ScotWithOne_t Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 I was lucky enough to be given a hand-me-down 5pt harness from a race driver, which is great, but they belts a little dirty, and they rub off oil or grease (or maybe it's just dirt) onto my shirt. I would like to clean them, but I don't want to damage the fibers or anything. Searching the internet I have only found information regarding washing baby-seat harnesses, and they say not to machine wash them. I assume similar logic applies to racing harnesses. Can I hand wash them? What can I use to clean them? water only? water + non-bleach detergent? spray-n-wash? or will I just have to wipe them with dry rags until nothing more rubs off on to the rag? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
white_2kgt Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 I was lucky enough to be given a hand-me-down 5pt harness from a race driver, which is great, but they belts a little dirty, and they rub off oil or grease (or maybe it's just dirt) onto my shirt. I would like to clean them, but I don't want to damage the fibers or anything. Searching the internet I have only found information regarding washing baby-seat harnesses, and they say not to machine wash them. I assume similar logic applies to racing harnesses. Can I hand wash them? What can I use to clean them? water only? water + non-bleach detergent? spray-n-wash? or will I just have to wipe them with dry rags until nothing more rubs off on to the rag? Thanks. If they are that dirty I'd toss them. The dirt is going to weaken them even more (same with the straps you use to secure your car to the trailer, keep them clean!) If there really is oil on them then for sure toss them. Get caught in a fire and those puppies will BBQ you in a heart beat! I'm pretty sure you are not suppose to machine wash them, personally If it were just a little dirt I'd soak them in a bucket of water with a little bit of detergent, then rinse them good and hang to dry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScotWithOne_t Posted May 1, 2007 Author Share Posted May 1, 2007 Upon closer inspection, it appears to be just dirt/dust...not oil/grease. I think I'll just take a damp rag to it and see it it will clean up some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExRacer Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 You can hand wash them with a bristle brush or old toothbrush. DO NOT use any harsh detergents (like Tide laundry detergents). You can use dish soap. Clean the brushed out belts with clear water then hang them to dry. You may have to do this a coupla times, but it works wonders. Biodegradable detergents like simple green are pretty mild, but don't go for anything with a chlorine or harsh foaming stuff. I have heard that cloth upholstery foaming cleansers can be used, but haven't tried them. Remember, it's your life that they are saving so don't do anything that will degrade the fabric. Also I would contact a harness manufacturer and get their recommendation. If you check the CCR rules for HPDE harness age requirements 14.4.8, the belt is allowed in HPDE even if it is out of date for racing, but it must be in very good condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renntag Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 A good acid based cleaner should make em good as new ! .....just kidding. Any mild cleaner and a soft brush should be fine. I wouldnt sweat it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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