I like to keep my gear in top shape. And I'm sure that most of you all do as well.
Being an outdoor sport, power/traction kites that we fly usually spend more time on the ground then they do in the air.
Un-rolling, maybe attaching lines, making adjustments to bridle and brakes and then launching them for the flight.
After that, they make it back to earth and rest in the dirt or sand or hard clay, then we go into our "pack it up" ritual, on the ground, again!
A lot of words (like Ken Shaw) to just say that kites get dirty, wet, covered with dust, soaked with salt water, grass stains, and in some fields, the
dreaded "cow patty smear".
So, how do we do our laundry.????
What type of soap do we use?
Does Beamer Bob have a secret solution formula for cleaning kites?
Is there a possibility of removing any U.V. protection that I've heard all kites are treated with?
Also there's been some discussion about about a coating that revives limp rip stop. Does it work? I recently talked to a friend about it and he said
it works for a while then flakes off?
Well, here's the toss up, What Say You?
BeamerBob - 1-11-2013 at 01:36 PM
I haven't cleaned a kite since moving to NV. But before, I would use a mild dish soap mixed lightly to remove some stuff that would stick to the
kites from Jekyll Island. Otherwise a rinse off and air dry was all I ever did. You can remove lakebed dust with a light mix of white vinegar and
water. I learned that from Corey. The acidic vinegar breaks the bond of the alkaline dust on the kite and it rinses off. I never liked to leave
saltwater on a kite since it made the kite hold moisture and I didn't want to pack up the kite damp.indigo_wolf - 1-11-2013 at 01:42 PM
Basically you are looking to avoid harsh detergents that will break down the coating on the canopy, products that leave behind
a residue that will attract future grime, and dry completely to prevent the formation of mildew which will turn the sail coating into sludge.
ATB,
SamChrisz - 17-11-2013 at 01:55 PM
I have owned a few Hobie sail boats, there are a few sail wash chemicals that are out there. Most of my sails I sent to the local marina and they
sent them out to be cleaned.
The materials in the kites and sails feel similar I dont kinw whar they are made of but you might want to check the local marina. (Mylar sounds
familiar)
Another thought would be a sky diving club, I am sure there equipment gets dirty toolives2fly - 18-11-2013 at 03:12 AM
I just use wet-wipes. no really they are great for cleaning almost everything :Dpokitetrash - 18-11-2013 at 04:53 PM
....Also there's been some discussion about about a coating that revives limp rip stop. Does it work?
Yes, but you have to get a prescription and it comes in a blue spray can. But be warned, for stiff rip stop that lasts longer than a 4 hour session,
seek kite shop help immediately. ... Or like what most guys will rather do in that situation...go trolling for another kiting session.. MyAikenCheeks - 18-11-2013 at 06:47 PM
I've had the pills and the shots. Where can I get that spray can stiff err stuff? WELDNGOD - 19-11-2013 at 03:11 PM
