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washing the kite after use make the difference?

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Archer77
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washing the kite after use make the difference?

Postby Archer77 » Sun Oct 01, 2017 5:51 pm

Hello All!

I was wondering, washing(or maybe is more correct the term Rinse) the kite, how much extend the life of the kite? and after many days should be washed a kite in your experience?

please specify if you are suggestion are for kite used in fresh or salt water

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Re: washing the kite after use make the difference?

Postby wind chaser » Sun Oct 01, 2017 6:56 pm

I use my kite in both salt and fresh water. I usually wash off the salt water (with fresh water). Also, to prolong the life of the kite I brush off sand and other abrasives (by hand) before packing it away. And pack it dry.

One of my kites is 4 years old and canopy is still in good condition - i estimate about 400 hours on it. The (pulley) bridles need replacing.
Last edited by wind chaser on Sun Oct 01, 2017 8:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: washing the kite after use make the difference?

Postby Bletti » Sun Oct 01, 2017 8:05 pm

Someone should do a control and wash only half their kite and see if there's a difference in wear. I don't think it's as significant as leaving your kite pump up on the beach in the sun.

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Re: washing the kite after use make the difference?

Postby dylan* » Sun Oct 01, 2017 8:29 pm

No need to rinse anything. Definitely don't use a brush or chemicals as they will remove the protective coatings faster.

If you ride in fresh water, just make sure you don't roll your kite up wet, as it will mildew. This is the only thing you need to do to look after your kite.

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Re: washing the kite after use make the difference?

Postby Faxie » Sun Oct 01, 2017 8:55 pm

dylan* wrote:
Sun Oct 01, 2017 8:29 pm
No need to rinse anything. Definitely don't use a brush or chemicals as they will remove the protective coatings faster.

If you ride in fresh water, just make sure you don't roll your kite up wet, as it will mildew. This is the only thing you need to do to look after your kite.
+1

Also, salt doesn't do anything to polyester. But taking the kite out of the bag to rinse it and packing it back up will double the times a kite is folded, and that will weaken the fabric eventually because of the rubbing sand and folding lines.

Just keep it dry, pack loosely and it's all good.

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Re: washing the kite after use make the difference?

Postby K-Roy » Sun Oct 01, 2017 8:57 pm

I don't rinse after salt water.
I also don't leave my kite on the beach, especially in wind 20 knots or above...
Last edited by K-Roy on Sun Oct 01, 2017 10:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: washing the kite after use make the difference?

Postby wind chaser » Sun Oct 01, 2017 9:20 pm

I rinse salt water off when there is time because it can build up and be abrasive like sand. I have found salt crystals in the bag and on the kite in the past. The key is removing abrasives (especially sand) before packing the kite. Lightly brushing it off, shaking off, or rinsing before packing works. Also pack dry and do not pack the kite tightly in the bag.

like mentioned above do not leave it in the sun or on the beach to get sand blasted when not in use.

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Re: washing the kite after use make the difference?

Postby Peter_Frank » Sun Oct 01, 2017 9:36 pm

Rinsing the kite will shorten its life IMO.

It will definitely shorten YOUR life, all that waste of time used doing this...

You fold and unfold the kite the double amount and put a lot more wear on the kite, and if there is ANY slight damp left, mildew will ruin your kites, it can happen overnight sometimes...

I ride about every second day in average - one, and sometimes two kites each time, so that is another reason NOT to wash the kites, as then they could not get dry before the next day ha haa :rollgrin:

Always ride in saltwater, but never leave them wet though, so if it occasionally gets in the drink and no more wind, or the very rare days when it starts to rain, I dry the kite before the next day (not rinsing, way too much risk with fresh water)

8) Peter

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Re: washing the kite after use make the difference?

Postby tautologies » Sun Oct 01, 2017 10:06 pm

Peter_Frank wrote:
Sun Oct 01, 2017 9:36 pm

It will definitely shorten YOUR life, all that waste of time used doing this...
:D :D :thumb: :thumb:

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Re: washing the kite after use make the difference?

Postby PullStrings » Sun Oct 01, 2017 10:15 pm

:jump: KF 2007 thread talks all about it :smash: :advise: :alarm: :blabla:

viewtopic.php?t=2341760

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