Power Kite Forum

Tips on cleaning your kite, machine washable?

frostbite - 29-12-2010 at 11:44 AM

J/k, since I couldn't find those little tag I assume that they are not machine washable. :yes:

After a tumble (and some tear) in a field my charger can use a rinse. But since I live in a small apartment in the middle of the winter so hosing it down in the backyard really isn't an option. I thought about soaking it in my bath tub and then hanging it up to dry, not sure if any one try it before?

Houston AirHead - 29-12-2010 at 11:55 AM

I bet a warm wash on delicate with some oxyclean would work wonders

cheezycheese - 29-12-2010 at 12:00 PM

Why don't you try folding it in quarters and wiping it down with a damp cloth...? Maybe a mild cleaner.( Not an expert opinion)

PHREERIDER - 29-12-2010 at 12:11 PM

if the coating is still slick just it rinse off, NO ABRASION.

the best just let it dry, the dirt will just fall off, NO ABRASION.

if you touch it with dirt, soil, sand you are only cutting the coating off, if not bruising the fabric.

so nothing is at the top of my list. only dry and shake it out, keep on going.

the more you handle it at all, only adds up in surface damage .

manitoulinkiter1 - 29-12-2010 at 12:32 PM

Hey

I agree with PHREERIDER. Leave it alone. When you fly it in the rain or if you kitesurf,when you dunk it it will clean off. If you put it in the washing machine you will not only wash the coating off, but will also make it look like its been used 100 times. You will make the kite soft and worn out instead of new and crinkly if you know what I mean. The less you handle it the longer it will last.

John

indigo_wolf - 29-12-2010 at 12:34 PM

Anything with a agitator is not kite friendly.

You never said what was on it? Something that will permanently stain (which won't bother some people) or something that might damage the coating on the kite?

If all it needs is a rinse, lukewarm water should do it. If more cleaning is needed look for something called NixWax Tech Wash.



It's a non-detergent soap which will be safe for the coating on your kite's canopy. Originally meant for technical outer garments.

If the whole thing doesn't need to be washed, spot cleaning should get you through. If you need to do a more general wash of the entire kite, washing won't be the problem, drying will.

The largest kite I have washed in a shower/tub was a 4.5 meter (pound of sand, and gallons of sea water... shipped wet from the UK). However, that required some creative use of PVC tubing to essentially let the kite drape as a giant inverted "U." A medium size fan was used to circulate air, and the wee furry ones with an eye on the bridles were sent into exile.

You can either

ATB,
Sam

Todd - 29-12-2010 at 12:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by indigo_wolf
You can either

  • Dry it in sections, rolling it up as it dries
  • Find some temporary space that is large enough to allow it to dry all at once
  • If you are particularly creative with PVC tubes and fittings, you could put together a drying rack (basically you want something that allows the kite to drape without the canopy crossing over itself) that can be broken down when not in use.


ATB,
Sam



Or if you have a house fan string it from room to room if you can. A 24m will fit in the kitchen and adjoining bed room ;-)

frostbite - 29-12-2010 at 01:08 PM

Its mostly mud and dirt and some goose poo. I am more worry about the poo since I remember reading the bird poo can ruin paint on a car. Not sure if its relevant at all here..

By the way, what is the coating every one is referring to? Is it some sort of water proofing?

Todd: that's a mighty nice room divider you got there! :shocked2:

indigo_wolf - 29-12-2010 at 01:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by frostbite
By the way, what is the coating every one is referring to? Is it some sort of water proofing?


It is a light coating that makes the canopy of your kite more impermeable to water, but more importantly air.

Without the coating, the canopy of the kite would pass air through the weave of the nylon making it less efficient as an air foil.

Different companies use there own super secret, "would tell you, but then I'd have to kill you" formulations.

Goose droppings probably wouldn't be doing the coating any favors. Mildew can also attack and break down the coating hence the warnings about stowing away a kite wet/damp.

ATB,
Sam

John Holgate - 29-12-2010 at 01:49 PM

Quote:

A 24m will fit in the kitchen and adjoining bed room ;-)


That's a nice lamp shade, Todd!!

shaggs2riches - 29-12-2010 at 06:39 PM

Yes the surface of the kite is coated to make it less pourus and water proof. Ripstop fabric is just that..fabric and once ready for use it gets treated.

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/1/1/9330-sailing-gear-e...

I seem to remember reading here sometime ago that this stuff works great once you have done a good cleaning on kites. The company even have something that can be used on the surface of a boards to help with water displacement...kinda like a ski wax for water gear.

ripsessionkites - 30-12-2010 at 02:35 AM

You should ask what happens to kites in the machine to the designers at PL. It's been tested before to see how well it holds up.

No soap, just fresh cold water.

Hang to dry over the balcony or bathroom door. If you have space in the house, hair dryer on cool and inflate. Chikara and Mirai material doesn't take long to dry.

Houston AirHead - 1-1-2011 at 01:15 PM

Theres a million dollar product,

A soap that will make your kite look like new again, and it wont wash off the coating!