Cleaning a Mask

[KeithTheFencer]

I have a 3-weapon mask and the bib is on permently. I was wondering if anyone knows how to clean the bib. It is getting rather dirty and kinda funky.

Thanks.

[D'Artagnan0]

Oh, it's easy. Just take a partially wet sponge and wipe down the sweat and dirt on the bib. Make sure you leave it out to dry.

[KShan5[PrFC]]

Alright someone wanna tell me what a three weapon mask is? Cuz to me, when used in electric fenicng, it seems impossible. But then again I have no idea what one is so will someon clue me in....thanks. :-D

[dberke]

Put it in the dishwasher and run it through on a gentle cycle. I do this with my mask every few months and you'd be amazed at how clean it gets. When it's done, be sure to wring out the bib and shake as much excess water out of it as you can. I find it can take a couple days for the bib to thoroughly dry out.

Oh, and don't wash it along with the dirty dishes... otherwise you may find bits of food stuck in your mask!

Dan

[prototoast]

Originally posted by KShan5[PrFC]
Alright someone wanna tell me what a three weapon mask is? Cuz to me, when used in electric fenicng, it seems impossible. But then again I have no idea what one is so will someon clue me in....thanks. :-D

A 3-weapon mask is basically a foil/epee mask, but they usually put like a ring of something (often rubber or leather) around it so it can be used for sabre practice.

[Inquartata]

Yes, it's a dry-only beast as far as sabre is concerned.

[KeithTheFencer]

Thanks for the help. My mask and the people my fencing club thank you as well


Keith

[MyraTrue]

I guess I'll add my bit to it all.

I'm not a fan of the dishwasher. I tend to use a scrub brush and a 5 gallon bucket of water, and wash by hand with some laundry detergent. It IS amazing how much nicer a mask is, and how many times you've got to change the water before it stops coming out brown.

Washed an old club mask... ugh...

[CaptChris]

My coach suggested a cleaning fluid used for babies bottles etc. Dont know if its over in the US, or even if you guys invented it! Milton. I think its a very mild bleach.

To be honest... I would trust putting a mask in a dishwasher! It might shrink!

[klauver]

Putting a dirty mask in a dishwasher is disgusting. I hope that I don't eat at your house unknowingly!

[Eileen]

Try "Ivory Snow" detergent. I wrote an article for American Fencing awhile back on how to clean all types of fencing equipment and that's what the manufacturers' recommended. Other detergents will possibly weaken the non organic fibers of your mask. They also mentioned using the scrub brush and bucket method.

[CaptChris]

Scrubbing is too much like hard work! lol Can you not just cover it in Tipp-Ex? lol

[Inquartata]

I have never cleaned my masks. Of course, MY sweat smells like frankincense and myrrh...

[remise]

Just spray it with carpet cleaner and allow it to dry. Viola!

[CaptChris]

What type of carpet cleaner? Is it like Vanish spray or something?

[remise]

The one I use is called "Resolve". And it does resolve the problem. Just spray it on, rub it in a bit with a sponge, and allow it to dry. It not only cleans the bib, but leaves the mask smelling fresh. I've even sprayed it on my son's fencing jacket in an emergency (when I didn't have the time to wash and hang it up to dry).

[CaptChris]

I had a look, and we dont have Resolve over here. The only thing with that name is a hang-over cure!

[remise]

Well, in that case, I'd suggest a product similar - like something you could spray on, rub in a bit, then allow to air-dry. It sure beats washing the mask to the point where it has to get soaking wet and then waiting for it to dry.

[CaptChris]

Cheers. Its starting to get a bit grubby!

[MyraTrue]

yes, but you haven't really CLEANED anything then. All the mankyness that you didn't like in your mask is still there. You just covered it up with something else.

Then again... mine is in sorry need of washing right now too. Ugh.