Knowing how to wash hunting gear the right way is crucial for keeping it tough, scent-free, and long-lasting.
Hunting gear gets dirty fast, picking up sweat, blood, mud, and odors that can wear it down over time or even scare away game. High-quality gear like Stone Creek hunting gear is built to last, but it still needs some care to perform its best.
In this blog, we'll cover easy steps to clean your hunting gear, from choosing the right detergent to drying it without damage. You'll learn how to remove stubborn stains, avoid ruining your gear, and make it last for many seasons.
Key Takeaways
Use baking soda and scent-free detergent to keep your hunting clothes odor-free.
Air dry your gear to protect the fabric and avoid scents from dryer sheets.
Store your hunting clothes in a sealed bag to keep them fresh and ready for the next hunt.
Why You Need to Wash Hunting Clothes Properly
Hunting gear collects grime like blood, sweat, and dirt, which can damage the fabric if not cleaned properly. Here’s why proper care makes a big difference.
Keep your hunting gear durable. Quality technical hunting gear, like waterproof fabrics, can wear down quickly if not washed properly. Regular laundry detergent and products with UV brighteners can also damage the fabric and make your camo stand out to animals.
Control the scent to stay undetected. Animals like deer have an incredible sense of smell, and even the slightest human scent can alert them. Proper cleaning is essential to keeping your hunting clothes free of odors that could give you away in the field.
5 Steps to Clean Your Hunting Gear Right
Besides getting rid of dirt, washing hunting clothes is about keeping your gear ready for your next hunt. Here are six easy steps to keep your gear in great shape.
1. Clean your washing machine
Before you even think about washing hunting clothes, take a moment to clean out your washing machine.
Leftover scents from your everyday laundry—detergent, fabric softener, even the smell of your house—can stick around in the machine. Those smells will transfer to your hunting gear, and trust me, a deer’s nose will pick it up.
Run a hot water cycle: Set the machine to its hottest setting and toss in some baking soda or scent-free detergent. This will help clear out any lingering scents from past washes.
Check the lint trap: Clean it out so there’s no old fabric clinging around, which will add extra smells to your gear.
Wash separately: Once the machine’s clean, always wash your hunting clothes on their own. You don’t want them mixing with your regular laundry—no need for your gear to pick up the smell of dryer sheets or your house.
2. Pick the right detergent
Using the right detergent is a huge part of keeping your hunting clothes scent-free. Regular laundry detergent gets rid of dirt, but it’s loaded with things like perfumes and UV brighteners. That stuff makes it easier for game to spot and smell you in the woods.
If you’re trying to stay hidden, the goal is to keep your clothes scent-free and undetectable. Here’s how to do it.
Stick to scent-free detergent. Always use scent-free detergent when you wash hunting clothes. This helps keep your gear neutral, without any strong scents that animals—especially deer—can pick up.
Look for detergents made specifically for hunting or labeled Tide Free and clear of scents. This makes sure your clothing stays as stealthy as possible during the hunt.
Use baking soda. For an extra layer of scent control, don’t forget to use baking soda. Just add it to your wash cycle along with your detergent. It’s a simple, cheap way to fight off unwanted odors and keep your gear odor-free.
3. Get rid of stains
Hunting gets messy, and your gear will definitely show it. Blood, mud, and grease are pretty common, and knowing how to clean these stains will keep your gear in good shape. Here’s how to deal with those tough spots and keep your hunting clothes looking fresh.
Blood stains. This is one of the toughest stains to remove, but the trick is to act fast. Soak your clothes in cold water as soon as possible. Cold water helps loosen the blood without setting the stain into the fabric.
You can also add a bit of white vinegar to the soak for extra power. Avoid using hot water—it’ll only make things worse.
Mud. When your clothes are covered in mud, it’s important to rinse them off first. Don’t throw muddy clothes straight into the wash. Rinse off the mud with cold water to remove the chunks.
Grease. For greasy stains, like from handling your boots or gear, sprinkle some cornstarch on the spot to absorb the oil. Let it sit for a bit, then wash as normal.
Grass stains. This can be tricky, especially on your outer layers. One easy hack is to use toothpaste (non-gel). Scrub the stain gently with a toothbrush until the stain starts to fade. Then wash the clothes in cold water to finish the job.
4. Dry and store hunting clothes like a pro
How you dry and store your hunting clothes is just as important as washing them. If done wrong, your gear can pick up unwanted odors or even get moldy. Follow these simple steps to keep your gear odor-free and ready for the next hunting season.
Air dry your gear. After washing, always air dry your clothes. Hang them outside or in a ventilated area, but avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause colors to fade.
Using a dryer is risky, especially for waterproof items, and can damage fabrics. So, keep it simple—line-dry your gear to keep it in good shape.
Store in a sealed bag or tote. Once your clothes are fully dry, it’s important to store them properly to avoid picking up household smells.
Use a Rubbermaid tote or a sealed bag to keep your gear fresh. For extra scent control, throw in some scent wafers, pine needles, or even cedar branches. This will help mask any odors and keep your gear ready for the next hunt.
5. Take care of your boots and gear
Don’t forget about your boots and game bags. Keeping them clean is just as important as your hunting clothes.
Game bags: Blood and odors can stick to your game bags if not cleaned properly. The best way to handle them is to hand wash with soap and rinse thoroughly. After washing, air-dry them completely so they don’t get moldy.
Boots: After every hunt, wipe down your boots with a damp towel to get rid of dirt, mud, or any other stuff that’s stuck on them. Make sure they’re fully dry before storing them to avoid mold and odor.
How to Wash Stone Creek Gear
Washing your Stone Creek hunting gear right will help it last and work better in the field. Here’s how to clean each type of gear.
Waterproof gear. Although gear like Stone Creek’s Tuff n Dry Bibs and Hunter’s Choice Chaps are made tough, they still need gentle care to stay in top shape. Wash them in cold water, as hot water can damage the fabric.
After washing, air dry the gear. Using a dryer can mess up the waterproof layers. Be sure to skip dryer sheets since they can leave behind unwanted scents.
Lightweight Gear. For lighter items like Stone Creek’s Ultra-Light Briar-Proof Jacket or base layers, skip the dryer. Hang dry or air dry these pieces. Using the dryer can weaken the fabric over time.
Invest in Stone Creek Gear: Built Tough, Made to Last
Like any gear, Stone Creek hunting clothes need proper care to keep performing at their best. But when you choose our gear, you’re investing in more than just durability.
Our products are proudly made in the USA, featuring lifetime warranty zippers and rugged, high-quality materials designed to handle the roughest conditions.
If you want gear that stands up to the toughest hunts, Stone Creek has you covered. Call today and invest in hunting gear that’s built to last season after season.
Summary
Washing your hunting clothes the right way keeps them tough and ready for action. Simple steps like using baking soda, skipping the dryer sheets, and air drying your gear will keep it odor-free and in top shape. When you take care of your gear, it’ll take care of you in the field.
With Stone Creek gear, you’re getting more than just clothes—you’re getting gear built to last. Our tough materials and lifetime warranty zippers make sure your equipment can handle anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you wash hunting gear?
To wash hunting clothes, use baking soda or a scent-free detergent to keep them odor-free. Run them through a cold water cycle and avoid dryer sheets that can leave scents. Always air dry your gear to protect the fabrics and prevent damage.
What laundry detergent is best to avoid when washing hunting clothes?
Avoid any detergent with strong fragrances and UV brighteners. These products can make your clothing more noticeable to game and leave scents that might alert a deer’s nose.
Can I wash my hunting clothes in vinegar?
Yes, you can wash hunting clothes with vinegar. Adding white vinegar to the wash helps eliminate body odor and can neutralize any lingering scents. Use it along with baking soda for even better odor control.
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