How to Claen&Wash Your Cinomadist Axis Tech Pouch

Your Cinomadist Axis Tech Pouch is made of tough, water-repellent 450D polyester (with a textured snowflake look) and vintage-style 420D washed polyester, plus reliable YKK water-resistant zippers. It’s built to be abrasion- and tear-resistant, but a little TLC will keep it looking and working its best. Here are easy steps to clean the pouch, tackle stubborn stains, preserve the DWR coating and zippers, and store it properly. Polyester is known for being strong, quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant, so the pouch is designed to handle rugged use and still look good.

Regular Surface Cleaning

• Empty the pouch. Remove all items and shake it upside-down to dump out loose dirt or crumbs.

• Vacuum crumbs. If you have a handheld vacuum (or use a brush), clear out any fine dust or sand from seams and pockets.

• Wipe the interior. Dampen a soft sponge or cloth with clean water (no soap needed) and wipe the inside of the pouch to remove dust and lint.

• Spot-clean the exterior. Mix a small amount of mild soap (castile soap or a gentle fabric detergent) with lukewarm water. Lightly scrub dirty or stained areas with the soapy sponge or a soft-bristle brush, working in circles. Be gentle so you don’t rub off the water-repellent coating.

• Rinse well. After scrubbing, wipe the soapy spots with a clean damp cloth and plain cool water to remove all soap. Make sure no soap residue remains (leftover soap or oils will attract dirt).

• Air-dry thoroughly. Hang or lay the pouch flat in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. UV light and high heat can weaken polyester and coatings, so dry in the shade or indoors. Let the pouch dry completely before putting items back or storing it – this prevents musty odors or mildew.

Deeper Cleaning for Stains

For tougher spots or ground-in dirt, try these stain-removal tips (all gentle and safe for polyester):

• Treat stains quickly. Blot fresh spills immediately with a clean cloth to lift up as much liquid as possible – never rub hard (rubbing can spread or set the stain).

• Soap solution for general stains. Apply a drop of mild dish soap or laundry detergent to a damp cloth or soft brush and work it into the stain. This handles most food, drink, or soil marks. Rinse with cool water.

• Grease and oil. For oily spots, dish soap is ideal. You can also sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch to absorb grease: make a paste with a bit of water, apply to the stain, let sit 15–30 minutes, then gently brush or wipe it off.

• Odors and sweat. If there’s a musty smell or sweat stain, lightly dab the area with a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and helps neutralize odors. Rinse thoroughly afterward.

• Cold water rinse. Always rinse stains with cool (not hot) water. Hot water can actually set stains in polyester. Blot away excess moisture after rinsing.

• Repeat if needed. Tough stains may require two rounds. Treat, rinse, and check before drying. Avoid using the dryer or any heat until the stain is completely gone (heat can permanently lock in stains).

Maintaining the Water-Repellent Coating

Your pouch’s fabric has a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. To keep it working:

• Keep it clean. Dirt, oils, and soap residues break down DWR over time. That’s why regular cleaning (as above) helps restore the water-beading effect. Always use only mild, fragrance-free soap or a technical fabric cleaner – no detergent additives.

• Use gentle heat (if safe). If the pouch’s care label allows, putting it on a low heat dry cycle or gently ironing it (no steam, with a cloth between iron and fabric) can re-energize the DWR. (Only do this sparingly – excess heat can melt or shrink polyester.)

• Test water beading. Periodically sprinkle a few drops of water on the pouch. If the water beads and rolls off, the DWR is active. If the water soaks into the fabric, it’s time to clean and/or reproof.

• Reapply DWR when needed. When cleaning and gentle heat aren’t enough, use a spray-on or wash-in waterproofer. Follow the product instructions (usually spray on the damp, clean pouch and then let it dry fully or give it low heat). Treating the fabric yearly (or after heavy outdoor use) helps keep it water-resistant.

• No bleach or softener. Never use bleach, fabric softener, or harsh solvents on the pouch. These chemicals will strip away the water-repellent coating and could discolor or weaken the fabric.

Caring for the YKK Zippers

Your pouch’s zippers are coated YKK “water-resistant” zippers. To keep them smooth:

• Clean the zipper tracks. Occasionally wipe the zipper (both sides of the teeth and pull) with a damp cloth to remove sand, dirt, or salt.

• Operate gently. Open and close the zipper slowly and straight. Don’t pull the slider at an angle or force it through if stuck – YKK warns this can bend teeth or damage the stops.

• Avoid heat or bending. Don’t expose the zippers to high heat or direct sunlight – the polyurethane coating can yellow or even melt. Never iron the zippers.

• Lubricate if needed. If a zipper feels rough, you can apply a little zipper lubricant or even a bit of beeswax/graphite. Then run the slider back and forth to distribute it. (Usually, however, normal use and clean tracks are enough to keep them working smoothly.)

Proper Drying and Storage

How you dry and store the pouch helps prevent mildew or damage:

• Dry completely. After any cleaning or if the pouch gets wet (rain or spills), make sure it dries completely. Leaving it damp invites mold and unpleasant odors. Air it out fully.

• Dry in shade. Always air-dry away from direct sunlight or radiators. Heat and UV light can fade the fabric and degrade the DWR finish.

• Keep it empty or loosely packed. Store the pouch empty (or with a clean cloth inside) and unzipped so air can circulate. This helps preserve its shape and prevents trapped moisture.

• Store cool and dry. Put the pouch away in a cool, dry place – avoid damp basements or hot attics. You might add a small silica gel packet or desiccant sachet in the storage spot to absorb humidity.

• No heavy loads. Don’t stack heavy items on top of the pouch during storage, especially on the zipper area, as this could deform the fabric or misalign the zipper.

Do’s and Don’ts

DO: Use lukewarm water and gentle soap when cleaning, and blot stains (don’t scrub hard). Always test water repellency and reproof as needed. Air out the pouch after cleaning or before long-term storage.

DON’T: Never toss the pouch in a washing machine or dryer. Don’t use bleach, chlorine, fabric softeners or harsh solvents on it. Don’t expose it to high heat (iron, dryer, heater or direct sun) or store it while wet.

Long-Term Care and Water-Resistance Revival

Over time the pouch’s coatings and fabric wear, so occasional maintenance helps it last:

• Refresh the DWR coating. If water stops beading on the fabric, treat the clean, damp pouch with a spray-on or wash-in waterproofing agent. Let it dry fully. Reapplying once a year (or after especially heavy outdoor use) can greatly extend the pouch’s water resistance.

• Smooth wrinkles. The 450D polyester resists wrinkles, but if it creases you can gently steam it or use a cool iron on a low setting (with a towel between iron and fabric). The 420D “washed” fabric is meant to look slightly crinkled, so you’ll generally only need to smooth it by hand.

• Repair minor damage. Inspect the pouch occasionally for loose threads, seam splits, or zipper issues. Fix small problems right away. (A stitch or patch now saves a bigger repair later.)

By following these simple care tips – cleaning gently, drying thoroughly, and tending to the fabric and zippers – your Axis Tech Pouch will stay clean, functional, and water-resistant for years. Treat it well, and it will be ready to protect your gadgets and accessories on all your adventures.