Cleaning your gear

[VanillaSkyGirl 6]

These may be very stupid, basic questions, but I'd like to have the proper cleaning fluids, cloths, etc. to keep my gear clean. What should I use to clean my altimeter face? What about my full face both helmet and visor (Factory Diver)?

I have about 5 or 6 different goggles from the cheapy, student ones to the more pricey non-fog, amber colored ones with the side vents. My goggles seem to ALWAYS get smudged easily. What handy cleaning supplies do you guys use that you like the most?

I know that the 3-rigs have some special lubricants that should be applied every so often that Hooksnswoop posted somewhere. I just have to find that post in one of my folders. Do you guys wash your rigs or wipe them down if they are a little dusty from the packing areas? I washed my lead belt and my suits the other day, but how often do you all do this.

I used to wash my jumpsuit every week, even though I could not tell the difference from before and after (just on the booties from landings). I'm trying to not to be so prissy and wash my suit too much anymore as I think that I'm doing damage to the spandex on the arms. (Yes, I throw it in the dryer, but I usually set it on "air-dry".) I have never used the ShoeGoo, but I keep checking my booties. Is it too late to apply the Shoe Goo now?

Any other tips? Thanks, in advance, everyone.

[AggieDave 6]

Are the booties wearing out? If they're showing wear, get them replaced then shoe-goo.

Also, pulling the booties off under canopy before landing will help the life of them a LOT.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[DaMan 0]

I was advised not to clean my rig (white tye dye) until it was absolutely necessary...not that it's a bad thing to "save the material", but vanity makes all of us want a pretty rig!

That being said, do a search for threads on rig washing, here's a few:
solutions & methods
more info
still more

Good luck!

Z-Flock 8
Discotec Rodriguez

Too bad weapons grade stupidity doesn't lead to sterility.

[DaMan 0]

As for the visors and goggles, try using a micro fiber cloth like this one.

Z-Flock 8
Discotec Rodriguez

Too bad weapons grade stupidity doesn't lead to sterility.

[VanillaSkyGirl 6]

Quote

Are the booties wearing out? If they're showing wear, get them replaced then shoe-goo.

Also, pulling the booties off under canopy before landing will help the life of them a LOT.

No, they are definitely not worn out, yet.

[rjf98 0]

Not too late to put on the shoe goo girl.
As far as the goggle and face shield cleaning goes, I tend to look at it differently than an expensive pair of sunglasses. On expensive goggles that are treated you should use microfibre cloth and NO cleaning solution. On the cheapos and the face shield use windex and paper towels. One thing that worked real well on my face shield was lemon pledge. Smells nice too. Just plan on replacing that thing once a year and you'll be happier for it.

[benny 0]

Quote

As for the visors and goggles, try using a micro fiber cloth like this one.

Or stop by your local camera shop and pick up a pentax cloth... these things can even be thrown in the washer if you get them a little gunky

Never go to a DZ strip show.