I washed my Domkes

[rover]

I was bored, and it seemed like such a good idea.

Took out the inserts, and in went the F2 (new arrival, it was stiff and that is really why I washed the crew), F3x, 5xb, F6 and 803.

Don't wash your sand and black bags together.

When they dry I suspect mine will be comfortably weathered, the way they should be.

 

[michaelging]

I have always thrown mine in the washer,and never had a problem with them. I also coat mine with canvas waterproofing spray (made by Kiwi,used on tents and boots) when I get the bag. I do several coats,as I travel in Asia and Eurpope where it rains a lot. I recoat them again after washing them ,to keep them waterproof. They are great bags that just keep looking better, and better the more they age, till you wear a hole in them.

 

[rover]

My F6 is pretty well broken in, the 803 too. I just got the F2 and it is STIFF, thick canvas.

 

[peter_n]

Yes I have washed all mine too. The new F-2s I have seen in the stores do seem to be a bit on the stiff side. Mine is 16 years old and is not stiff any more but the canvas is really thick. I do the same as Michael; I use Nikwax and apply about three coats. Works well. 🙂

 

[Pablito]

yup. wash 'em when dey get ditty.

 

[vrgard]

I was bored, and it seemed like such a good idea.

Took out the inserts, and in went the F2 (new arrival, it was stiff and that is really why I washed the crew), F3x, 5xb, F6 and 803.

Don't wash your sand and black bags together.

When they dry I suspect mine will be comfortably weathered, the way they should be.

How did the F-5XB turn out after you washed it? I did not wash mine because there is a sewn in floor panel that I fear is cardboard. Maybe I shouldn't have been concerned. Can you enlighten me on this?

Thanks,
Randy

 

[Trius]

I haven't washed mine yet; the F6 is soft enough but not nearly dirty enough to need a wash. I'm talkin' about "eight-year-old boy 'I ain't dirty mom!' type of 'not dirty enough'".

Anyway, Domke/Tiffen states the canvas bags are treated with water repellent during manufacture, so I don't bother with any other application, but I may need to do so after washing. Hmmmm, think I'll e-mail Tiffen support and see what they say.

 

[kshapero]

I am assuming that you air dry them.

 

[back alley]

How did the F-5XB turn out after you washed it? I did not wash mine because there is a sewn in floor panel that I fear is cardboard. Maybe I shouldn't have been concerned. Can you enlighten me on this?

Thanks,
Randy

i washed one of mine and it seems fine.
a bonus side benefit is that velcro is a bit quieter.

joe

 

[vrgard]

Thanks, Joe. So the solid bottom didn't get out of shape or anything? Interestinng. Maybe it isn't heavy cardboard as I had presumed.

-Randy

 

[Rodinal Addict]

Yea, that's my concern on my 803, the stiffner under the top carrying handle. Is that cardboard that can come apart??

Robin

 

[rover]

How did the F-5XB turn out after you washed it? I did not wash mine because there is a sewn in floor panel that I fear is cardboard. Maybe I shouldn't have been concerned. Can you enlighten me on this?

Thanks,
Randy

No problem, the floor is as solid as ever.

 

[rover]

I am assuming that you air dry them.

One run through the dryer, air only no heat, and then just letting them sit out to finish drying.

 

[rover]

Yea, that's my concern on my 803, the stiffner under the top carrying handle. Is that cardboard that can come apart??

Robin

The 803 is fine too. That is a stiff board, I don't think it is paper.

 

[mwooten]

Yea, that's my concern on my 803, the stiffner under the top carrying handle. Is that cardboard that can come apart??

Robin

It's plastic -- at least in mine it was. I took an X-acto knife, cut a slit in the underside of one end, and removed the board. The bag fits a bit closer to my body now.

I have one of the little 5 bags that I think I'll leave outside in the summer sun for a few weeks to get the "new" out of it.

Michael

 

[Ken Ford]

This is good news about the 5. I called Domke after I got mine to ask the question about washing, and the gentleman there thought it was a paper-based bottom. I'll give mine a wash now - it's awfully stiff and new.

My other Domkes have broken in wonderfully over the years!

 

[peter_n]

I am assuming that you air dry them.

I put mine in the drier. It's a bit noisy but I make sure my wife isn't around when I dry them.

 

[sepiareverb]

Well this should be the fix for my 803- still stiff as the dickens...

So do they shrink?

 

[michaelging]

I washed mine in woolite in cold water and let it air dry. No it did not shrink.

 

[kshapero]

I washed mine in the washing machine with other stuff on cold. Hang it up outside for the day. Now it has character.

see: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=37002&d=1164850460