Washing Domke? Bottom Pad?

I just received a new Domke F-6. So far, I really like it. It is pretty stiff though so I've toyed with washing it to soften it up.

But the bottom pad is apparently non-removable. Or am I missing something?

Do you launder the Domke bags with the bottom pad in?

I generally don't wash them unless they're dirty (or have extended exposure to, e.g., salt spray). They soften up pretty fast anyhow just from being used. I haven't yet needed to wash any of the bags with sewn-in bottom pads; if I needed to, I think I'd hand wash and tumble dry at a cool setting. The pad's a closed-cell foam like Ensolite, so there's not really much risk of its being damaged by washing though.

I have washed my F3x, bought it used and the first owner was apparently a smoker. I remember I washed it in the shower, but I think that didn't work out too well so to the washing machine it went. After that it went into the dryer, I might have added a towel as well, no damage whatsoever and it's very nicely broken in.

That said, I wouldn't really wash a brand-new one, my F2 (bought new) broke in very nicely within a few weeks as well.

No washing, just outside with wet towel or sponge. If it gets something inside that is awful, I would just hose it out. Never put it in the washing machine before.

I have found over the years (and I know this sounds crazy) but vacuuming the bags gets rid of most any issues. Whenever I have a beach wedding or harsh environment; the next day I just empty the bag and thoroughly vacuum it inside and out