getting rid of moldy gear smell?

S

stanw

Contributor

Messages

109

Reaction score

1

Location

Los Angeles

# of dives

0 - 24

• Jul 9, 2011

• #1

I just got back from a trip where I was using mask/snorkel, fins, booties and gloves everyday for about 10 days. I rinsed them each day afterward. I just got back home and they all smell moldy and so does the suit case I brought them home in. Anyone have any advice for how to clean them and the smell away?

Thanks.

 

USCScubaboy

Contributor

Messages

379

Reaction score

10

Location

Madison, Wi

# of dives

50 - 99

• Jul 9, 2011

• #2

The smell usually goes a way after a few days of drying. If that doesn't work, you can try Sink the Stink or other gear deodorizers

 

zoom5

Contributor

Messages

103

Reaction score

10

Location

Media, PA

# of dives

200 - 499

• Jul 9, 2011

• #3

I use McNett's Wet/Dry Suit Shampoo and let my gear soak for a few minutes in big Rubbermade container.

Mcnett Wet Suit Shampoo 8 oz

 

eponym

Contributor

Scuba Instructor

Divemaster

Messages

1,654

Reaction score

288

Location

Oregon, USA

# of dives

1000 - 2499

• Jul 9, 2011

• #4

McNett also sells mirazyme, specifically for odor control. Works well if you follow the directions.

Not affiliated with them, just know and have used the product.

-Bryan

 

OP

S

stanw

Contributor

Messages

109

Reaction score

1

Location

Los Angeles

# of dives

0 - 24

• Jul 9, 2011

• #5

Thanks guys.

 

craracer

Contributor

Messages

895

Reaction score

72

# of dives

200 - 499

• Jul 10, 2011

• #6

+1 for Mirazyme. I've also successfully used it on the carpets of my wife's car.

 

Tardigrade

Registered

Messages

36

Reaction score

11

Location

Berks County, PA, USA

# of dives

• Jul 10, 2011

• #7

How about watered down vinegar? It won't hurt the rubber or discolor the fabric, and it will kill the li'l critters.

Then again, in Pennsylvania Dutch country, everything goes well with a little vinegar.

 

ajduplessis

Contributor

Messages

3,256

Reaction score

840

Location

dry land :-(

# of dives

I'm a Fish!

• Jul 10, 2011

• #8

First try to soak them in warm water and dryd them out properly in a vented cool dry area. They need to be none dry! If that did not do the trick use some of the soaps mentioned. Generally speaking it is the drying process that cause the mold smell.

 

pjhansman

Contributor

Messages

847

Reaction score

511

Location

Ontario, Canada

# of dives

200 - 499

• Jul 10, 2011

• #9

A little bit of Woolite works as well....

 

soltari675

Contributor

Messages

522

Reaction score

128

Location

Missouri

# of dives

200 - 499

• Jul 10, 2011

• #10

+1 for the Woolite. I have a front load washer and I put my wetsuit in there on gentle with a little woolite and it takes the smell out great. I hand wash my boots with it too. I let my wetsuit dry on a hanger and I set my boots in front of a fan on high. The smell goes away.