How to Get the Smell Out of Military Surplus Gear

When you walk through the doors of an army navy store or open your delivery package, it hits you almost immediately: the smell of military surplus. After a while, you may even come to love the distinct odor of must, Cosmoline and F.A.N. However, it’s understandable that you don’t want your gear smelling like a TA-50 locker or quartermaster laundry room. So, here’s how to get the surplus smell out of your gear without damaging it.

1. Freezer

This method sounds a weird, but it works because freezing kills bacteria and microbes that cause bad smells. First hand wash the item and let it completely dry. Then seal the item in an air-tight bag and put it in the freezer for 1-3 days. If the odors are from mothballs or chemical treatments, then the next method will work better.

Note: Many military backpacks need to be taken apart before washing, such as by removing belts, pouches, or straps. You should know how to break down your gear anyway, though! You can check out military surplus backpacks here.

2. Baking Soda Method

Baking soda kills microbes that cause bad smells. It absorbs non-microbial odors, such as the stink from waterproofing treatments or rubber, such as on military surplus boots or ponchos.

To remove smells with baking soda:

1.Seal the item in a plastic bag with lots of baking soda.

2.Leave it there for 2-3 days.

3.Remove the item from the sealed bag.

4.Now soak it in a mixture of baking soda and water for a few hours. Use at least ½ cup of baking soda.

5.Wash and let it air dry.

3. Sunshine + Air + Time

Simply letting army surplus gear air out is often enough to get the bad smell out. Ideally, air the gear someplace with lots of sunshine. The UV lights will kill any microbes that are growing. Remember to also turn rucksacks inside out so the interior can get sunshine, too.

4. Vinegar Soak

Mix 1 part vinegar with 10 parts water. Soak the gear in it for at least an hour, and then wash as per instructions. This method works particularly well for stinky army surplus blankets because vinegar helps soften wool. Vinegar can also be used on most military surplus clothing and sleeping bags.

Do not use vinegar to clean any rubberized or waterproof gear, such as ponchos or surplus gas masks. The vinegar can cause the rubber or coating to degrade.

5. Wash with Technical Laundry Detergents

Army surplus gear made with synthetic materials and waterproof coatings (such as DWR) should not be washed with normal laundry detergents. The chemicals in those detergents can break down the coatings and make them less effective.

Instead, do this:

1.Use a “technical laundry detergent” made for synthetics and DWR gear.

2.Wash at a low temperature on the gentle setting.

3.After the first wash is done, do an extra rinse cycle.

4.Hang to dry.

DWR gear: Once the item is completely dry, put it in the dryer for 15 minutes. Or, put a towel on top of the gear and iron it at the cool synthetic setting. The heat will reactivate the DWR coating.

Do NOT Use:

Ozone treatments: These can destroy the rubber and coatings on army surplus gear.

Scented laundry detergents: The chemicals can damage a lot of gear. Plus, your floral-scented gear will become a magnet for insects!

Bleach: Bleach can cause materials to fade or become brittle.