Saddle Bag Cleaning

[galax83061]

Has anyone cleaned out their bags with a carpet cleaner attachment? I dumped some stuff in my bags and its starting to stink. I am not sure of the best way to clean them out. I have thought about taking a carpet cleaner to them and leaving them open to dry for a few days. I am afraid I am going to ruin the foam that is inside them.

[Jared]

I just hose my out and call it good.

[galax83061]

I just hose my out and call it good.


does yours have the foam in it like the Vaquero?

[Loafer]

I don't know what you have in there that is making it smell, but white vinegar on a rag will get rid of just about anything. If it was a liguid, try using 50% warm water and 50% vinegar. This will clean most spills and kill the oders. If it was something you can vacuum, do so and then leave a rag with vinegar in a cup or something for a couple of hours with the door shut, it should kill the smell. Good luck.


Edited 12/08/12

[ringadingh]

I washed my hardbags out with a bucket of soap and water once when I spilled something in there, it cleaned up good as new.

[ChromeSofa]

If there's oil use talcum powder.
If you want to restore and clean try leatherique.

[cactusjack]

If there's oil use talcum powder.
If you want to restore and clean try leatherique.

Just curious, but why use Leatherique on an ABS plastic saddlebag?

[sonny]

Rub a little soar and water on it and rinse with the garden hose, then let them dry completely. Put in about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of Baking Soda in an open container with the saddlebag close for 2 or 3 days. That should fix it. You can also sprinkle the baking soda in the bag and just leave it. That's my best idea, but the vinegar is also a good idea.
Thanks for your time

[galax83061]

thank you all!!!!!!!

[VulcanE]

My '05 has foam rubbery mats mounted (stuck/glued) in the bottom of the bags. I just use soap & water that I wash the bike with and wash it out with a rag, then hose it off, then sit it in the sun to dry. Just got to be careful and not scratch them up.

[Fooch]

The 15/1600 bags do not have carpet or foam in them like the 1700?, so must be different cleaning method.

My Voyager doesn't have anything in the bags. I cut some indoor/outdoor carpet to fit. What do you have?