G4 Owner’s Manual – 21b – Maintaining Your Mirage – Chemicals & Cleaning

September 22, 20170

What To Avoid

Most of the fabric used to manufacture your Mirage is nylon.  While nylon is a very durable material that is easy to care for, it can be damaged like anything else.  You need to be aware of what will harm your Mirage.  Repairs can be very expensive.

 

  • Sunlight – The ultraviolet rays in sunlight can quickly fade and permanently weaken nylon.  Keep your Mirage out of direct sunlight when not in use.  Remember that ultraviolet radiation from incandescent lighting can cause damage also.

 

  • Heat – Excessive heat can damage nylon.  Avoid storing your Mirage near any heat sources such as lamps, radiant heaters, or running machinery.

 

  • Acids – Nylon, like most other fabrics, is easily damaged by a variety of acids.  Keep your Mirage away from hangar floors and dirty car trunks, or similar places where acids may be present.  Acid can quickly damage many layers of nylon if left unnoticed.  If contamination occurs, try to isolate the damaged area from the rest of your Mirage and immediately neutralize the acid with baking soda and water if readily available.  If not, thoroughly rinse with warm, soapy water or plain water.  If acid contamination is suspected, a rigger must thoroughly inspect your Mirage to look for hidden damage.  When not in use, it is always a good idea to keep your Mirage in a rugged canvas bag or plastic bin.  While a heavy nylon or canvas bag is helpful in protecting your Mirage from dust and dirt, it won’t prevent acid from destroying your Mirage.  A plastic bin in the trunk of your car could save you hundreds of dollars in repair charges.

 

  • Oils and Grease – Most petroleum products do not damage nylon.  They simply stain it.  Your rigger may be able to remove some petroleum stains with dry cleaning fluid.  Others, like grease, are very difficult to remove and some stubborn stains may be impossible to remove completely.  Your rigger can check with a local professional cleaner for advice.

 

  • Water – Water will not structurally damage nylon, but it can cause some fabric and tape colors to run or bleed onto lighter adjacent materials.  Some parts of your Mirage may shrink.  Moisture promotes mildew, which can permanently stain fabric.  Sea water immersion should be avoided, as it can corrode some components and even rust “stainless steel” hardware if not thoroughly rinsed out by a prolonged soaking in fresh water.  If exposed to sea water, notify your rigger immediately.  The rig will need to be completely disassembled to make sure that all components can be thoroughly rinsed.  The AAD (if installed) will need to be removed and be serviced.  Perspiration can cause damage similar to sea water, but on a smaller scale.  If you jump in a hot climate, consider washing your Mirage occasionally.

 

  • Soil – Soil, or “dirt”, may damage your Mirage.  The sand and grit in soil can be abrasive to nylon materials.  Brush off soil with a soft brush when dry, and wash soiled area.  Check to make sure that soil is cleaned from the ripcord housing and ripcord pin, reserve container grommets, and 3-ring release rings and housings.  Soil inside of webbing around metal hardware can be abrasive.  Consult your rigger if heavily soiled.

 

  • Sand – Fine sand can weaken and cut webbing and fabric and prolonged exposure to fine sand can shorten the life of the entire assembly.  Fine sand on webbing can cause slipping through hardware.  It is recommended that your Mirage be washed every 500 jumps to remove sand if used in a desert climate.

 

  • Abrasion – Nylon frays quickly when dragged across concrete or other rough surfaces.  Always pack your Mirage on a clean, covered surface, such as carpet.  Do not drag your Mirage on concrete when packing the main parachute.  Always have your rigger examine your Mirage if you slid on a rough surface, or if dragged due to the wind.  If you slide to a stop on landing, have your rigger check for damage to your leg straps.

 

                                                       

 

Cleaning

Cleaning your Mirage occasionally may make it look better, but there are some things to keep in mind before you toss your Mirage into the bathtub:

Clean your Mirage only when it needs it.  Like a new shirt, it is going to change in some way each time you wash it.  Some colors will fade, some colors can run, and some parts may shrink.

All stains cannot be removed.  Ground-in dirt, grass stains, or blood are extremely difficult to remove completely.  Don’t wash your Mirage expecting it to look “like new” when it comes out of the wash.

Your Mirage may last longer if you wash it.  If you jump in a hot, dusty location, washing your Mirage will remove abrasive sand or dust and help prevent fraying of the webbing around the hardware.  Washing will also remove salt residue from perspiration that can cause corrosion or rusting of the hardware.

A dry cleaning solvent such as MEK or naptha can be used to spot clean small areas of oil or grease.  Check a small area for colorfastness before attempting, as some solvents can cause the color to run.  Consult with a local professional cleaner before using.

Use a soft brush to remove surface dust and dirt.  Washing your Mirage can cause the fabric to fade and some parts to shrink, so wash it only when needed.  Wash it gently with a mild detergent like Woolite ®, Ivory Liquid®, or a similar detergent.  Wash in cold water and use a soft brush.  Do not use bleach or harsh chemical cleaners.  Squeeze, but do not wring the fabric to remove excess water.  Air dry only, which can take several days.