Hellobee Boards

I'd wash them with a pod of mighty bubbles just to knock any gunk out out them. Then store them in something NOT airtight, an airtight container will ruin the elastics

@MamaBear87: They weren't! Ha. I did the blue Dawn stripping ... then a bleach reset. I followed the BG instructions.

Blue Dawn, or any degreaser, should not be used in your washer. It voids the warranty and can strip internal parts and ruin your washer. I'd also be super cautious about using blue Dawn and also adding bleach in the same load if you're going to do the dawn thing. My washer adds the bleach during the wash cycle when there is still detergent present.
Rlr or mighty bubbles will both do a strip and are laundry safe. A bleach wash with those is also totally fine

@youboots: I would vote sun them, I wouldn’t bother stripping but it’s probably a good idea! We are using ours again that I didn’t strip before storing and just shoved in a Rubbermaid and they seemed good! No issues 3 months in with second use, just hoping they fit this baby more than my gigantic first!

I wouldn't bother stripping before storage, since I'd just strip again when taking out of storage, so why do that kind of wear and tear unnecessarily. It's not like bacteria or viruses will multiply in the cloth over a year or more. Bacteria and viruses need moisture and warmth etc.

I've read to not store in the heat, and to not store in airtight containers. I think the heat is a bigger issue.