When climbers look to buy a new climbing harness, they often focus on the features that make the harness comfortable and secure. However, it is just as important to focus on how you will wash a climbing harness once you have bought it.
Caring for your climbing harness correctly will ensure it lasts longer and keeps performing at its best. So can you wash a climbing harness, and what’s the best way to clean and care for your climbing harness? Let’s take a closer look.
Can You Wash a Climbing Harness?
Taking care of your climbing and hiking harness, rather than simply throwing it in the washing machine, should be a top priority for any avid climber who wants to keep their gear in working order. After all, who hasn’t been stuck on a wall with no way down because their worn-out, neglected harness failed?
Thankfully, taking care of it doesn’t have to be particularly difficult. Depending on how dirty it has become and what material your harness is made from, you could spot-clean it with a gentle soap solution or wipe it down with an antibacterial disinfectant.
Although washing machines are great for cleaning most things around the house, when it comes to climbing gear like harnesses, the best thing to do is take special precautions—you will thank yourself later!
Also Read: How Should a Climbing Harness Fit?
How To Wash a Climbing Harness
When taking care of your climbing gear, washing your harness is one of the most critical steps in keeping it in top shape. But, unfortunately, it’s also one of the most miniatures understood maintenance pieces. After all, when you think of a harness, you don’t necessarily think of something that needs to be washed.
But just like any other piece of equipment, a harness can get smelly and dirty over time—and if you don’t take care of it properly, those smells and dirt can affect its performance. So let’s dive into how to clean your climbing harness the right way!
Remove All Components
Before you start washing your harness, make sure to remove any components that are attached.
This includes any metal carabiners or quickdraws that may have been affixed to the loops on your harness and any foam padding or webbing straps attached.
These components will need to be washed separately from the body of the harness itself.
Also Read: How To Attach Chalk Bag To Climbing Harness?
Machine Wash with Cold Water
Once all components have been removed from the body of the harness, you can begin machine washing it. Again, use cold water and a mild detergent; never use bleach or harsh detergents, as these can damage the material or weaken its strength.
Use a gentle cycle on your machine for best results; if not, run on a regular cycle but ensure not to overload the machine, so there is enough room for water and airflow during the wash cycle. Once finished, hang up your harness to dry for at least 24 hours before using it again.
Hand Wash with Soap and Water
If you don’t have access to a washing machine, you can hand-wash your harness instead. Fill a bucket with cold water and add some mild soap (again, avoid bleach or harsh detergents).
Soak your harness in this solution for at least 10 minutes before scrubbing with a soft brush or cloth. Once scrubbing, rinse off all soap residue before hanging up your harness to dry for at least 24 hours before using it again.
Caring for Your Rock Climbing Harness
In addition to regular washing, there are other things you can do to extend the life of your climbing harness. For instance, avoid placing heavy objects on your harness during storage; this may cause permanent damage over time due to weight compression.
You should also check all components before each use for any signs of wear and tear; replace any worn parts promptly if necessary.
Finally, only store your climbing harness in warm conditions; this could lead to mold growth, weakening, or rot of the materials used to construct your equipment.
Also Read: How Tight Should a Climbing Harness Be?
Conclusion:
So in the end the answer to the question can you wash a climbing harness is yes. Caring for and cleaning your climbing harness is essential to ensuring that it performs at its best every time you go out on a climb.
With regular washing with cold water and mild detergent, avoiding heavy objects being placed on top while stored, checking components before each use, and storing in dry conditions, you can easily keep your climbing gear looking good as new!
These few simple steps ensure that your trusty companion will be ready whenever adventure calls!