Getting the stink out

[mmex4wdauto]

Hi all! New to the boards all... These guys at DEMA were passing out some new product that supposedly can eliminate any odors in dive gear and disinfect it too. I think it was called Microban QGC or something like that. I got a chance to try some on my gear after a recent diving trip and it made a heck of a difference!

 

[cadiver67]

Hey All,

My instructor when I was getting certified told us to use regular fabric softener - like for your laundry - to rinse anything that touches the salt water.

When I get home from diving I put everything in a couple of large trash cans filled with fresh water and some fabric softener.

Then I let everything soak overnight because I am usually way too tired from diving to clean everything right then and there.

The next day I rinse my gear and hang it to dry and everything smells nice like fabric softener.

 

[tleemay]

Enzymes are the key. The longer you can soak your lycra skin in an enzyme rich solution, the more successful the "de-stinkification" will be.

For years now, I use a product sometimes found in those 99 Cents stores called "Fabuloso". It does leave a very mildly subtle residual smell of either citrus, lillac or something called Ocean Breeze, but it does take the dead skin or rotting microorganism smell out.

It takes half a bottle to a 55 gal trash can of water, but if you do find it in the 99 cent store, that's 50 cents a use. If you buy it at a grocery store it will be about $2 + a bottle. It is one product that is not only inexpensive compared to those little yellow squeeze pouches, but it actually works - and works well.