Any particular tips for cleaning the bags after collecting massive bug splatter all over the front of them? Like soak them in a tub, or just spray them down mounted on the bike? Not sure how durable the fabric is to scrubbing.
I use a few drops of liquid hand soap mixed with water and applied with a sponge to clean my panniers.
Was bugs off bags
Hello,
It may be best to soak the bugs a bit if they are dry and caked on in a solution of enzyme based laundry detergent. This will soften the bugs and help release them from the fabric, a gentle encouragement with a very soft brush like those used for delicate vegetables will work.
After the wash and dry coating the zippers and even treating the fabric with a conditioner and water proffer would go a long way in making the washing of bugs less buggy!
All the best and stay safe.
Why save time, when you can spend it instead!
MackM
Hello,
It may be best to soak the bugs a bit if they are dry and caked on in a solution of enzyme based laundry detergent. This will soften the bugs and help release them from the fabric, a gentle encouragement with a very soft brush like those used for delicate vegetables will work.
After the wash and dry coating the zippers and even treating the fabric with a conditioner and water proffer would go a long way in making the washing of bugs less buggy!
All the best and stay safe.
Why save time, when you can spend it instead!
MackM
do you know if there is any way to re-tint the color of the panniers after they have been faded by UV light?
Joined Mar 2013
3K Posts | 161+
Naples, IT
search "fabric paint". There was a lengthy thread with some OK results. I can't ship the products to my Europe address so never tried. I have my original bags in the attic which I hope to get re-finished in a different material. If I ever find a set of SS 959 panniers on the cheap, I'll buy those and try to swap the brackets. They are a much refined version of our bags with plastic panels on the exterior that won't fade.
I use a cotton terry towel and water only, just like my helmet. Like Bill Nye said, water is the best solvent.
