Washing a mask bib

[Zesty]

Just a quick question, is there a way you are able to wash a mask bib easily without having to remove it from the mesh? I want to keep my new mask shiny but don't want to have someone re-fit the bib everytime it gets dirty. Is it ok to get the mesh slightly wet if you dry it quickly. Cheers for your help.

[Purple Fencer]

Put it in your dishwasher...a method mentioned by many people on this board (and at Armorer's College)

But make sure the washer is empty...unless you WANT to smell your last dinner in the mask!

[Zesty]

Just whack it in?! Seems a little extreme to me, but if loads of people use it then I expect it is all right. I assume you don't use powder/tablets in the washer then. Does this damage the mask at all?

[anisa]

Originally Posted by Zesty

Just whack it in?! Seems a little extreme to me, but if loads of people use it then I expect it is all right. I assume you don't use powder/tablets in the washer then. Does this damage the mask at all?

I use a small amount of washing powder, has worked just fine so far.

[CvilleFencer]

I use lemon scented dish washer gel. Umm, lemony... Anyway, if you have the option on your machine, turn off the heated drying as that can melt the plastic on depending on how hot it gets and how your machine is layed out. Once the cycle is done just take it out, wipe away all the water and roll the bib out with a towel and then just hang it to dry. My LP dries in about a day but my Allstar took a couple.

[glowstix]

i prefer the manual method of a scrubbing brush and laundry detergent(also, my appt doesn't have a dishwasher so its not like i had a choice anyway.. ). i much rather the laundry detergent smell over the lemony..

something about that dishwasher method seems suspect to me but if they do it then....

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

Originally Posted by glowstix

i prefer the manual method of a scrubbing brush and laundry detergent(also, my appt doesn't have a dishwasher so its not like i had a choice anyway.. ). i much rather the laundry detergent smell over the lemony..

something about that dishwasher method seems suspect to me but if they do it then....

I also advocate this method. As I used it last night to great success to wash my mask.

[fencerbill]

I use a five gallon bucket and soak for half an hour in Woolite and half a box of baking soda. Rinse twice. Put half a bath towel inside and half outside and squeeze the bib between them. Will be dry the next morning. Scrubbing Foil/ Epee bibs with a brush doesn't hurt also. The baking soda gets out the smellies.

[Zesty]

All right, brilliant. I think I prefer the manual method, would take longer but it seems to be safer.

[anisa]

Originally Posted by fencerbill

I use a five gallon bucket and soak for half an hour in Woolite and half a box of baking soda. Rinse twice. Put half a bath towel inside and half outside and squeeze the bib between them. Will be dry the next morning. Scrubbing Foil/ Epee bibs with a brush doesn't hurt also. The baking soda gets out the smellies.

Just a word of warning re: scrubbing. One of the first times I washed my mask, I tried refreshing the bib by soaking it in spot remover and then brushing it hard with an old washing-up brush. BAD idea. The bib became less yellow for sure, but it also became kind of 'hairy' from the rough treatment. I ended up actually shaving it with a razor in an attempt to remove the hair...
Anyway, good luck!

[ShadyLane]

I never washed my fencing mask before...didn't know we could wash them!! I thought they would rust or something...

Does this work for ANY mask (non-electric AND electric)?? I have a non-electric cheap Leon Paul club mask and the mesh on the outer part of the mask doesn't have the black coating like electric foil/epee masks...anyone know if washing it is fine or will it rust?

Thanks in advance! :P

[shango]

I suggest washing the bib, but as for the rust, you'll have to ask someone who has the same mask as yours. As long as its stainless steel, it shouldn't rust, as long as you take care of it.

[fencerbill]

Originally Posted by ShadyLane

I never washed my fencing mask before...didn't know we could wash them!! I thought they would rust or something...

Does this work for ANY mask (non-electric AND electric)?? I have a non-electric cheap Leon Paul club mask and the mesh on the outer part of the mask doesn't have the black coating like electric foil/epee masks...anyone know if washing it is fine or will it rust?

Thanks in advance! :P

Washing it won't get it much wetter than a night of fencing.

Although there is the old aphorism:

Horses sweat,
Men perspire,
Ladies glow.

[remise]

I ran into a fencer who once advocated using liquid Mr. Bubble and a soft sponge. I have to say I was doubtful, but I did was I was told, and darn if it didn't take my old brown and gray bib and whiten it right up.