paracommander 0 #1 April 26, 2005 I've been doing some research on the physical properties of spectra lines and there seems to be no evidence showing that cleaning them with bleach would cause damage. One report I read reported that some mfgr's soak lines in nitric acid for a long period of time and had only a 0.2% loss in tensile strength. This also stands true for vectran lines as far as i know. I would just like to get some feedback from any in-the-know out there and perhaps someone who has tried doing it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 15 #2 April 26, 2005 Why would you want to bleach them?Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paracommander 0 #3 April 26, 2005 To make clean Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 558 #4 April 26, 2005 If you want clean lines, buy a new set. Line dirtiness is a crude way of measuring their condition. Since lines both wear out the quickest in the desert and get dirtiest the quickest in the desert, it is logical that the dirtiest lines are worn the worst. Ergo, that they need to be replaced anyways. Could anyone follow that grammar????? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paracommander 0 #5 April 26, 2005 So if Line dirtyness is crude, what is the proper way to measure line condition. Im thinking that the lines on my canopy are in ok shape just dirty from being packed outside and whatnot. just thought i would like to try and clean them. like cleaning anything else that gets dirty. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 15 #6 April 26, 2005 Look at the lines for signs of wear. Abrasion, shrinking, frayed threads, etc can all be looked for. Discoloration of the lines happens even if you pack indoors. If the lines are getting worn, they need replaced. Don't bother cleaning the lines. All lines get dirty. Bleach does funny things to materials. Put bleach on polyporoline and it will melt it if allowed on for long enough. Bleach on Nylon and it will melt holes on some types, others it does nothing to.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DJL 232 #7 April 26, 2005 Yeah, I still wouldn't trust that, but I'm no rigger or chemist. Just someone who finds that bleach is the best way to disintegrate clogs in his busted old bathtub. If my lines are so dirty that they're unsightly then it's time to think about how many jumps I've put on them."I encourage all awesome dangerous behavior." - Jeffro Fincher Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bch7773 0 #8 April 26, 2005 dirty lines never hurt nobody. I don't think it would be worth the risk just to make them look better MB 3528, RB 1182 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justinb138 0 #9 April 26, 2005 QuoteOne report I read reported that some mfgr's soak lines in nitric acid for a long period of time and had only a 0.2% loss in tensile strength. Nitric Acid? I wouldn't put that stuff anywhere near something I didn't want to destroy. Bad stuff that Nitric acid.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisL 2 #10 April 26, 2005 Just let your lines be dirty. I have not seen any manufacturer recommending that they be cleaned. I doubt that dirty lines will significantly impair performance. Leave em be.__ My mighty steed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darkwing 4 #11 April 26, 2005 Not that I'm recommending it (I'm not), but if I wanted to clean my lines I'd probably use soap and water, not bleach. -- Jeff My Skydiving History Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nicknitro71 0 #12 April 26, 2005 Bleach is an oxidizer. Before doing anything find out how Spectra reacts when oxidized.Memento Audere Semper 903 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DJL 232 #13 April 26, 2005 I wouldn't even feel comforable with soap and water. Yeah you might flush some sand but you're also hydrating and dehydrating materials. Again, I'm no rigger or chemist but am interesting in a technically based response to my assumptions. Maybe a bit of water is just what it would take to keep a piece of dirt from eroding a brake line that would otherwise break at just the wrong time."I encourage all awesome dangerous behavior." - Jeffro Fincher Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixlpr 0 #14 April 27, 2005 Yeah. That`s all about using high-tech and mysterious material for building skydiving equipment. They not going to be damaged by getting wet, but you should not wash them by yourself. You know a dirty and never cleaned container last longer and even burns better after use of 20 years than one washed and cleaned ever 2nd or 4th year..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
headoverheels 291 #15 April 27, 2005 I recommend that you just always wear clean white cotton gloves while packing, and the lines will stay clean. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites