Power Kite Forum

Kite washing???

hopper1 - 27-4-2011 at 11:25 AM

Do any of you have any tips on what I should use to wash the dirt off a kite??
I just bought a 3m Ozone Flow from a forum member,and the kite and the kite bag is real dirty.
I bought the kite to give to a 13 year old kid that comes to the ball field to watch me fly my kites.
I dont want to give the kid a kite in this condition,so it needs to be cleaned.Whats the best thing to clean it with.
Just water?
Soap and water?
What kind of soap??
Thanks for the help

bigkahuna - 27-4-2011 at 11:36 AM

I've not done it, but I'd imagine you'd use the same soap we use to clean sails, "mild dish detergent".

hopper1 - 27-4-2011 at 11:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bigkahuna
I've not done it, but I'd imagine you'd use the same soap we use to clean sails, "mild dish detergent".


I didnt think about dish washing detergent.I was trying to do some research on Woolite detergent.It says it's safe for all fabrics.I was wondering if the kites might have some type of coating on them that soap would wash off,I dont want to mess something up

indigo_wolf - 27-4-2011 at 11:54 AM

Clean off any loose dirt on the bag with a soft brush. Wash in cold or tepid water with/or without a mild detergent like Wool-Lite... less critical as it's just a bag ;).

For the kite, make sure that the bridle leads are attached to the velrco "crocs" or larks headed together to forestall tangles.

A couple of rinses in cold water should get rid of most of the dirt. For more stubborn dirt, use a non-detergent soap like Nik-Wax Tech-Wash as it is designed not to damage the coating on the canopy.


Beamerbob has reported good results with white vinegar, but don't know how that works on general grime or grass(?) stains.

Avoid scrubbing. It's more like you are using your fingers like agitators or kneading dough.

Air dry either indoors or outdoors in the shade.

If you are drying indoors (large PVC Tube hanging in the shower will accomodate a 4.5M or 5M kite without problems), a fan running on low/medium and circulating air will speed up the drying process. It doesn't need to be directed at the kite, just circulating air.

Insure that the kite is completely dry before storing to prevent mildew.

If you have cats, sequester the kite away from them... bridle line is a source of endless interest and unless you want the cat using the kite as a hammock....

Cleaned a couple of kites soaked in in sea water and covered in beach crud to like new condition.

ATB,
Sam

hopper1 - 27-4-2011 at 12:02 PM

Thanks for the good advice,im about to give it a try.:thumbup:
Ive never heard of NIKWAX,sounds like good stuff..

acampbell - 27-4-2011 at 12:23 PM

when you rinse the kite, the dirt will appear to be gone, only to re-appear when the kite dries. Maddening. when I have these spots, I use a soft terry cloth-like hand towel (from the dollar store) that is soaked in water and plain Dove hand soap and rub gently. the NikWax sounds good, too.

For biological stains (blood, bird crap, etc), I use "Nature's Miracle" from the pet store. It is a non-detergent enzyme based cleaner designed to go after biological stains. It is one of the only products that I know that truly deserves the use of the word "miracle" in the product title. (We have young doggies). I apply a bit with a towel to make the stain wet, let it stand a bit, then wipe off with the soap and water as described above.

hopper1 - 27-4-2011 at 12:44 PM

I just filled the bath tub with cool water and added one half cap full of Woolite to the water.I put the kite in the tub and let it soak for 5 minutes,then I hand washed the kite,and each bridle line.
I drained the tub,and rinsed the kite with fresh cool water.
Now its hanging in my carport air drying,I hope it works.It looks better already.
I cant wait to see the results after it drys,maybe the dirt is gone,and it'll be clean.I know that kid will love it...

indigo_wolf - 27-4-2011 at 12:57 PM

:thumbup: Huzzahs on the RAK and the gift of wings. :thumbup:

ATB,
Sam

hopper1 - 27-4-2011 at 01:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by indigo_wolf
:thumbup: Huzzahs on the RAK and the gift of wings. :thumbup:

ATB,
Sam


Thanks again Sam...
His dad got killed about a year ago,and I feal so sorry for him.He's a great kid.Ive been letting him fly my wife's kite,and he always has a big grin on his face.

jellis - 27-4-2011 at 01:04 PM

If your kite gets dirty then it is time to sell it and get a new one! LMAOROF :lol:

hopper1 - 27-4-2011 at 04:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by hopper1
I just filled the bath tub with cool water and added one half cap full of Woolite to the water.I put the kite in the tub and let it soak for 5 minutes,then I hand washed the kite,and each bridle line.
I drained the tub,and rinsed the kite with fresh cool water.
Now its hanging in my carport air drying,I hope it works.It looks better already.


Well,after washing the kite with Woolite in cool water,and a few hours hanging in my carport,the kite is clean and dry,Woolite works great.
The kite colors are bright,and the bridle lines are nice and white again.The kite fabric is still crisp,and ready to fly.
Thanks for all the great advice..

Todd - 27-4-2011 at 04:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by hopper1
I bought the kite to give to a 13 year old kid that comes to the ball field to watch me fly my kites.



Well done and thank you for sharing the love of this sport with the younger generation. :thumbup:

Kamikuza - 27-4-2011 at 05:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by jellis
If your kite gets dirty then it is time to sell it and get a new one! LMAOROF :lol:

I believe that and tangled lines are the main reason people sell kites :lol:

pbc - 27-4-2011 at 06:06 PM

I used to chain the bridle of my FB kites, secure the tail to a loop on the sail and then but them into a front load washer with a little bit woolite and wash 'em on cold. They looked beautiful afterwards. No dirt, no "pet smells". The bridles would turn white again.

That's said I did this with kites with a fully vented lead edge. I'd not do this with any kite that has a limited leading edge opening or valves.

Philip