How to Wash Your Hunting Clothes

Step #1: Select the Right Detergent

Don’t reach for the family laundry detergent when it comes to your hunting clothing. Many of these detergents include perfumes and UV brighteners to enhance the smell and look of your everyday clothes, but that means your prey can easily detect you. Since most game prey have a keen sense of smell and sight, you’ll want to use hunting-specific laundry detergent. These products are designed to be scent-free, eliminate odors, and remove stains without leaving any residue or fragrance behind.

Step #2: Pre-Treat Stains

If you’re coming back from a successful hunt, your clothing most likely has a few stains you’ll want to treat before washing. It’s important to treat these stains, especially blood and grass, as soon as possible. Here’s what our Experts recommend:

1. Wet the stained area

2. Apply hunting detergent to the area and scrub with a rag

3. Allow to sit for several minutes

4. Rinse out while blotting the area

5. Repeat as needed

Please Note: Before treating stains or washing your clothing, read the care labels for special instructions.

Step #3: Prep the Washing Machine

This step is important but sometimes overlooked. Run your washing machine using hunting laundry detergent for one or two cycles. This helps eliminate any of the scents left behind from your everyday detergent.

Step #4: Washing & Drying

If you just purchased new hunting clothes, be sure to properly wash them before your hunt to eliminate any odors they may have picked up. 

When washing, use the gentle cycle and cold water as this helps to prevent your hunting clothes from fading or shrinking. Once the wash cycle is complete, hang your hunting clothes to air dry. If needed, you can tumble dry your hunting clothes on the lowest heat setting for a short period of time, promptly remove them and hang them to finish drying.

Step #5: Apply Scent Control

Aside from using hunting-specific laundry detergent, you’ll also want to apply a scent control product. These are designed to eliminate or mask human odors that the game could detect. Each product is applied differently, but most are liquid that you spray onto your clothing. It’s important to read the label carefully to learn how to properly apply it. Be sure to allow the clothing to dry completely before wearing it in the field.

Step #6: Proper Storage & Care

During the off-season, proper storage of your hunting clothes is important for long-lasting performance season after season. First, make sure they are completely dry before storing them because any extra moisture can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. Then, place them in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to help protect them from dust, insects, and moisture. Place these containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and other scented items like candles or air fresheners.

Keeping your hunting clothes fresh and clean requires attention to detail and proper care. By pre-washing your clothes, removing odors and stains, storing them correctly, and using the right washing and drying techniques, you can ensure that your hunting gear remains in good condition season after season and that you remain undetected. For more tips and suggestions about how to wash hunting clothes, stop into your local SCHEELS to speak with a Hunting Clothing Expert!

Learn More about Scent Control

Andy, SCHEELS Hunting Expert, shares some more tips and suggestions when it comes to staying scent-free during your next hunt!