De-scenting your gear

[Rapier1772]

I did an oopsy - I tried to waterproof my backpack a couple weeks ago & now it still stinks. Some chemical smell too, not a natural smell... Anyone now how to get that stench out?
I've let it air out, I've tried just drenching it with hot water (the waterproofing didn't work), took it to the car wash & pressure washed it, tried Dead Down Wind spray on scent control, & sprayed it with Febreze. It isn't as bad now but it's still enough that I can smell it if I am near it. If I can smell it, animals can definitely smell it.

Anyone have other ideas to try? I think the next thing I am going to try it just toss it in the mud, maybe drag it through a field but that won't get rid of chemical smell, just mask it.

By the way, the waterproofing stuff was called Neverwet. The blue spray bottle stuff is crap, don't waste your money. But the two part stuff does work - just wait until after hunting season to apply it. It will give your gear the frosted look but there are ways to fix that (my friend just burned the frost fuzz off with a lighter).

Thanks

[panzermk2]

OK Neverwet comes in a blue bottle so which version is best?

[Rapier1772]

There is one that is just a blue spray bottle (outdoor fabric) - do not get.
There is also the multi-purpose stuff which does work but leaves the frosted look

[jgreenberg01]

I have effectively de-scented odoriferous-offensive items using gasoline.

Add a spark and... poof - bad smell is gone.

Just sayin'...

[grimmond]

I've always used Kiwi Camp dry to great effect and after 1-2 days the spray odor dissipates. The only thing I can think of that will permanently remove the odor is a disinfectant called Amphyl. Its like Lysol to the 10th power. I used it to eliminate cigarette smoke odor out of a used car I bought it has its own smell to it but that goes away after a day if left to air out. Or go jgreenburg01's route....

[Rapier1772]

If you're willing to buy me a new backpack before the gasoline trick, I'd try it. Until then, I need a solution (or rather a solvent ) that still leaves me with something to carry my stuff in when hunting.

Thanks Grimmond, I'll see if I can find some of those

[Mister Freeze]

My experience is lots of sunshine. I think the UV breaks down chemical odors, or something like that. I have had gear fade before the smell was gone, though...