How to Keep Your Outback Shower Carry Bag Clean and Mold-Free

Quick answer

Empty the bag after every trip, wipe the inside and outside with fresh water and a mild soap, then let it dry fully open and upside down before you store it. The padded, waterproof Kakadu Outback Shower Carry Bag protects your gear on the move, but it still needs to be bone-dry before it goes back in the cupboard or the back of the ute.

A shower bag that stays damp is a shower bag that starts to smell. The fix is not a harsh chemical soak; it is a short, repeatable routine that removes grit, soap residue, and trapped moisture before they turn into mildew.

This guide walks through cleaning, drying, and storing the Kakadu Outback Shower Carry Bag, plus the small habits that keep it fresh between trips.

Why your shower carry bag gets dirty in the first place

Camp shower bags collect more than dust. Fine grit from the ute tray, sunscreen and soap residue from wet hands, and condensation from a damp shower head all end up inside the bag. Because the Kakadu Outback Shower Carry Bag is padded and waterproof, it protects your gear well, but that same padding can hold moisture if the bag is folded away wet.

The Outback Shower itself is a compact, portable system that provides hot water in seconds and runs up to 2 hours of hot showers on a single charge. That means the bag often travels with a wet shower head and hose, so drying is the step most people skip.

• Shake out sand and grass before the bag goes back in the vehicle.
• Keep the bag out of direct sun for long periods; UV fades fabric over time.

What you need before you start

You do not need a cupboard full of products. Fresh water, a mild pH-neutral soap or dish liquid, a soft brush or sponge, and a clean towel will handle almost every situation. Avoid bleach, solvent cleaners, and abrasive pads, which can damage the waterproof coating and padded lining.

If the bag has a stubborn smell, add a spoonful of baking soda to a bucket of warm water and let the bag soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly afterward so no residue stays behind.

• Use a dedicated camp sponge rather than the one you use for dishes.
• Work outdoors or over a drain so grit does not clog your sink.

How to clean the bag step by step

Start by emptying the bag completely. Turn it upside down and shake it out, then brush away loose dirt from the seams and base. Mix a small amount of mild soap in warm water and wipe the inside and outside with a soft sponge, paying attention to the top slot where the Outback Shower's handle pokes through, since that area collects grime from hands.

Rinse with clean water until the water runs clear and no suds remain. Do not machine wash or tumble dry the bag; hand washing and air drying are the safe options. If the padded shoulder strap is removable, clean it separately so the padding dries all the way through.

• Check the seams and the base first; that is where mold usually starts.
• Never soak the bag for hours; a short soak is enough.

Drying is the step that prevents mold

After rinsing, gently squeeze excess water out, then hang the bag open and upside down in a shaded, breezy spot. Leave the top slot and any openings spread apart so air can move through the inside. A padded bag can feel dry on the outside while the lining is still damp, so give it several hours, or overnight, before you pack it away.

If you are on the road and cannot hang the bag, wipe it down with a dry towel and leave it open on a seat or table with the windows down. The goal is moving air, not heat.

• Hang the bag rather than laying it flat on grass or a wet floor.
• Do not store the bag in a sealed plastic tub until it is fully dry.

Storage between trips

Once the bag is completely dry, store it loosely folded in a cool, dry place. Avoid compressing it under heavy gear, because trapped moisture and pressure are what let mildew take hold. If you keep the bag in a vehicle, check it after humid or rainy trips and air it out again.

A quick monthly check takes a minute: open the bag, smell the inside, and feel the padding. If you notice a musty odor, repeat the wash and dry routine before your next trip rather than waiting.

• Store the bag with the Outback Shower accessories, not under them.
• Keep a small dry towel in the bag for wipe-downs on the road.

Your five-step mold-free routine

1. Empty and shake out: Tip the bag upside down, shake out sand and grass, and brush the seams and base. Checkpoint: no loose grit left in the corners.
2. Wipe with mild soap: Use warm water and a pH-neutral soap with a soft sponge on the inside, outside, and top slot. Common mistake: using bleach or abrasive pads, which damage the waterproof coating.
3. Rinse until clear: Rinse with fresh water until no suds remain, then gently squeeze out excess water. Checkpoint: rinse water runs clear, not soapy.
4. Air dry fully open: Hang the bag upside down in shade and breeze, with openings spread apart, for several hours or overnight. Common mistake: packing the bag while the padded lining is still damp.
5. Store loose and dry: Fold loosely, keep the bag in a cool dry place, and do a quick smell-and-feel check each month. Next step: repeat the wash if you notice any musty odor.

Kakadu gear that pairs with this routine

• Outback Shower Carry Bag: The new Kakadu Outback Shower Carry Bag is a padded, waterproof bag with an ergonomic top slot that lets the Outback Shower's handle poke through for easy carrying, plus a padded shoulder strap for hands-free hauls. The top slot and padded strap are the two spots that collect the most hand grime and moisture, so they deserve extra attention during cleaning and drying.
• Kakadu Outback Shower: The Kakadu Outback Shower is a compact, portable shower system that provides hot water in seconds and runs up to 2 hours of hot showers on a single charge. Because the shower itself can go back in the bag while still damp, drying the bag fully after each trip is what keeps mold from forming.
• Kakadu Outback Shower Head & Hose: The Kakadu Upgradeable Shower Head features three adjustable spray settings and multiple mounting options, including a magnetic back, a suction cup, and a built-in hanging hook. The magnetic back and suction cup can trap grit and water against the bag lining, so wipe them down before packing the head away.
• Outback Shower Essentials Bundle: The Outback Shower Essentials Bundle includes the Outback Shower, Outback Shower Carry Bag, Outback Wash Basin, and Outback Shower AC Adapter in one all-in-one kit. If you keep the whole kit together, clean and dry each item before it goes back in the bag so one damp piece does not undo the rest.

Clean the bag after every trip, dry it completely before storage, and check it monthly. That short routine is all it takes to keep your Kakadu Outback Shower Carry Bag fresh and ready for the next camp.