Don't use Oxyclean on Fencing Kit.

[Barry Paul]

Oxyclean seems to attack Dynema used in many of the 800 newton materials used by many of the manufacturers, causing the cloth to shrink.

Our instructions with our clothing (Leon Paul) tells the owners only to wash at a 40 degrees with a non Biological powder without any other additives ( we will have to include the words such as Oxyclean) and to dry naturally (do not tumble dry) Many washing machines have built in driers which automatically activate after a wash cycle. This needs turning off before the wash cycle starts.

[pokey]

Does this apply to 350N kit at all?

[lefty_monster]

I Oxyclean every once in a while, like whenever it starts looking yellow or gray. Probably once every two months or so. Is that OK? (Other than that, I use regular soap.)

[IHateMrPotatohead]

I don't have 800N gear, but I throw some Oxyclean in the wash every time I clean my jacket and knickers. My last pair of kniickers lasted several years before I just plain grew out of them. They are still used at our club though, and are in good condition.

[HDG]

Originally Posted by IHateMrPotatohead

I don't have 800N gear, but I throw some Oxyclean in the wash every time I clean my jacket and knickers. My last pair of kniickers lasted several years before I just plain grew out of them. They are still used at our club though, and are in good condition.

What were they made of?

[demon_fencer]

Does it actually damage the material? I've got the LP 800 pants and they are really baggy on me so I wouldn't mind any shrinkage. However, I'll stop tossing in the Oxyclean if it causes the material to degrade.

[IHateMrPotatohead]

Originally Posted by HDG

What were they made of?

I'm gonna assume they are 350N, without having them right in front of me.

[Inquartata]

I've been using the stuff when washing both jacket and knickers---Uhlmann FIE both---with no signs of shrinkage. So if that's the only issue I think I'll continue. But I echo Demon Fencer's question: Does it actually damage the material, ie reduce the protection offered? That would be quite another matter...

[Neinteen]

Originally Posted by Inquartata

I've been using the stuff when washing both jacket and knickers---Uhlmann FIE both---with no signs of shrinkage. So if that's the only issue I think I'll continue. But I echo Demon Fencer's question: Does it actually damage the material, ie reduce the protection offered? That would be quite another matter...

Does anyone care about your protection

And how would it damage it? Just shrink it riiiight?

[Insipiens]

well it could be an ammonia based agent that chemically reacts with the complex molecules of the hi-tech material used to make 800N kit and weaken the bonds thereby meaning that it would no longer be up to strength.

Or something more correct

I still have an 800N jacket made out of actual Kevlar (LP from about 1993 or 1994 - I would have to check the FIE label) - on the old Kevlar ones apparently the material would degrade (and weaken) if you used any kind of bleaching agent (or left it in the sun!).

[magic_moose]

I've been using Oxyclean for soaking my LP FIE mask. It seemed to freshen it up better. I had not noticed any shrinkage of the bib, but I guess I will have to find something else to deodorize with.

[TBean]

Baking Soda works well as a deoderizer.

[magic_moose]

Thanks! I'll give it a try

[glowstix]

Originally Posted by Barry Paul

Our instructions with our clothing (Leon Paul) tells the owners only to wash at a 40 degrees with a non Biological powder without any other additives ( we will have to include the words such as Oxyclean) and to dry naturally (do not tumble dry) Many washing machines have built in driers which automatically activate after a wash cycle. This needs turning off before the wash cycle starts.

not entirely possible when you live in an apt. building and you also wash with other clothes. i definitely air dry the LP FIE jacket though.

[Zilverzmurfen]

Originally Posted by glowstix

not entirely possible when you live in an apt. building and you also wash with other clothes. i definitely air dry the LP FIE jacket though.

Your fencing kit should be a separate load from other, 'regular' clothing. You can wash them together with other light sport clothes like sports t-shirts and the similar.

And sports bras. But of course, you don't wear those, do you?

Additionally: No fabric softener when washing fencing kit/sports clothes!
(It clogs the fabrics pores and prevents them from 'breathing' properly.)

[Hollywood Troy]

I've used oxyclean for over a year with no problems on my stuff. Any one notice anything?

[VorpalCat]

Originally Posted by Hollywood Troy

I've used oxyclean for over a year with no problems on my stuff. Any one notice anything?

I didn't want to embarrass you by pointing it out in front of everyone but since you asked, your fly is down.

[I_luv_saber]

Originally Posted by Barry Paul

Oxyclean seems to attack Dynema used in many of the 800 newton materials used by many of the manufacturers, causing the cloth to shrink.

Our instructions with our clothing (Leon Paul) tells the owners only to wash at a 40 degrees with a non Biological powder without any other additives ( we will have to include the words such as Oxyclean) and to dry naturally (do not tumble dry) Many washing machines have built in driers which automatically activate after a wash cycle. This needs turning off before the wash cycle starts.

Wait a moment...

WASHING fencing clothes?

[glowstix]

Originally Posted by Zilverzmurfen

Your fencing kit should be a separate load from other, 'regular' clothing. You can wash them together with other light sport clothes like sports t-shirts and the similar.

And sports bras. But of course, you don't wear those, do you?

Additionally: No fabric softener when washing fencing kit/sports clothes!
(It clogs the fabrics pores and prevents them from 'breathing' properly.)

hmm..i wonder what else i can learn from ZZ...

so should i include my sports bra with the FIE kit or what??

[Fencergrl]

No... hand wash your sports bra with the rest of your lingerie .