Cleaning masks (again), an armourer complained!

[wflaschka]

During a tournament last Saturday, the armourer held my mask at arm's length while doing the mask check. I apologized, and said I hadn't washed it... well... since purchase, years ago.

He said, "You have a dishwasher, don't you?"

So the mask is going into the dishwasher soon. Apparently I've had a magical mask-washing machine for years and I haven't used it properly. Still, I'm worried. I've done a search on this bboard for "dishwasher" and "washing machine," but without solid results.

My plan: Woolite on the bib, some dishwashing liquid in the dishwasher, run the full cycle, dry in the sun.

Can anybody say definitively whether this is a good idea or a bad idea?

[whtouche]

I think I remember seeing some threads on the topic of masks in dishwashers before, but can't remember where to find them. However, as to drying it, I have heard several times regarding all different types of equipment not to leave it in the sun to dry. I'm not sure if this applies to masks as well, and Im sure - I hope - someone will chime in to correct me if I'm wrong. Tho admittedly if you're not supposed to dry things in the sun I still can't explain why.
Perhaps direct sunlight somehow degrades the bib?

[SJCFU#2]

One problem with sunlight may be ultraviolet light which can be hard on synthetic fabrics.

[achilleus]

I use the dish washer once every couple of months. It's great. Tosse the mask in with a small amount of dish washing soap, pull it out promptly, wring it out, and put in an airy location (not in direct sunlight), to dry.

Every weekend, I febreeze my mask to keep it smelling OK in between washes. Ever since I started doing this routine the lifespan of my Uhlmann masks has increased.

[D'Artagnan1673]

Originally Posted by wflaschka

Can anybody say definitively whether this is a good idea or a bad idea?....

Wednesday, I am getting back my 4 year old mask. Why don't you let me test this dishwasher theory...... wait, I don't have a dishwasher anymore!!!

[pacer]

I've cleaned our masks in the dishwasher several times. I put them on the top shelf for a short cycle. Once the cycle is finished, I rinse the bib again until I am sure the rinse water is running clear because I'm afraid residual soap might degrade the padding . I blot dry the bid and let the mask air dry in the shade or indoors. (simply because I usually think of doing this at night. ) I've also used fabreze between washings and it helps cut the sweaty smell.

[Mergs]

Yes, this subject has been discussed ad nauseum, but the general consensus is that the dishwasher technique (as espoused by yours truly) does in fact work as advertised. Just don't let it go through the rinse (if you are usind JetDri or similar compound) cycle and let it air dry. Have been using this method ever since my beloved held up my mask and asked "How in the world can you stick your face in this?" Towit, my reply was........."once you get past the smell....!" and ducked. And promptly received a brand new mask as a Christmas present. Seriously, though, it does work and along with an occasional spritz of Fabreeze, should make your mask social acceptable for many seasons.

[Purple Fencer]

Originally Posted by D'Artagnan1673

Wednesday, I am getting back my 4 year old mask. Why don't you let me test this dishwasher theory...... wait, I don't have a dishwasher anymore!!!

Sure you do...they're just attached to your shoulders!

[wflaschka]

I just chucked my mask into the dishwasher. Unfortunately, I think I used too much woolite. Foam is pouring out of the bottom of the dishwasher, and I'm sopping it up with towels. On the bright side, the foam has grimy brown streaks, so maybe there's some cleaning going on.

[rtran]

Originally Posted by wflaschka

During a tournament last Saturday, the armourer held my mask at arm's length while doing the mask check. I apologized, and said I hadn't washed it... well... since purchase, years ago.

This reminds me of a funny event that happened at the Boardwalk Open. The director was testing my weight and shims before a bout and looks at me and asks have you washed your glove lately. I said no. He said something smells really bad don't you smell it to. I proceeded to sniff my glove. After the director and I stare at the glove he conceded that it probably wasn't the glove since it looked new. Which I then informed him it was new since I got it the week before and had only worn it three times. I guess the point is sometimes some people make a bigger deal about the smell or imagine it entirely

[veeco]

Originally Posted by wflaschka

I just chucked my mask into the dishwasher. Unfortunately, I think I used too much woolite. Foam is pouring out of the bottom of the dishwasher, and I'm sopping it up with towels. On the bright side, the foam has grimy brown streaks, so maybe there's some cleaning going on.

Ooops! Sorry, but I couldn't help but chuckle at your misfortune... Hope the cleaning both inside and outside of the dishwasher is over. You learn something new everyday though!

Thanks for sharing your experience

[damianip]

Originally Posted by wflaschka

I just chucked my mask into the dishwasher. Unfortunately, I think I used too much woolite. Foam is pouring out of the bottom of the dishwasher, and I'm sopping it up with towels. On the bright side, the foam has grimy brown streaks, so maybe there's some cleaning going on.

And this is why I use one of those Home Depot buckets, some Woolite and some elbow grease.

I could never get the dishwasher "dosage" correct.

Paolo

[wflaschka]

The mask is drying outside overnight. It emerged from the dishwasher none the worse for wear, and looking pretty much the same -- maybe it was too late to clean it up. But my next mask... that one I'll take care of.

[Craig]

Originally Posted by wflaschka

I just chucked my mask into the dishwasher. Unfortunately, I think I used too much woolite. Foam is pouring out of the bottom of the dishwasher, and I'm sopping it up with towels. On the bright side, the foam has grimy brown streaks, so maybe there's some cleaning going on.

Priceless post!

BTW - I don't use the dishwasher method, I just fill a sink with some water and woolite and hand scrub the bib. Works just fine.

Craig

[Tomas N]

Walter,

Your post about using too much Woolite reminded me of a time in college that the same thing happened to me. I figured I would do the dishes, but had no detergent. So I used regular liquid soap. Came back to find the kitchen filled with suds!

I've never really had the impulse to clean my mask. I figure I wear them for about 6-10 years, they slowly get gross, and then I buy a new one. Unlike many folks, I'm quite good about not leaving the mask in my fencing bag to rot between practices. With the washable bibs, I have something moderately clean next to my skin.

Tomas

[D'Artag-NOT]

Dudes, seriously--

The only kind of detergent that works in a dishwasher is dishwasher detergent. Not laundry detergent, not Woolite, not liquid dish soap that you'd use in the sink--but dishwasher detergent. Anything else sudses and foams like crazy.

Let me guess, this is all guys posting, right? Because most women would know this.

[achilleus]

Originally Posted by D'Artag-NOT

Dudes, seriously--

The only kind of detergent that works in a dishwasher is dishwasher detergent. Not laundry detergent, not Woolite, not liquid dish soap that you'd use in the sink--but dishwasher detergent. Anything else sudses and foams like crazy.

Let me guess, this is all guys posting, right? Because most women would know this.

I'm a guy. I know this.
I use only dishwasher detergent to clean my mask in the washer.

That's all I need to keep it smelling bearable.

[MyraTrue]

I'm still the big fan of the hand washing myself. A 5-gallon bucket is all I need. I have a box fan that I'll set in front of my propped up mask if I'm in a hurry to have it by the next day. But my mask isn't too nasty right now, the washable removable padding from Uhlmann helps keep the worst of it, but the bib's still going to need it soon. Turning... scummy.

Walter, I enjoyed your post. I've always feared that very thing happening, so I think I'll just stick with my sink or bucket! :P

[D'Artagnan1673]

I know this is silly, but I don't want to wash my mask for fear of the mask test stamps being washed off as well.

Its a sign of experience to have stamps on your mask, plus I just like to look at them and be reminded of particulars of each event. Anyone else feel this way?

[MyraTrue]

I sympathize! At New Hampshire, they were using the stamp that reads "Confidential" and I rather found it amusing. I'd hate to lose it, but clean means more to me. Then again, when your mask becomes a blur of colors and old stamps, that counts too! And mine only has 4 or 5 stamps, its relatively new.