Matthew: I remember vividly the method of removing the putrid odor of skunk from dogs and cats, but I don't think that will work on the bags. One way is to find out if the prevalent clinging smell is from a substance that is acidic or basic in nature. Vomit is acidic and can be neutralized by soaking in a saturation of baking soda. Rinsing many times. I have also had good luck with household ammonia, in diluted quantities. Baking soda is probably one of the most harmless (benign) solutions. When your panniers dry you can put some dry baking soda in a tied up old sock and leave it there. Just make sure the sock hasn't been on your sweaty foot for three weeks as that would 'defeat' all of your effort (pun intended). BT
Bruce Thomson Spokane WA 99204 (509) 747 4314 Masi3v4me@yahoo.com rapidfire10ring@hotmail.com
From: Matthew 'Devotion' Bowne <devotion_finesse@hotmail.com> Subject: [CR] "Funky" Old Panniers To: "CR discussion list" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Date: Monday, July 19, 2010, 9:41 PM
Hi Gang, I was mighty pleased when I picked up a nice old set of Kirtland panniers at a Tag Sale this weekend. Classic nylon/cordura construction, a matching Jim Blackburn rear alloy rack...and that unmistakable vomit/cheese smell that often permeates old camping gear. I recall reading an old thread with tips as to how to eliminate the most unpleasant smell of dead animals from vintage camping/touring gear, but a search of the Archives has produced no results... Can any of you suggest a method one might try to eliminate this foul odor from these otherwise perfect bags? Is there some sort of magic recipe or secret concoction? Or is the best method of elimination to tie them off in a contractor bag and leave them curbside for the Wednesday morning pickup by the NYC Dept. of Sanitation? Any pointers appreciated...
Matthew Bowne
Brooklyn, NYC