Pack Urgently Needs Cleaning! How?

My backpack traveled all over Asia with me for 3 years (and back and forth between Asia and Canada a few times, too!), only to return home with me where my cat promptly climbed in (after I had unpacked, thankfully) and peed in it. Guess he was a little mad at me for being gone so long.

The bag is now sticky and has a stench. What is the best way for me to clean the pack, or do I need to buy a new one? I would prefer to wash it - very thoroughly, of course - but my mom's tub backs up and I can't hose it off because it's winter now. Would dry cleaning do the trick, or would it destroy the bag? The tag says 100% nylon, but it has no care intsructions and I've had no luck locating a website for the manufacturer.

Any knowledgable advice would be greatly appreciated!

I would find someone else whose tub does work, and soak it in detergent and a bit of non-chlorine bleach (chlorine bleach is not a good idea with nylon). Swish it around now and then, drain it after an hour or so, rinse vigorously, and see how it's doing.

Miguel's advice is excellent-I use dishwashing soap it cuts grease so it'll do a number on the piss I imagine. Use lots of soap-a whole bottle if you have to.

On Mon, 03 Jan 2005 13:58:42 -0600, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (Miguel Cruz)