Wader problem

[rayray519]

So I didn't hang dry my waders one time after fishing. They now have a moderate mildew/mold odor on the outside. The boot part and inside seem ok.

I just washed them in cold water in the tub and mild powder detergent, hung dry them and yet they still have the same smell.

Is there anything I can use to rid them of the odor? I read vinegar or oxyclean might work?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[fishfight]

Fill up the interior part of the boots with water and clorox, leave it for few hours or over night, it will get rid or kill all mildew, then rinse with water again, let it dry...........Finally put a cardboard tube inside to straighten your waders, ensure it dries out, and air can breath inside, every time you used them.
Clorox or bleach kills all mildew and mold.

 

[MonsterFisherRAWL]

Wash with vinegar AND THEN baking soda (not together)
I use heavy detergent tabs for my wetsuit (scuba diving) that works well to get rid of smell. I would think they'll work for waders just the same. You can get some from scuba shops. But really save the $$ and use vinegar in hot water. Followed by baking soda in hot water.

 

[rayray519]

Thanks, but I have the SIMMS breathable waders. Using bleach won't damage them at all (used in proper moderation)?

 

[Knuguy]

Thanks, but I have the SIMMS breathable waders. Using bleach won't damage them at all (used in proper moderation)?

I wouldn't touch the bleach if I were you. It 'rots out' a lot of materials. Just rub some fish slime over them to make them smell better!!

 

[Dozer]

Yeah I wouldn't be using bleach - even watered down bleach breaks down a lot of stuff. Perhaps just scrub with soap and water a few times and let them dry over and over again. Or perhaps a morning fish after a heavy night of drinking and consuming a lot of chili?

 

[chinooky]

For the bleach users: what concentration do you use? I would think that high strengths or over-exposure could make some materials brittle

 

[James5354]

if you got a front loader washing machine throw the waders in the with "nik tech wash" on high spin cycle and then throw them in the dryer on "LOW" setting for about 20 mins to quicken the drying process, when you take them out and there still a bit damp just hang dry them and make sure you pull them inside out and back again a few times during the drying process to make sure it all dries properly.

 

[Dozer]

I recently discovered myrazime, apparently it works wonders.