Questions tagged [cleaning]
Questions related to cleaning equipment or people during or after outdoor activities.
57
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Take barbecue ashes with me
I do charcoal barbecuing on crown land. When I'm done with barbecuing, I want to take the coals/ashes with me, rather than dump them at the site.
Ashes can be hot and messy to handle, even when doused ...
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3
votes
1
answer
133
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Polyester/polythene tents smell, and partner is smell sensitive. How best to treat before long term storage?
I have 2 tents - an Outwell Kansas 5, and a Eurohike Tamar 2. Both need to go in the garage for long term storage for about 2 years, because we won't be able to go camping for a while.
The garage isn'...
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6
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My Trangia leaves soot all over everything—how do I remove or prevent it?
Just got back from a delightful couple of days hiking in the Cathedral Range in Victoria Australia, and I'm washing all the pots and plates, and cursing the black soot that comes off my Trangia ...
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How to sanitize rabbit legs found outdoors in a way that keeps them intact?
Last week I found the rear half of a rabbit in my yard. It was probably eaten by a large bird of prey. The hind legs were untouched so I hung them to desiccate. One week later, they have not visibly ...
6
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2
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Is it safe to depend only on a prusik?
This weekend I got myself into (for me) a hairy situation while rappelling. I got to a set of rap anchors that I needed to transfer to in order to get down to the next ledge, so I transferred myself ...
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1
answer
220
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Rid your tent of insect stowaways
I recently unpacked a tent and discovered a dead scorpion. It apparently was folded into the tent on the previous hiking trip in Arizona. I always shake the tent to rid it of dirt prior to folding ...
- 465
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1
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430
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Hemp rope - wash before first use?
So I got a new hemp rope, about 1.3 inch in diameter. The intended use is for "rope climbing" - hang the rope indoors from a ceiling and climb up along it using only the hands.
I have read ...
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3
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2
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104
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How can I clean water filter's intake filter?
I have an MSR "trailshot" hand-pump water filter which works well for me on trips where I've felt the need for such a thing.
Unfortunately, after some usage in what turned out to be a rather ...
- 283
5
votes
2
answers
580
views
What is the safe distance of washing with biodegradable soap?
I just bought a kitchen sink from STS (it is "just" a bag) which says to use it at least 100 meters from water. Since one can use the sink to do anything the distance seems valid, but I ...
- 217
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1
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249
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Removing pickle smell from a tent
While camping a little while back, my GF dropped an open jar of pickles inside the tent. Brine was all over the tent's floor, and after we cleaned what we can and it completely dried out, some odor ...
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Rusty Boot Hooks -- How to protect compromised metal?
I have snow boots that I just pulled out of my garage. I live in Los Angeles, so it's rare when I go to the snow. I'm not sure what caused it, but my boot hooks rusted and looked bad. I used a ...
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Why does a manufacturer recommend normal detergent instead of wool detergent?
I have purchased some outdoor clothing made of 83% merino wool. The manufacturer states in their care instructions to "use regular detergents, not wool detergents". What is the reason for them ...
- 465
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2
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275
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What is a good way to clean the inside of a water bottle straw while on a multi-day backpacking trip?
When coming back from a day of hiking and eating I often notice that the top of the straw of my water bottle is dirty on the inside. I've come across quite a few options to clean the inside of the ...
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How can I clean my newly acquired (used) climbing shoes in order to avoid athlete's foot?
I've been climbing for a few months and my gym sells old rental shoes at a discounted rate. I bought some as a cheap way to get started. I always wear socks when I climb but I've noticed the majority ...
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5
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414
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How to painlessly remove gunk left by tape gloves?
After using tape gloves for crack climbing, I always have some tape gunk left over on my skin. While it doesn't hurt and goes away a few days of rigorous scrubbing, it doesn't look super great at the ...
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4k
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How do I clean my knife sharpener?
Pictured below is my knife sharpener. I’d like to sharpen my knives, but there’s so much metal built up on the stones that it won’t sharpen. How can I clean these off? Attempts with cloths and Q-tips ...
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2
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I need to wash my waterproof coat without ruining the waterproofing
hopefully this is not a duplicate as I've searched for an answer on here before posting. I found this but there seems to be conflicting views on certain aspects of the question.
What I would like to ...
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2
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4k
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How to get mould out of rucksack?
I have just pulled my old Molle rucksack (5.11 Rush 72) out of storage and it is has a white/grey mould running through the fabric.
What is the best way to make this rucksack suitable for use again?...
- 2,889
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1
answer
10k
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How to get rid of sand from your shoes?
I know I shouldn't indulge in something like going on a beach while wearing shoes with breathable fabric.
But, it happened the other day and now I still feel like there is some sand hidden somewhere ...
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2
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How can I care for a wound that will be immersed in water?
I got a fairly bad cut on my leg, not quite bad enough for stitches but will probably leave a scar. I have a camping trip planned this weekend at a lake where we will go swimming and kayaking. I ...
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1
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Aftermarket access panel to clean inside fresh water RV tank?
When I was searching for boat inspection plates amazon example I saw a review where someone had bought one to install in the top of their RV fresh water tank to make cleaning inside easy. I thought ...
- 30.3k
5
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1
answer
512
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Using Lanolin for Merino Clothes
For our little baby's merino wool overtrousers-diapers we use Lanolin, which is absolutely recommendes by all producers of this kind of overtrousers. My question has two parts:
I have googled this ...
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1
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Do I need down-specific washing liquid for my coat?
I bought some nikwax Down Wash to wash my sudden coat.
Out of interest I compared it to a bottle of Nikwax Tech Wash. They appear to contain identical ingredients :
contains among over ...
user2766
11
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3
answers
3k
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How to clean soaked-in winter salt off boots?
Hiking in winter near urban areas, it’s difficult to avoid getting salty snow/slush on one’s boots. Of course, the first rule is to rinse it off immediately, and not to let it soak in. But sometimes ...
5
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2
answers
15k
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Deodorising rain jacket without ruining waterproofing
I have a Mammut jacket that's made with their DRYtech 2-layer material. It's been used quite a bit but still appears to have a lot of life left in it. However it's acquired a weird smell, not unlike ...
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3
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8k
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How can I effectively clean the "bite valve" for my water bladder?
The bite valve on my Osprey water bladder is covered in a black mould.
It's not very old and this is the second valve I've had on this. It seems to be impossible to remove and seems to grow no ...
user2766
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3
answers
217
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What should an outdoors traveler know about the biodegradability of plastic?
I was wonder how long it takes plastic to biodegrade and if there is anything a person can or should do to facilitate the process for plastics in the outdoors.
I know that optimally "Carry in, Carry ...
- 30.3k
31
votes
8
answers
4k
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What should I do about large trash left by others on USFS land?
When you find large trash items left by others in less accessible places, what should be done?
The exact scenario:
We were hiking a ten mile trail on US Forestry Service land with river crossings and ...
- 32.1k
22
votes
10
answers
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How do I disinfect my wool hiking socks?
I've got athlete's foot after having my feet in the same boots for extended periods of time.
How can I disinfect my wool hiking socks to prevent this from spreading and reinfecting my feet?
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12
votes
3
answers
17k
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De-stinking my water shoes
I have a pair of water shoes with a thick rubber sole and a neoprene upper. They provide good protection from coral cuts, stonefish etc.
In the past I've used these in the Ontario wilderness (fresh ...
- 12.1k
10
votes
4
answers
17k
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How do I get mold off my sandals?
I took my sandals out of storage in the basement today because it's two-hobbits-just-threw-a-ring-into-my-room kind of hot in here and outside, too.
The problem is that they have mold on them. How do ...
8
votes
3
answers
977
views
Prevent athlete´s foot (re)infection in barefoot shoes?
How can I prevent (re-)infecting myself from my barefoot shoes? The obvious answer would be not to wear them while I am infected, but taken that aside, are there possibilities to clean/disinfect the ...
- 4,329
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votes
4
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9k
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What is the most effective method to clean skin exposed to poison oak?
Poison oak season has begun around here, with fields full of the nasty stuff growing everywhere. I tend to dress conservatively in areas I know have poison oak, to avoid getting exposed in the first ...
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10
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4
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951
views
Cleaning the sipper pipe of a hydration pack
I use a regular hydration pack. I had given to a friend of mine to use it as she had her pack leaking. I guess she filled it with some sort of refreshment/flavored sports drink, and that has caused ...
- 31.7k
5
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1
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Bag technique for washing clothes while backpacking?
Related:
What size dry bag is best for keeping and washing clothes? Washing clothes on long hikes
After reading the first question above, I'm wondering to myself, is there an effective "bag method" ...
- 53.4k
12
votes
1
answer
985
views
What should I do if I get sprayed by a skunk?
There are times when I just barely miss getting sprayed by a skunk (there are a lot of them in my area). I haven't actually gotten directly sprayed, but I would like to be ready in case that happens. ...
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10
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1
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702
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How to clean hiking boots
How can I clean my hiking boots after any hike I made and how can I clean them after extended use e.g. multi day hike?
How can i clean them back home and on the field?
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133
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Are camping washing machines actually effective? [closed]
I was checking these small hand powered or electric powered washing machines, such as this one, and I was wondering if they are actually effective. Do they wash properly? Are they worth the price?
- 2,817
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2
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1k
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How to wash a foam helmet?
I have a Foam Helmet, made for climbing. Its kinda old and looks like it needs a wash.
The Helmet is old, and so is the foam. Roughly a bit more than 3 years now.
With other foam-made things that are ...
- 31.7k
21
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2
answers
6k
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How to clean vomit from camping gear?
Some background. Whilst car camping down in Weymouth recently I was unfortunate enough to encounter a stomach bug (we initially thought it was food poisoning but later realised it was a bug as my ...
- 15.4k
13
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5
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16k
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Dealing with Sap on a Tent
Basically as the title states. I placed my tent under a tree at the weekend to give a bit of respite against the torrential rain while setting it up. Said rain has mixed with sap laden leaves (which I ...
- 3,175
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2
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2k
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Hot or cold shower better after exertion?
Most of us go around, doing different physical activities. Whether it is indoors or outdoors, the common factor is that we often sweat, make our muscles, joints, tendons, ligament, etc work harder ...
- 31.7k
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1
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How many calories (aprox.) do we lose when washing in (very) cold water?
This is a common problem during wild camping or survival activity, especially during colder seasons. You are tired, you have lost a lot of calories during day, and now you want to wash, but the only ...
23
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3
answers
5k
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Washing dishes with seawater or freshwater?
When backpacking in a coastal region, you sometimes have access to both fresh water (e.g. a stream) and salt water (sea, bay, etc.).
If you do not treat the water used for washing dishes, what are ...
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4
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2k
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While backpacking, should one bring hand sanitizer, soap, or both?
What are the advantages of hand sanitizer over soap on a backpacking trip? Do they fulfill the same purpose?
What would you recommend for hand sanitization?
- 8,051
7
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0
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275
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How to get rid of the smell from indoor climbing shoes? [duplicate]
When I go climbing indoors I typically wear my climbing shoes without socks because this gives me slightly better control over my feet while climbing which I particularly need in overhangs.
The ...
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11
answers
81k
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How to clean rock-climbing shoes?
I have never found a good answer to this one:
How do you clean rock-climbing shoes, without ruining them?
Let me be more specific.
I have a pair of modern leather-and-fancy-rubber climbing shoes ...
- 5,756
8
votes
1
answer
800
views
Bleaching Dyneema/Spectra
My white full Dyneema backpack is old and dirty and stained. How do I clean it?
Can I wash it in chlorine bleach or some other fabric bleaching chemical? If so, how?
Even if the bleaching agent does ...
- 1,779
23
votes
2
answers
583
views
How to clean a sleeping bag ?
A sleeping bag will eventually need a cleaning. How do you proceed, in particular according to the different materials?
- 2,817
6
votes
1
answer
2k
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How should I wash Ventile clothing?
My Ventile jacket is getting a bit dirty. Is there anything special I need to know when washing it, or will a regular washing liquid and low temperature do?
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