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JGTR wrote:Hmmmmmm.....yet to see any proof that washing kites in fresh water is detrimental. I used to wash mine regulary with tap water and it did keep them in noticeably better condition than friends who did not. It removes sand and I have also read that it reduces the effect of salt crystals that can be abrasive and focus the suns rays but I've yet to see proof if this. UK kiter experimented trying to get mildew to grow on kite material in a variety of conditions and failed.

From my experience washing kites regulary with fresh water and occasional cleans with mild detergent keeps the fabric in better condition.

Major kite killer is leaving them flapping in the wind!!! Breaks down the fabric.

You might be right ?

Or not...

Because, if you rinse your kites like that, you are by nature most likely more caring about your gear, than most of your friends - thus your gear WILL of course be in better condition than theirs, over the years - but not necessarily because of the tap water rinsing
As said, you can also be right - but the argument itself that yours hold up better is not valid IMO.

Regarding Mildew Noel - it does not always take 3 days to occur !

It can happen overnight - just one night left with fresh water, and your kite can look ugly as hell, with NO way to get rid of it whatsoever
On the other hand, one can be lucky, that even with freshwater rinsing or rain - the kite can be stored wet for endless amount of time without getting "brown" (mildew) on the white areas especially.

So the very nature of mildew is very complex, and you can not know if it will happen or not.

I never ever waste time on rinsing, but if rain-wet I try to dry as good as possible to avoid a shitty looking kite, literally taken.

Peter

I'm yet to see a picture of a kite with mildew on - I doubt mildew would even grow on a kite, maybe if left in a warm damp lockup for 2 years but a kite kept in normal condition and used normally I'm 100% sure won't - unless you can PROVE othwise? (i.e not just your opinion).

And washing kites with fresh water does keep them in better condition, I know because I do it, I have the proof, still flying 2007 kites, I've been kiting for years and I see kites all the time and see the difference between mine and other kites. The only thing I do different from others is wash my kites, other than that they are treated quite badly

JGTR wrote:I'm yet to see a picture of a kite with mildew on - I doubt mildew would even grow on a kite, maybe if left in a warm damp lockup for 2 years but a kite kept in normal condition and used normally I'm 100% sure won't - unless you can PROVE othwise? (i.e not just your opinion).

And washing kites with fresh water does keep them in better condition, I know because I do it, I have the proof, still flying 2007 kites, I've been kiting for years and I see kites all the time and see the difference between mine and other kites. The only thing I do different from others is wash my kites, other than that they are treated quite badly

I am afraid to wash my kite down. I never washed sails. I feel like the salt absorbs humidity. But its just a feeling.

But, if you are on your 2007 kites, then that would be hard to argue with.

Would you send a picture of your 2007 kites? What brand are they?

Kindest regards,

Naish Torches, sorry no pics

I am seeing some merit in this. I to have always noticed what K2H has said, salt crystalisation esepcially on the underside of the kite where the leading edge is sown the the canopy. Not sure about the struts wearing, but under there most definelty. Through the canopy flapping and through the twisting of the kite when turning.

I have a hook set up under my patio so I pump it up and hang it on the loop used when pumping. Dries completely in no time. (Then again I live in Australia, everything dries quickly lol).

I have a new quiver of kites I might do this, this season and see.

Once a month.

Not sure I want to be caught in the shower though with my kite, my wife already feels second to my kites already...well she's kind of right...I'm a bad man