the previous advice is probably a little lacking. Removing all the dividers and giving it another good vacuuming would probably be a good place to start. If its a canvas bag I'd turn it inside out and put it through a cold water wash, normal cycle.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Our bags are very expensive Billingham models, and I would not consider throwing one out. I've also had other pricey bags over the years, holding everything from 4x5 to Nikon 35. I would never throw out a bag for some scattered sand as you describe. When disaster has struck in the past, I've done this:

1) Remove all liners, partitions, and other removable components from the bag.

2) Shake thoroughly, holding it upside down and banging it against a solid surface. Use a compressor or canned air to blow along all of the seams, and repeat the above.

3) Vacuum the interior thoroughly using a high power HEPA filtered vacuum. I have a small model that I use for electronics and photo equipment, but you can use a regular household vac, as long as it has a narrow nozzle.

4) Wipe down the inside with a damp, lint free cloth. Allow to dry, and vacuum one more time.


I've never damaged a piece of gear by reusing a bag after this treatment. I'm not about to throw out a $400 bag without good cause, but, as someone above said, you're probably more likely to get dirt or sand into your gear outside the bag than in it after a thorough cleaning.


Good luck!

Andy

PS: Not all canvas bags are washable - a thorough trip through the washer can shrink the fabric, destroy the waterproofing, rust the hardware and do other damage. Unless it says "washable" on the bag, that's one thing I'd try to avoid.

TJBNovember Loc: Long Island, New York

If one is concerned about putting a canvas bag through the wash. A few tips given to me that have worked on canvas satchels and brief cases. Cold water, gentle cycle, delicate fabric wash such as Woolite, or in this case no detergent at all, remove anything removable including straps and dividers. After wash cycle is complete, wipe any metal down with a cloth very lightly dampened with WD-40, and let it air dry. Of course this is speaking to the OP.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Good advice. However if the canvas is waterproof, or even water resistant, this treatment will likely destroy the waterproofing.

Thank goodness it was a relatively inexpensive day pack that I learned this lesson on!

Andy

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

"When in doubt, buy more stuff!!!!!"

Ancient Saying of Wise Buddhist Photographer.

Joe Blow

Joe Blow

Scotchguard will help waterproof and treat it.

Joe Blow

It's happened to me on more than one occasion. I never over worry about it.

I just vaccuum out the bag, using the narrow tool to get into the corners. When it is dirty I toss it in the washing machine and hang dry. After thoroughly drying it, I treat it with Scotchguard to waterproof it, spraying inside and out. The zippers are brass so I don't worry about corrosion.

I bought this bag in 1986. I'll estimate this has been machined washed 10 or 12 times. My M-I-L has repaired a seam for me, the name tag fell off years ago and the zipper handles have broken. I put some key rings through the zipper handles and they work fine. The plastic clasps still work great. The foam inserts and velcro are great.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Scotchguard is good stuff. I use it on lots of fabric products. But you're not going to get my Billingham into a washing machine without prying it from my cold, dead hands.... LOL

Andy

AlohaJim Loc: Retired. Hawaii >> N. Arizona.

Shake it out.
Vacuum.
Laundry Machine.
Shake it out.
Vacuum.
(repeat as needed).
I keep my cameras in 2 gallon zip lock bags and all lenses are in ziplocks as well. Also, filters.
So, no matter what happens to the camera bag, the gear is fine. Salt spray, sand, dirt, rain, etc.
j

Joe Blow

Maybe I should add that this bag is all canvas with nylon inserts. I would not recommend leather being washed in a machine.

scuff

Thanks :)

scuff

I'm afraid I wasn't as gracious as Pa. But, I did stop myself after shrieking out her name.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Yes.

I’d suggest the same for any canvas bag with a true waterproof backing layer, like the Billingham. I wouldn’t put mine through the wash, even if the trim and straps were nylon.

Andy