Ufauxreal

I just 'found' a smaller size backpack I haven't used in probably 15 yrs. I just bought the Sony RX10 IV and since i no longer need to bring along several lenses this smaller backpack will be perfect. However, having been in the back of some closet all these years, it has dirt on it, which looks like it might be mildew. Any ideas what product I can use to get rid of it? Thanks.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I toss my backpacks into the washer with soap, water and dry outside on a line.

Ufauxreal

I was not comfortable doing that with mine. I decided to google how to get rid of mildew. Several articles suggested using plain vinegar, and since I happened to have some, I got a cloth with a bit of texture, dampened it with the vinegar, and scrubbed that mildew away. I had it out on our lanai to dry and it is now looking almost new! Thought I'd post this in case anyone else has the same issue.

chrissybabe Loc: New Zealand

A couple of cups of white vinegar in a bucket and soak for a couple of hours. Then put it through a standard wash cycle and dry it on the line preferably in sunshine.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

I'm not sure that I'd risk putting my camera and lens in a case that had and may still have mildew. Although it may look like you got it all there may be some areas where you can't see it. Personally, I'd toss it and get a new one. There will be sales for the 4th and you should be able to get a deal. I have had a few Lowepro cases for many years and they hold up well and are well designed and padded - and, cost a fraction of some other brands.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Right! It's amazing what the washing machine will clean up. An alternative is to spray it with a general purpose cleaner and see how that works. You can use as small brush to scrub it. A toothbrush works great for those little spaces - preferably an old brush or one belonging to an unsuspecting family member.

Brian S. Loc: Oak Park, MI

Remember that there could be a lot of mildew between the inner and outer layers of the backpack that you cannot see or reach with your cleaning method.

You really should do the "Washing Machine" solution or take it to your dry cleaner and have it done correctly. Is a $15 backpack worth more than your expensive lenses or camera?? Probably not.

cahale Loc: San Angelo, TX

The trash can. Buy another one. They are not that expensive.

r1ch Loc: Colorado

I have read that hydrogen peroxide will kill mold although bleach is better, probably not good for the bag. Soak it then run it through the washer with Starbright or RNR86 from Amazon. Do not want that stuff near your lenses. Better to destroy the bag in the wash than get mold or mildew near your lens. I always keep my mosture absorbing bags that come in the new box and put them in my camera bags.

chrissybabe Loc: New Zealand

Soak it in white vinegar (2 cups in a bucket). You could add a small amount of detergent to help wet the bag material. This will ensure that the acetic acid in the vinegar will get into every corner of the bag. Then wash it in the machine. Since a machine wash is usually 50-60 minutes long this helps to clean it thoroughly. Drying in the sun helps the UV to kill fungal spores (if any are remaining). No reason why you can't go through the soak procedure with vinegar twice. So all up you are looking at max 10 minutes of your time and maybe a dollars worth of material and the planet thanks you.
Throwing the bag away without trying to clean it first is consumerism and excessive consumption and is one of the reasons why this world is in such a mess.
Ignore those who suggest just biffing it because they think that they wouldn't put their lens anywhere near mold. I guarantee there will be no fungal spores remaining after the treatment.
Only use white vinegar because that is pretty much acetic acid and water. Other types of vinegar might stain the bag. Hydrogen peroxide would probably do the same thing but you would need to ensure what the concentration is as H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) does deteriorate over time. Mild bleach also may work without destroying the bags threads but once again not too strong otherwise the chlorine might start rotting the fabric and threads.

Just Shoot Me Loc: Ithaca, NY

You deserve a new backpack. Belated fathers day gift? Birthday?
Ron

Ufauxreal

Nope... I really like this one and will work on getting it totally mold/mildew free!!

Just Shoot Me Loc: Ithaca, NY

Kinda like an old jacket is your best friend. I totally understand.
Ron