How to Wash Harnesses and Ropes Without Damaging Them

Cleaning, PPE, rope wash, Wash Harness -

How to Wash Harnesses and Ropes Without Damaging Them

Use this step-by-step guide to clean, disinfect, and store fall protection and harnesses safely. You will protect fibers, extend service life, and keep users comfortable.

 

Before you wash, inspect

  1. Look for cuts, glazing, abrasion, UV fading, mildew, or chemical stains on webbing and stitching.

  2. Flex the webbing to check for broken fibers.

  3. Inspect buckles, tie-in points, dorsal rings, belay loops, and labels.

  4. If a label is missing or damage is significant, retire the item. Do not just wash it and return it to service.

Supplies you will need

  • Lukewarm water, under 30 °C or 86 °F

  • Mild, pH-neutral soap.  A pH of  6, 7, or 8 is neutral.  This could be a specialty soap linked below or just basic Dawn brand dish soap with no special scents or additions.

  • Soft brush or sponge. Think a soft brush used to wash a fancy car that wont scratch the paint. 

  • Clean towels for blot-drying

  • A shaded, ventilated drying area

Step-by-step cleaning

1) Remove hardware and loose dirt

Detach carabiners, trolleys, and lanyards etc.... Shake or gently brush away grit so it does not abrade fibers during washing.

2) Mix a gentle solution of soap and water

Fill a clean tub or bucket with lukewarm water under 86 °F.
Add a very small amount of pH-neutral soap. A little goes a long way.

Do not use bleach, ammonia, acetone, or solvent cleaners.
Do not use hospital grade cleaners. 

3) Hand wash only

Submerge the item. Use a soft brush or sponge to lift sweat, oils, mud, and chalk from webbing and pads. Focus on high-contact zones, waist belt, leg loops, tie-in, and belay loop areas. Agitate lightly. 

4) Rinse thoroughly

Rinse in clean water until no soap remains. 

5) Air dry, no heat and no direct sunlight

Blot dry with clean towels. Hang in a shaded, ventilated place. Keep away from heaters and direct sun. Do not use dryers. High heat and UV weaken fibers.

 

What not to do

  • Do not machine wash or tumble dry

  • Do not use bleach, ammonia, solvents, or degreasers or any soap/detergent with a low or high pH. If you can not determine the pH, then do not use it.

  • Do not use wire brushes or even plastic ones if the bristles are too firm. 

  • Do not dry in direct sun or on a radiator

  • Do not store the items if they are still damp.  

These practices can weaken fibers and shorten service life or even cause the item to fail when used. 

Storage that extends service life

  • Always store gear in a cool, dry, and dark space, away from direct sunlight, chemicals and batteries
    Avoid storing in the same building as law mowers etc...to avoid gasoline fumes. 
  • Keep off concrete floors and away from sharp edges
  • Use hooks, or shelves or breathable bins/bags. 
  • Keep track of when the gear went into service.  Keep records. 

 

Recommended products from High Country Hardware

Quick operator checklist

  1. Inspect harness and confirm labels are legible

  2. Remove hardware, brush off debris

  3. Hand wash with mild soap under 30 °C

  4. Rinse thoroughly, remove all residue

  5. Air dry in shade, no heat

  6. Log cleaning and inspection

  7. Store dry, cool, and away from chemicals

FAQs

What temperature is safe for washing

Keep water lukewarm, under 30 °C or 86 °F. This protects nylon and polyester, and aligns with rope and harness wash guidance. 

Can I use dish soap or laundry detergent

Use a small amount of mild, pH-neutral soap made for technical textiles. Avoid additives like scents, brighteners, other enhancements.

Is alcohol safe on webbing

Avoid alcohol on webbing. Reserve alcohol wipes for metal hardware only, and follow manufacturer directions.

How often should I clean harnesses in a commercial setting

Clean when visibly soiled and when hygiene between users requires it. Always inspect before and after use, and record actions in a log.

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