How to Wash Your Hunting Clothes

Quick Steps for Washing Hunting Clothes

To properly wash hunting clothes:

1. Use a hunting-specific, scent-free detergent.

2. Pre-treat blood, mud, grass, and other stains.

3. Run an empty rinse cycle to remove detergent residue from your washing machine.

4. Wash clothing in cold water on the gentle cycle.

5. Air dry or tumble dry on low heat if the care label allows.

6. Apply scent-control products if desired.

7. Store clothing in an airtight container away from household odors.

Watch: Tips for Washing & Caring for Hunting Clothes

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

Step 1: Choose a Hunting-Specific Detergent

Skip your everyday laundry detergent when washing hunting clothes. Many household detergents contain fragrances, dyes, and UV brighteners that can leave behind odors or visual cues game animals may detect.

Instead, use a hunting-specific detergent that's formulated to:

• Eliminate odors without adding fragrance

• Clean technical hunting fabrics without damaging them

• Remove stains while minimizing residue

• Help maintain scent-control treatments

Step 2: Pre-Treat Blood, Grass & Mud Stains

After a hunt, treat stains as soon as possible to help prevent them from setting into the fabric.

Our Hunting 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

Expert Tip | Always check the garment's care label before treating stains or washing your hunting clothing. Some waterproof or insulated garments require special care.

Step 3: Prep the Washing Machine

Before washing your hunting clothing, run your empty washing machine through one or two rinse cycles using hunting-specific detergent. This helps remove leftover fragrances, dyes, and detergent residue from previous laundry loads that could transfer unwanted scents to your hunting gear.

Step 4: Wash & Dry Hunting Clothes Properly

New hunting clothing should always be washed before your first hunt to remove odors picked up during manufacturing, shipping, or storage.

For most hunting apparel:

• Wash in cold water.

• Select the gentle cycle.

• Avoid bleach and fabric softeners.

• Wash similar garments together.

Once clean, hang your hunting clothes to air dry whenever possible. If the care label allows machine drying, tumble dry on the lowest heat setting and remove garments promptly to finish air drying.

Step 5: Apply Scent-Control Products

Washing removes dirt and odors, but many hunters also use scent-control sprays or dryer sheets before heading into the field. These products are designed to help reduce or neutralize human scent that game animals may detect. Follow the product directions carefully and allow your clothing to dry completely before wearing it.

Step 6: Properly Store Hunting Clothes

Proper storage helps keep your hunting clothing clean, dry, and scent-free between hunts and during the off-season.

Before storing your gear:

• Make sure clothing is completely dry.

• Store garments in airtight totes or vacuum-sealed bags.

• Keep them in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.

Keeping your hunting clothing separated from everyday household scents can help reduce odor contamination before your next hunt.

Frequently Asked Questions about Washing Hunting Clothing

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!