This procedure applies only to harness and container systems. Most canopy manufacturers do not
approve of washing their products to clean them. Doing so may alter the performance characteristics
of the canopy. Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual for each make and model of canopy.
COLORFASTNESS. It is important to check for colorfastness of certain types of materials. Colored
E thread and Ty-3 binding tape have shown a tendency for their colors to run when wet or damp. Red
is particularly prone to doing so. Before using the following procedures, the rigger or owner should
check for colorfastness. Do so by wetting a small area of the container including the binding tape
and then lay a damp piece of WHITE cotton t-shirt on the wet area. Leave for 30 minutes. Check to
see if any color has transferred to the cotton fabric. If not, then it is PROBABLY OK to wash the rig.
Remember, this procedure in no way guarantees that the colors will NOT run.
1.0 DISASSEMBLY:
1.1 Remove all canopies, AADs, and component parts such as toggles, RSL, ripcords, bags, and
elastic keepers as well as the packing data card.
2.0 HANDWASHING:
2.1 Soak the rig in lukewarm water. Apply straight Woolite® or soap onto the dirtiest areas and
scrub with the brush. Soak in lukewarm water for 20 minutes.
2.2 Scrub the rig vigorously all over. Soak for another 20 minutes.
2.3 Repeat step 2.2. For particularly dirty rigs, empty the first batch of soapy water and wash in
a fresh batch of soapy water.
2.4 Squeeze out as much soapy water as possible. Immerse in fresh, clean, cool water and rinse
several times until no further soap comes out.
2.5 Hang to dry out of direct sunlight. The use of a fan directly onto the rig will greatly speed up
the drying process.
3.0 MACHINEWASHING:
Wrap the hardware of the rig with the rags to pad them so they don’t beat the inside of the
machine.
3.1 Soak the rig in lukewarm water and apply Woolite® or other soap directly onto the dirtiest
parts. Scrub these parts vigorously. Allow these parts to absorb the Woolite® during the time
traveling to the laundromat.
3.2 Place the rig into the pillowcase or laundry bag and add extra padding such as some of your
extra laundry. Levi's® work exceptionally well for this. Tie off the pillowcase or bag to hold
everything in. Place in the washing machine, add more washing and Woolite® and wash in
warm water.
3.3 Run through at least two rinse cycles or hand rinse several times until no soap comes out.
3.4 Hang to dry out of direct sunlight. The use of a fan onto the rig will greatly speed up the drying
process.
4.0 SCOTCHGARD: The use of Scotchgard® brand fabric protector has become commonplace in recent years.
This fabric treatment seals the pores of the fabric against dirt and other stains. Scotchgard® is
NOT a magical “silver bullet” against dirt. However, it has shown good results in keeping
lighter colored fabric cleaner longer under normal use. Grinding in on grass or asphalt or
other heavy abuse will still stain and/or damage the rig materials.
Scotchgard® is not harmful to today’s container fabrics
such as para-pak and Cordura®. There are currently several
Scotchgard® formulas. The standard fabric and upholstery
formula is in the RED CAN [Figure A]. Do not use
the rug and carpet formula in the blue can.
After the rig is completely dry, hang it in a well ventilated
location. FOLLOWING THE DIRECTIONS ON THE
CAN, apply the protector to the entire OUTER SURFACE of the rig. For those areas such as the inside of the
leg pads, backpad, and bottom of the main container, and
light colored panels such as white, etc., apply a second
coat after the first has dried. Do not intentionally spray the hardware, housings, and clear
vinyl CYPRES® window. After the rig has dried, it may then be reassembled and placed back
into service.
