cleaning a cloth gun case

[x_wrench]

in all of my years of shooting, I have never before had to clean a gun case. all of that changed Tuesday, when I tripped and fell with my rifle in hand. as far as I can tell, the gun is fine. but the outside of the case is pretty dirty. it is a Smith and Wesson black, AR-15 cloth case. I can not imagine putting it in the wash machine. the only thing I can come up with is either the vacuum cleaner and or wiping it down with a damp cloth. but I figure that it is cheap enough to ask here if there is a better way to clean it.

 

[badkarmamib]

Damp cloth has always worked for me.

 

[wayneinFL]

I've run pistol cases through the washer and dryer before. I think I dried on low heat so nothing would shrink.

I would think a rifle case would be a little large for that.

 

[DustyGmt]

Damp or wet cloth with a dab of dawn maybe, hit it with the air hose and call it a day....

 

[CapnMac]

Nylon bristle (dish washing sink style or a bit larger) likely your friend for this. Also a small bottle of Woolite, as that's easy to rinse out.
Air dry in the garage out of direct sunlight.

 

[MrShooter]

If nothing else works, an upholstery cleaner from an auto supply store might do the trick. It dries up while loosening dirt and debris, then just vacuum.

 

[drband]

Place it in the sun for 30 min. Turn. 30 min more. Brush with a stiff bristle brush and vacuum to finish.

 

[230RN]

My main concern on anything like that is the possibility of corrosives and abrasives getting in and on the material, then the gun or other tool. Was this near an ocean?

I don't see a problem with a thorough rinse, or even putting it in a washing machine on cold water if it will fold.

If it shrinks, it's a good excuse to buy a smaller gun. <smartassed grin>

Terry, 230RN
"Actually, you're much safer with me with a gun than you are with me without a gun."

 

[x_wrench]

"My main concern on anything like that is the possibility of corrosives and abrasives getting in and on the material, then the gun or other tool. Was this near an ocean?"

no corrosives, no ocean. dumb kids turned the bottom of the hill into a giant dust bowl and everything within 50 yards of it is covered in a thick layer of dust that reminds me of a dirt track race track the day after the race. when the area has not had a drop of rain in a month.

Thanks to everyone for the fast replies. I really appreciate it. i will blow it off with compressed air, and then hit it with a damp cloth.

 

[scott511]

Toss the case and get a good sling

 

[Mk-211]

Do you have a shop vac?

Like CapnMac said, use a stiff nylon brush on it. I would vacuum it first, if that doesn't get it all, use the brush and just water.

Use the vacuum to pull the water and dirt out, don't just scrub it. By pulling the water and dirt back out, it won't leave a spot on the case.

If it's just a cheap case, throw it in the washer and then hang it out to dry.

 

[Buzznrose]

Ask your wife!

 

[film495]

make sure it is dry and just use a soft bristle brush dry, to just let any surface dirt fall off before adding any moisture/cleaner. I put an old rifle case in a washing machine, and don't do it. The internal stuffing/padding all lumped up awful. not exactly sure what would have worked, but that didn't.

 

[gifbohane]

Toss the case and get a good sling

What is a sling?

 

[johnjohn]

I think you're overthinking this and worrying for nothing. Brush it off,wipe with a damp cloth and move on.

 

[doubleh]

If you have an air compressor it's a few seconds job.

 

[lightman]

Can't think of anything to add to the above suggestions. Just hope you don't have too many sore spots from the fall.

 

[Caplock]

Use your water hose outside with a brush.
Hang outside till dry.
That's what I did when my dog threw up on mine in the back of the truck.

 

[Buzznrose]

Ask your wife!

The above statement wasn’t meant to be sexist in any manner…just to be clear. I’ve learned a LOT about cleaning different stuff from my wife.

 

[Grayrock]

Hit it with a power washer, then hang up to dry.

 

[Appalachiannative]

Put it in the washing machine with cold water on the highest water level and the shortest cycle. Then hang it out to dry

 

[Thomasss]

Ever think of a dry cleaner store?