How to Wash Hunting Clothes After a Hunt: Blood, Stains & Gear Care
Hunters spend hours tracking, scouting, and waiting. But all of that can be undone by one mistake, poorly cleaned hunting clothes. You can be fully camouflaged, downwind, and silent, but if your scent is off, the hunt is over before it even begins. Animals have incredibly sharp noses. They can detect traces of human scent, detergent fragrance, blood, sweat, food smells, and even fabric softeners. That’s why learning how to wash hunting clothes properly isn’t just good hygiene, it’s part of your hunting strategy.
This guide is made for serious hunters who want long-lasting gear, cleaner hunts, and better chances in the field. We’ll cover how to remove blood and deep-set stains, what detergents work (and which ruin your camo), how to keep your scent under control, and how to store hunting clothes for long-term success.
How to Wash Hunting Clothes Properly?
Let’s review the entire process step by step, using proven methods rather than gimmicks.
Step 1: Understand Why Your Clothes Matter More Than You Think
Washing hunting clothes isn’t the same as doing regular laundry. Every day, detergents, dryer sheets, and scented fabric softeners leave behind smells that animals instantly detect. Some detergents even contain UV brighteners, harmless to us but extremely visible to wildlife, especially deer. Your goal is simple:
- Remove blood and stains without damaging the fabric
- Kill odor-causing bacteria
- Avoid adding any unnatural scent
- Preserve camo visibility and waterproofing
If you’re not already doing that, your clothes are working against you.
Step 2: Pre-Wash Essentials Treat Blood, Mud, and Grease Immediately
One of the most overlooked parts of washing hunting clothes is the pre-wash. If your hunting clothes are stained with blood, mud, or other organic matter, waiting too long to clean them can make it nearly impossible to remove. Here’s what experienced hunters do:
For Blood
- Rinse immediately in cold water only. Hot water sets blood stains.
- Soak in cold water with baking soda or a small amount of hydrogen peroxide.
- For dried blood, soak for at least 2 hours, then spot-clean with scent-free soap.
For Mud, Grass, and Grease
- Mud: Let it dry, then gently brush off before soaking.
- Grass: Use a soft brush and cold water; avoid harsh cleaners.
- Grease: Sprinkle with baking soda or cornstarch to lift oil. Let it sit, then rinse with water.
Avoid heavy scrubbing that breaks down scent-blocking or waterproof layers.
Step 3: What Is the Best Laundry Detergent for Hunting Clothes?
One of the most common mistakes is using scented or regular detergent on hunting clothes. Even a mild fragrance can stick to gear for weeks, and that’s enough to alert deer or elk from 200+ yards away.
Best Detergents for Hunting Clothes (Scent-Free, No UV Brighteners):
- Dead Down Wind Laundry Detergent: Specifically made for hunters. Neutralizes odors, no brighteners.
- Hunter’s Specialties Scent-A-Way: Strong odor-eliminating enzymes. Good for blood and organic matter.
- All Free & Clear: Great for budget-conscious hunters. No perfumes or dyes.
- Seventh Generation Free & Clear: Plant-based, hypoallergenic, and effective on stains.
If you’re searching for a good detergent for your hunting gear, choose one that is labeled as fragrance-free, dye-free, and UV-free.
Step 4: Washing the Right Way
Now it’s time for the actual washing process. Follow this routine to get your gear clean and scent-free without damaging it.
Full Washing Process:
- Clean Your Machine First: Run an empty load with hot water and baking soda to flush out any leftover detergent or fragrance.
- Turn Hunting Clothes Inside Out: This helps protect patterns and scent-blocking technology.
- Use Cold Water: Prevents shrinkage, preserves color, and avoids heat damage.
- Add Your Scent-Free Detergent: Measure as recommended. Don’t overdo it.
- Double Rinse: Rinse twice to ensure all detergent and scent are removed.
- Do Not Use Fabric Softener or Dryer Sheets: These are scent bombs. Even “unscented” versions can leave a residue that animals detect.
Using the best detergent for hunting clothes helps, but your technique matters just as much. Be consistent. Never mix hunting clothes with regular laundry.
Step 5: How to Dry Hunting Clothes Without Ruining Them
Most modern hunting clothing uses synthetic blends or waterproof membranes. High heat can destroy these.
Two Safe Drying Options:
- Air Dry Outdoors: Use a clean clothesline in a scent-free, shaded area. Avoid grilling areas, garages, or smoking zones.
- Low Heat Dryer: Only if your garment label says it’s safe. Use no dryer sheets and clean the lint trap before drying.
Remember, never dry hunting clothes in a scented dryer or a room with strong smells like detergent, food, or cologne.
Step 6: How to Make Hunting Clothes Truly Scent-Free
Washing is just the start. Making hunting clothes scent-free means neutralizing odor and preventing re-contamination.
Here’s What Experienced Hunters Do:
- Baking Soda Boost: Add ½ cup to the rinse cycle to absorb odors.
- Store with Natural Scents: Add pine needles, cedar chips, or dry leaves to your gear bags.
- Use Activated Charcoal Bags: These help absorb moisture and scent.
- Scent-Eliminating Sprays: Use lightly on gear before heading out. Brands like Nose Jammer or Wildlife Research Scent Killer are effective.
Also, avoid reintroducing scent after cleaning. Don’t eat in your camo. Don’t handle it after pumping gas. Don’t let pets sit on it.
Step 7: How to Store Hunting Clothes Properly
Storing clean hunting clothes is just as important as washing them.
Smart Storage Tips:
- Use Plastic Totes or Vacuum-Sealed Bags: Keeps out moisture and household smells.
- Label “Scent-Free Only”: Never mix with regular clothing or bedding.
- Add Natural Cover Scents: Pine, cedar, or earth scent wafers inside the tote.
- Keep Away from Kitchens and Bathrooms: Scent particles float. Even detergent from your kitchen can cling to your clothes.
Knowing how to store hunting clothes keeps your gear clean and field-ready without having to rewash constantly.
Step 8: Don’t Forget Your Hunting Gear
Your hunting gear, like backpacks, boots, gloves, and face masks, also needs care.
- Boots: Rinse off mud and blood. Let air-dry naturally.
- Backpacks: Wipe with a damp cloth and scent-free soap. Avoid soaking.
- Gloves & Masks: Wash with your clothes or by hand in scent-free detergent.
- Harnesses & Belts: Spot clean only if not machine-safe.
Use the same detergent and drying care you use for clothes.
Final Thoughts
Washing hunting clothes isn’t about looking good, it’s about disappearing. It’s about respecting the senses of the animal you’re pursuing. Whether you’re deep in the woods or your backyard blind, the difference between success and failure could be in the way you store or clean your gear.
FAQs
Use a scent-free, dye-free detergent like Dead Down Wind or All Free & Clear to avoid alerting wildlife. For added odor control, mix in some baking soda during the wash cycle.
Yes, especially if your gear has sweat, blood, or dirt on it. If your outing was clean and dry with minimal activity, you might be able to reuse it without a full wash.
Wash clothes in scent-free detergent, dry them thoroughly, and store them in airtight containers with natural cover scents like leaves or pine. Before your hunt, apply scent-eliminating spray.
Yes, but use low heat to protect the fabric and prevent damage. For waterproof or synthetic gear, air drying is a safer and more effective option.
Apply scent-killing sprays from trusted hunting brands. Mist your clothing lightly before heading out, and avoid soaking the fabric to maintain breathability and comfort.
