General Cleaning, Drying & Storage
Proper care will help keep your Simply Light Designs gear in good condition for years of use. Most lightweight outdoor equipment requires very little maintenance, but a few simple precautions can help prevent unnecessary wear and damage.
Washing Your Gear
Most fabric gear can be washed by hand or, when appropriate, using the gentle cycle of a washing machine.
Hand Washing
Hand washing is a good option for lightweight or delicate fabrics. Use cold water and a mild detergent, such as Woolite, Dreft, or a cleaner designed for outdoor gear. Gently wash the fabric and rinse thoroughly to remove any remaining detergent.
Machine Washing
Hand washing and air drying are always the safest choices for lightweight gear. However, I understand that some customers prefer the convenience of a washing machine or dryer, and I have successfully used both methods myself.
Machine washing and drying do introduce additional risks, including snagging, tangling, and fabric damage. Whether to use these methods is ultimately a personal decision, based on your equipment and your comfort with those risks. If you choose to do so, the following precautions can help minimize the chances of damage, although they cannot eliminate the risks entirely.
If you prefer using a washing machine, a front-loading washer is recommended. Traditional top-loading machines with agitators can catch or twist lightweight fabrics, suspension lines, and other components.
- Use cold water and the delicate or gentle cycle.
- Use a mild detergent or technical fabric wash.
- Inspect the inside of the drum for rough spots, nicks, or scratches that could snag delicate materials.
- Use a suitable mesh laundry bag as an added layer of protection for your gear.
- Secure loose cords and other components to prevent tangling.
Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and harsh cleaning products.
Drying Your Gear
Air drying is generally the safest approach.
After washing, hang your gear in a well-ventilated area until completely dry.
As with machine washing, using a dryer is a personal choice that carries additional risk. If you choose to use a dryer, use the air-dry or no-heat setting for approximately 10 minutes, then hang the item to finish drying.
Before using a dryer, inspect the drum for anything that could catch or damage lightweight fabric. If using a dryer, keep the gear in a suitable mesh laundry bag for additional protection.
Make sure all fabric, seams, and insulated areas are fully dry before storing.
Storage
Store your gear clean and dry.
After a trip, unpack damp equipment as soon as practical. Allow everything to dry thoroughly before returning it to storage.
For hammocks, tarps, and other uninsulated fabric items, normal storage in their stuff sacks is generally fine once they are completely dry.
For quilts, blankets, and other insulated equipment, avoid leaving them tightly compressed for extended periods. When possible, store them loosely in an oversized storage bag or other breathable container.
Choose a cool, dry location away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive heat, and moisture.
Routine Care and Inspection
A quick inspection after each trip can help catch small issues before they become larger problems.
- Remove dirt, leaves, pine needles, and other debris before packing.
- Check fabric and netting for snags, punctures, or unusual wear.
- Inspect stitching, attachment points, and suspension components for damage.
- Keep zippers free of debris and avoid forcing them when fabric becomes caught.
- Address small tears or damaged components before your next trip.
Lightweight materials are designed to balance strength, packability, and weight. Reasonable care during setup, use, and storage will help extend their service life.
Questions or Repairs?
If you have questions about cleaning a particular product, or notice damage that may need repair, please contact Simply Light Designs before attempting a repair you're unsure about.
Whenever possible, include a description of the issue and a few clear photographs so I can better evaluate it.