We know that having the right gear and equipment is key to your success out on the ice, and one of those important pieces of gear is your ice fishing bibs. They keep you dry, as well as safe from hypothermia, and there’s no doubt you want to keep them in the best shape possible.
Ice fishing comes with its own set of challenges. We have all heard stories of frostbite, bad weather, or ice breaks. While those things may make ice fishing a little more difficult, it certainly doesn’t need to be hard. Neither does cleaning your bibs.
To clean your bibs, you want to avoid any heat. Spray and wash the more soiled spots, and then put them into your washing machine. Then, set the dial to cold water and wash them with a mild detergent. After the cycle finishes, hang dry your bibs to avoid the dryer’s high heat.
Contents
Can You Wash Ice Fishing Bibs?
Short Answer? Yes. And fortunately most bibs these days are pretty easy to clean. As long as you avoid high heat, they will be fine in your at-home washing machine.
Being proactive about cleaning is the best way to maintain equipment for the long haul. Your bibs are no exception and can certainly be washed frequently. The frequency is obviously up to you, but you will probably thank yourself if you are cleaning your bibs regularly.
While you may find that some fishermen and fisherwomen prefer to hand wash or dry clean their bibs, this can be ineffective or costly. But in a pinch, you may find a quick rinse or hand wash does the trick. If you stick with the washing machine method, you may want to avoid washing your fishing bibs with your other laundry. It may be difficult to remove the smell of fish from bed sheets…
More often than not, you’ll find that fishing bibs are made of a nylon shell, with a fleece or Thinsulate liner. These materials offer warm but breathable protection from the elements. Not to mention the added benefit of being machine washable.
The fabrics that are commonly used in ice fishing bibs are pretty resilient to the elements. But the inner layer of insulation may get damaged from the hot water of your washing machine or the heat of the dryer so be sure to avoid that.
If your washing machine is sensitive to heavier objects, or you’d just rather not use your own, you can always head to the local laundromat. Most commercial laundromats also have larger basin washing machines for heavier items such as your bibs.
All in all, most machines can handle the dirt, grime, lake sludge, or fish guts without too much issue.
How Often Should You Wash Ice Fishing Bibs?
When you are having some especially good luck on the ice, you may want to wash your bibs more often. We know you don’t want to lose your “mojo” but dirt and fish guts contain some pretty nasty bacteria… the kind of mojo we don’t want.
Obviously, it’s case by case, but if your bibs stand up straight on their own, it is time to wash them. Besides hygiene, one of the main reasons for keeping your bibs fresh is extending their lifespan and making sure you get the most out of them.
Are you frequently hitting the hard water and fishing every weekend? Maybe you should consider a more consistent schedule for keeping those bibs nice and fresh. But if you are more of a casual enthusiast you might be able to get away with it once a season. Unless of course, you end up wrestling with a Jumbo Crappie or some Knuckleheads of course.
How Do You Wash Ice Fishing Bibs?
Look, bibs can be pricey, and you do not want to ruin them. Your best bet is avoiding hot water and avoiding high heat dryers, to keep them lasting year after dirt-filled year.
Setting your washing machine to cold, and making sure you have emptied all of your pockets, place your ice fishing bibs into the washing machine basin. Make sure to remove your insulated liner if it is removable.
Key Points:
Take this opportunity to inspect for damage on your bibs – Out on the ice with hooks and other sharp tools can cause small tears that may compromise the integrity of the bibs.
Make sure you identify any especially dirty spots – Seams and creases may trap dirt and bacteria so make sure to really get in there.
Empty all of the pockets – We definitely don’t want to send a set of keys or a pocket knife through the washing machine…
Use a product like Spray ‘N Wash if necessary – Generic is fine too, but you’ll want to spray the especially greasy, oily, or bloody spots with a product designed to break down difficult stains.
Using a mild detergent is recommended, and spot treatment with a spray and wash is fine as well. After your washing machine cycle, skip the dryer and hang your bibs somewhere to dry overnight. If you are still noticing stains or odors, repeat the process once more.
If you are having trouble getting into the nooks and crannies of your ice fishing bibs, try scrubbing with a damp sponge around the zippered areas. You may find that dirt gets trapped in leg zips, or underneath the front pockets. Make sure to double-check these spots before you count them as clean.
Quick Tip: It is also a good idea to lay down a tarp or towel when removing your bibs from the washing machine as they will carry a lot of water. None of us want a pool of water on our laundry room floor.
How To Wash Waterproof Ice Fishing Bibs?
Washing waterproof bibs can be a little trickier, but using Nikwax Tech Wash will certainly make it easier. Just use this product the same way as you use detergent, and follow the same care instructions listed above.
Waterproof materials tend to wear over time, losing some water-resistant characteristics. Easy fix.
If you start to notice that your waterproof bibs are absorbing more water, rather than repelling it, it’s time to re-proof your bibs. Fortunately, it is a fairly easy and affordable task.
Reinforce your waterproof bibs with Nikwax TX. Direct Wash-In Waterproofing . add it to the washing machine before you start it, and it will help maintain the waterproof condition of your fishing bibs.
Avoid washing your waterproof bibs with other laundry, as it may be less effective or potentially damage other garments.
Another Quick Tip: Avoid using fabric softener with anything “waterproof” as it tends to wear out waterproof qualities.
FAQs
Can You Wash Ice Armor Bibs?
Yes! Ice Armor Bibs are machine washable as well. Use cold water, and hang to dry. If there is a removable inner layer, make sure to remove it before washing and wash separately.
Ice Armor by Clam comes with two zipper closures and in two different colors. Reinforced nylon around the knees makes it comfortable when kneeling on ice. The Rapid Drainage System also allows for removing trapped water easily. With 100% polyester lining and insulation to keep you warm, and a nylon shell to keep you protected.
Ice Armor by Clam has been around for many years and has led the charge for revolutionizing ice fishing gear. Whether it’s traps, bibs, jackets, or more, Clam brand makes excellent equipment all around.
Conclusion
As an ice fisherman, your bibs are an important piece of equipment that you certainly want to last. But the wear and tear of dirt, grime, fish guts, and the occasional beer or three, means that you will eventually want to wash those ice fishing bibs off. To make sure your ice fishing bibs last for multiple seasons, it is very important to keep them clean.
This is certainly doable, and as anyone who has spent time out on the ice knows, it’s also necessary. With these simple steps and a little bit of elbow grease, your ice fishing bibs will come out looking brand new and ready to get you back out on the hard water.
With today’s fabrics and washing machines that look more like Transformers than an appliance, it’s no surprise that most washing machines can handle whatever we throw at them. As long as you are paying attention to the settings and avoiding heat, keeping your ice fishing bibs nice and clean should not be an issue at all.
Smelling like fish is a sign of a good fishing trip for sure. But eventually, you’ll want to get those “shanty-panties” back in shape and ready for your next adventure. It is recommended that you wash your ice fishing bibs frequently, but it remains ultimately up to each fisherman’s preference.
Whether you call it a “tip-up” or a “tilt,” we’ve got answers to your ice fishing questions. In the meantime, Keep It Reel.