Sep 15, 2010, 4:01 PM
Post #1 of 33
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Washing a Jumpsuit
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What is the general consensus for this?
What is the best method for washing a jumpsuit, and more importantly, how often should it be washed?
Jumping in the Texas heat, I assume I'd need more frequent washings, I just haven't really heard this topic discussed much at the DZ and wanted to tackle the issue before my jumpsuit starts smelling TOO bad.
How often? When ever it starts to smell bad. I've washed one suits twice this year due to sweating in the heat.
If it can with stand 200 MPH winds then I don't see what a washing machine could do to it really. Besides both of my suits have that little tag on them with instructions on how to wash them so why not wash it?
Also mate any velcro and zip up the zippers. The hook velcro eats up material. Check the pockets for stuff. I wash my tandem suit probably every week but I sized it to allow for shrinkage when I bought it. Also if you see any damage, (I.E. popped stiches, broken zippers, or torn booty stiches), get them fixed before you wash the suit. I've gotten over 3 years on my current tandem suit and it's still going strong although it's starting to look more grey than black.
I heard a good way to clean a smelly jumpsuit without putting it through the washing machine is to wet it and freeze it for a day or two. I haven't tried it yet.
I've washed mine at least 3 to 4 times this summer. In 100-110 heat I find sweat stain's on the outside of the suit, and can smell the suit in the back seat of my truck. Cold water and hang drying doesn't seem to have done anything to it yet....
My newest RW suit is 8 years old. I wash it at least once a month during the summer, sometimes more often (especially if I've been to Perris). I haven't seen any adverse effects from washing it, and it feels much better when I put it on when it's freshly washed.
(This post was edited by kallend on Sep 16, 2010, 4:44 AM)
I wash mine in cold water and regularly. Not so much for the sweat, but the dirt and grass stain from less than perfect landings. I tend to slide into base.
I heard a good way to clean a smelly jumpsuit without putting it through the washing machine is to wet it and freeze it for a day or two. I haven't tried it yet.
THAT'S not going to get the piss & blood out of it.
billvon (D 16479)
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Sep 16, 2010, 8:09 AM
Post #13 of 33
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>If it can with stand 200 MPH winds then I don't see what a washing machine >could do to it really . . .
Well, packing is more damaging to a canopy than deployment because of all the handling of the fabric. That being said, most of the wear from my jumpsuits comes from:
-walking on booties -velcro near the sleeves (gloves, altimeter) -abrasion on the knees/chest from the tunnel
I put it in the wash shortly after posting this last night. It made it, though I am still a bit weary as the jumpsuit was purchased in "worn" condition. But it's my first jumpsuit, so I suppose it's okay for it to get even more "worn."
My newest RW suit is 8 years old. I wash it at least once a month during the summer, sometimes more often (especially if I've been to Perris). I haven't seen any adverse effects from washing it, and it feels much better when I put it on when it's freshly washed.
I wish my DZO would read this. OMG, are the RW suits @my DZ obscenely smelly. They remind me of a high school locker room...
>If it can with stand 200 MPH winds then I don't see what a washing machine >could do to it really . . .
Well, packing is more damaging to a canopy than deployment because of all the handling of the fabric. That being said, most of the wear from my jumpsuits comes from:
-walking on booties -velcro near the sleeves (gloves, altimeter) -abrasion on the knees/chest from the tunnel
True but when you're packing a canopy you're being fairly 'violent' towards it. But when you're using it the only violent part is the deployment which is sort compared to packing it.
Jump suit on the other hand is exposed to the FF winds for 40-60 seconds.
Washing machine just gently spins it around for a while and then does a final whacking to get it dry.
My newest RW suit is 8 years old. I wash it at least once a month during the summer, sometimes more often (especially if I've been to Perris). I haven't seen any adverse effects from washing it, and it feels much better when I put it on when it's freshly washed.
I wish my DZO would read this. OMG, are the RW suits @my DZ obscenely smelly. They remind me of a high school locker room...
Most DZOs appreciate people who help out around the DZ. Scoop up a few suits in your arms & tell him you volunteer to take them home to wash them. That might give him the hint, too.
Does anyone have detergent recommendations? I've heard Woolite from some folks and other people don't seem to think it matters. Suit is a Vertical RW suit with Taslan, spandex, ripstop, cordura, and leather booties. They don't have any detergent recommendations on the website and too late to get an email response.
Nov 5, 2012, 6:49 PM
Post #19 of 33
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Re: [theplummeter] Washing a Jumpsuit
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It used to be Cheer (I remember that was the offical recommendation from Tony years ago). But that was years ago when I think detergents werent that fancy.
Now, I just wash mine with Tide (or whatever we have).
My newest RW suit is 8 years old. I wash it at least once a month during the summer, sometimes more often (especially if I've been to Perris). I haven't seen any adverse effects from washing it, and it feels much better when I put it on when it's freshly washed.
I wish my DZO would read this. OMG, are the RW suits @my DZ obscenely smelly. They remind me of a high school locker room...
I think they like you smelling like AFF student, a piquant boquet of fear, sweat and urine that makes you want to take a shower after every jump!
My wife builds RW suits. Her materials are supplex, super stretch spandex, pack cloth, some acrylic (for the big boys), some kind of cord stuffing for the grippers and leather on the booties. She recommends cold water, regular cycle, take it out immediately after the end of the spin (don't let it sit and have colors bleed) and hang it up to air dry. Do NOT put it in the dryer.
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