What to clean hunting clothes with?

tomh.

My son is a new hunter this year, and I'm not a hunter at all.
So what's the best detergent/whatever to wash his hunting gear with so he doesn't go out smelling like Downy?

toad67

I would think any non scented laundry soap, and no dryer sheet would work....

Grasshopper

Any kid laundry detergent which is like above, unscented. I fins a lot of that overrated with so many deer blockers ect. ect. My biggest buck literally walked up to me why sitting on a log in the open.

BikerBob

Hang them outside after the wash to air out anything remaining.

booger

I'm a believer in baking soda and hang them outside to dry, unless your neighbor is burning leaves. Don't use the dryer, their is too much stink in the drum that will negate anything you gained in the washer by using baking soda.

Fill up the truck the day before, not on the way to hunt. Gas fumes and/or the droplet from the nozzle that lands on your boot, them deers do not like.

Sacks of corn can overcome both issues.

BobJudy

I use unscented regular laundry detergent and seem to do okay. That being said I sometimes think all this scent prevention/cover up is a little overblown. I once had a deer in Montana stick its nose in my ground blind and stare at me as I was smoking cigar. Maybe its sinuses were stuffed up Unless you stop breathing you will give off scent no matter what you do. Bob

Hessian

Just a tip that is likely valid but isn't proved. Avoid any soap that advertizes brighter and whiter, It enhances UV reflectability. It is pretty much accepted that many animals see farther into the UV range than most humans do. One reason to avoid blue clothes.

And don't count on camouflage to be seen by an animal as you see it. Many dyes have more blue in them and UV reflective properties than you'd think. Some almost glow in night vision, UV or infa red.

Side note. They repainted most all of the military combat vehicles in the mid-seventies when it was discovered the paint they were using glowed in infa red light.

Mobuck

I've used "Sport Wash" for years. There are other, similar products in most stores/catalogs. Follow the washing by air drying in an open area.
It really doesn't make much diff as the animals will smell YOU as easily as your clothes.

grdad45

We use an unscented detergent, then air dry. I take my hunting clothes to deer camp in a plastic bag with some cedar branches in it. As was mentioned, they ARE going to smell you, just try to make sure you use anything that will tilt the advantage your way. Unless you are hunting where no man has ever been, the deer are probably used to smelling humans and their equipment. Gun oil is one of the most volatile chemicals you will take with you.

hillbille

personally I think you can do all the descenting and cover scents you want. staying downwind and being in the right place at the right time is the biggest factor. all the preseason scouting can get you in the right general area, but being in that perfect place for that perfect shot when that buck comes by is still 80-90% luck. I have had them on camera same time each morning for last few years, come opening morning they never show up, or are shot before getting to me, and at times I have done same with bucks I have never seen on my camera try sneaking by and I have gotten a shot at them. just tell him to not get discouraged you won't get one every time you go out, secret is to keep trying and learn to enjoy the outdoors.....

RugerNiner

I wanted to post a pic from my computer on this topic and I got this.

Error
Sorry, the board attachment quota has been reached.

But anyway, Sportwash.

SCOUT5

hillbille wrote:

personally I think you can do all the descenting and cover scents you want. staying downwind and being in the right place at the right time is the biggest factor. all the preseason scouting can get you in the right general area, but being in that perfect place for that perfect shot when that buck comes by is still 80-90% luck. I have had them on camera same time each morning for last few years, come opening morning they never show up, or are shot before getting to me, and at times I have done same with bucks I have never seen on my camera try sneaking by and I have gotten a shot at them. just tell him to not get discouraged you won't get one every time you go out, secret is to keep trying and learn to enjoy the outdoors.....

I agree with the above in red. But, (always a but), every little thing helps. I can say from personal experience that reasonable effort with scent control does help. I descent my clothes using one of the commercial products (bought cheap after season ends), use the descenting spray (can mix baking soda and non chlorine water if you want) and scent lock under layer. I have had more success when bow hunting both in harvest numbers for my time and number of deer within range since using good scent control measures. Paying attention to scent when going to and from location makes a difference as well as making a difference when on stand. I've killed plenty of deer without it, but it does help.

All that said, nothing replaces being down wind, moving slowly, and staying quiet. If you do this you will see/kill deer if you are dressed in florescent purple and smell like a cathouse. Not as many, but some.

asphalt cowboy

OK, found it on amazon. https://tinyurl.com/uvkiller
That's the stuff I've used in the past. Won't say it's better than sport wash, but when I was buying it it was cheaper and it worked. Wash with that and when the washer is partway into the rinse cycle toss in a cup of baking soda.

As has been said already, scent control isn't nearly as critical as eliminating UV reflection.

asop

I FULLY agree with hillbilly. Can't tell you how many times I've had deer walk UNDER my tree stand and then catch my sent and take off. Normally doe hand gun season and it's a big buck

Mr. Perfect

Way too much emPHAsis on scent control nowadays. Dudes I hunt with smoke cigs like a smokestack in their deer stands and nab big bucks every year.

Sit still.

Shut up.

Shoot buck.

SCOUT5

Mr. Perfect wrote:

Way too much emPHAsis on scent control nowadays. Dudes I hunt with smoke cigs like a smokestack in their deer stands and nab big bucks every year.

Sit still.

Shut up.

Shoot buck.

What brand they smoking?

gearheaddad

For the little bit I wash my hunting clothes (short trips/seasons) I use Scent Away laundry detergent. Cleans clothes well with almost no scent, or an "earthy" light scent.
I'm not a fan of my hunting clothes being in a tent, kitchen, or cabin with smoking and/or bacon frying, etc. I put my clothes outside in a garbage bag or plastic bin if necessary.
I also use Scent Away shampoo/body wash, and Antiperspirant. I stop using regular Deodorant and cologne a few days before going hunting.
All are excellent inexpensive products and bought at any Sports store or Walmart.
There is NO WAY to cover and hide all your scent, every little bit helps in my opinion.
I've been deer and other big game hunting for over 40 years and always try to be careful with my scent. A Deer has a nose like none other! It is their first line of defense. Playing the wind is key..........
I've heard all the stories and actually witnessed the heavy smoker in the stand and/or clothes cleaned with perfumed detergents getting good animals, But it cuts the odds in the hunters favor to concern themselves with less scent and playing the wind.
There is a significant difference between being a good hunter and being a lucky hunter.
I like to try to cut the odds to my favor!
Sit still, look into the wind, and keep your eyes moving. Or walk slowly, steadily, and quietly into the wind, keep your eyes moving and BE READY!
Best of luck to your son,
Ed
"Know your target and beyond"

Mr. Perfect

SCOUT5 wrote:

Mr. Perfect wrote:

Way too much emPHAsis on scent control nowadays. Dudes I hunt with smoke cigs like a smokestack in their deer stands and nab big bucks every year.

Sit still.

Shut up.

Shoot buck.

What brand they smoking?

The one with the tobacco in it.