Why Does My New Waterproof Bag Smell Like Plastic?

Why Does My New Waterproof Bag Smell Like Plastic?

Explainer · Gear care

It's usually normal. A new waterproof bag's coating, adhesives and packaging give off odor, and a sealed bag holds it in. Open it up and let air move through it.

Updated October 5, 20265 min readTroubleshooting

Outdoor gear laid out on a rocky shoreline by the sea, airing out before a trip

A sharp, vinyl-like smell from a bag you just unboxed is a common side effect of how waterproof bags are made. It isn't a sign the bag is defective, and it should fade as the bag airs out.

Diagnose it

Is this smell normal?

Work down the checks. Most new bags stop at the first or second one.

Check 1Is the bag new, or just out of its shipping box?

Yes: A plastic or chemical smell is expected. Go to check 2.

No, it's been used: A smell that showed up later is a different problem. Go to check 3.

Check 2Does it smell like plastic or vinyl, and is it fading as the bag airs?

Yes: Normal off-gassing. Keep airing it (steps 1 and 4 below).

Not fading: Wash it by hand with mild soap (steps 2 and 3), then air it again.

Check 3Does it smell sour, musty or like a damp basement?

Yes: That's mildew from moisture, not the coating. See why a waterproof bag smells musty.

No: Go to check 4.

Check 4Does the smell sting your eyes, nose or throat, or give you a headache?

Yes: Stop using it, keep it outside, and contact the seller (see red flags).

No: Keep airing it. A smell that's slowly fading is doing what it should.

Diagnostic flow organized by SKÖ from the EPA, Sea to Summit and SealLine guidance cited in this guide.

What's going on

Where the smell comes from

Waterproof bags are made from fabric that's coated or laminated with a plastic layer, usually TPU or PVC, then welded or glued at the seams. Fresh from the factory, the coating, the adhesives and any printing can all give off odor. The U.S. EPA notes that many products release organic compounds while you are using them and, to some degree, when they are stored. Its first recommendation for reducing exposure is more ventilation.

A waterproof bag makes that smell more noticeable for the same reason it works: air doesn't pass through the fabric or out the seams. Close it, seal it in a shipping box for a few weeks, and the first time you open it is usually the strongest it will ever smell.

Coating, adhesives and print can all smell when new; a sealed bag keeps the smell in.

Does the material matter? Palm Equipment, a paddling gear maker, says it uses TPU instead of PVC because PVC production relies on phthalates to make it flexible, while TPU doesn't need plasticizers. That's one manufacturer's position, and it says nothing about smell, so don't assume a TPU bag will be odor-free. For the bigger material differences, see TPU vs. PVC waterproof bags. If you're still shopping for something to carry a phone, wallet and keys, see how waterproof crossbody bags compare.

The fix

How to air out a new waterproof bag

Gentle and slow beats fast. Most of what speeds things up also wears out coatings and seams.

  1. Open it all the way and hang it in shade

    Unzip or unroll the closure fully and turn the bag inside out if the construction allows. Hang it somewhere with moving air, out of direct sun.

    Why: ventilation is the EPA's first step for product emissions, and NRS advises storing dry bags out of the sun when they're not in use.

  2. Wash it by hand if the smell is stubborn

    Use warm water and a non-detergent soap on a soft cloth, inside and out. Sea to Summit says to avoid detergents and especially solvents, which it says can cause the coating to delaminate.

    Why: it removes surface residue from manufacturing and packaging without attacking the coating.

  3. Use an enzyme odor product, not a solvent

    For odor that survives a wash, Sea to Summit suggests an enzyme-based odor eliminator. Cascade Designs, which makes SealLine bags, says to keep dry bags away from insect repellents and solvents, and to wash the bag thoroughly if they touch it.

    Why: solvent-based cleaners can damage the very coating that's making the bag waterproof.

  4. Air dry completely, then store it open

    Skip the dryer: Sea to Summit warns that a dryer can damage seam tape, and that damp fabric stored away can mildew. Once it's fully dry, keep it in a cool, ventilated spot with the closure open until the smell is gone.

    Why: a bag sealed while damp trades a plastic smell for a musty one.

Questions

New-bag smell FAQ

Is the plastic smell from a new dry bag harmful?

A mild smell that fades is common with new coated fabrics, and ventilation is the standard way to reduce exposure to product emissions. No article can judge a specific bag's chemistry. If the odor is strong, irritating or persistent, stop using the bag and contact the manufacturer.

Can I put a new waterproof bag in the washing machine?

Manufacturers say no. Sea to Summit recommends washing dry sacks by hand with a non-detergent soap and air drying them, because detergents, solvents and dryers can damage the coating and seam tape. Follow the care label on your own bag first.

Will the smell transfer to my phone or clothes?

Odor can pass to soft items packed in a closed bag, which is why it's worth airing a new bag before you fill it with clothes, towels or food. Hard items like a phone are less of a concern, but there's no reason to rush them in either.

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