A dry bag smells for one of two reasons. A new bag can smell like plastic for a while, which fades with airing. An older bag usually smells like whatever was sealed in it damp, which is mildew. Rinse it, dry it fully open, and store it with the top unrolled.
A dry bag is built to keep a sealed space sealed. That is the whole job, and it is also exactly why a smell has nowhere to go. Whichever smell you have, the fix starts with figuring out which one it is.
Why does a new dry bag smell like plastic?
Because it is a plastic. The main body is a PVC laminate, 80% PVC and 20% polyester, and a new bag out of its packaging can carry a plastic smell. It is common with this kind of material, and it fades. Unroll the bag, leave it open somewhere with fresh air and out of direct sun, and give it a few days before you decide anything.
Why does my older dry bag smell musty?
This one is not the bag. It is what was in it. Wet neoprene, a damp towel, a sock you forgot at the bottom, a swimsuit rolled up wet and sealed in for the drive home. Sealed damp fabric turns into mildew quickly, and a roll-top that does its job keeps that smell right where it started.
The tell is timing. If the smell shows up after a trip and gets worse the longer the bag sits closed, it is mildew. If it was there from the day you opened the box, it is the new plastic.
How do you get the smell out?
Start with the routine in our care post: rinse the bag, then air dry it completely open, inside and out. No machine wash and no dryer. For a mildew smell, a quick wipe of the inside with mild soap and water before the final rinse helps, and the bag has to be fully dry before it is closed again. Rolling it up even slightly damp starts the cycle over.
Then change the habit. Take wet things out the moment you get home. If you cannot, give the wet gear its own place instead of the dry bag, and store the empty bag loose with the top unrolled and the buckle undone.
Keep the wet stuff out of the dry space
The cleanest fix is a second bag. A small one for wet gear keeps the smell out of the one that holds your keys and phone. The 2L collection is the size that rides along inside a bigger bag without taking over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my new dry bag smell like plastic?
The main body is a PVC laminate, and a new bag can carry a plastic smell from the material. It is common and it fades. Air the bag open, out of direct sun, for a few days.
How do I get mildew smell out of a dry bag?
Wipe the inside with mild soap and water, rinse it, and air dry it completely open. Do not machine wash it or use a dryer. Make sure it is fully dry before you roll it closed.
Can I put a dry bag in the washing machine?
No. Rinse it by hand and air dry it. Machine washing is not part of the care routine for these bags.
How do I stop my dry bag from smelling again?
Take wet gear out as soon as you get home, dry the bag fully open, and store it loose with the top unrolled and the buckle undone. Pack wet gear in a separate bag.
Is a smell a sign my dry bag is damaged?
Usually not. A new bag smells like its material, and an older bag usually smells like what was left sealed inside. A smell is a care problem, not a seal problem.