The Old Knot and the Big Wash – A Comprehensive Guide to Aerial Equipment Care

Every aerial silks or aerial hammock practitioner knows how crucial their equipment is – it's our partner in the air, one we must trust implicitly. However, even the best fabric requires attention over time. Questions arise: what to do when a knot gets "baked in" after two years? How and when should you wash your beloved aerial fabric to ensure it lasts as long as possible while remaining safe?

In today's post, we'll break down these two topics. We'll start with the challenging task of attempting to salvage equipment with an old knot, and then move on to a detailed guide for washing and caring for your aerial gear.

Part 1: The (Almost) Impossible Mission – How to Untie a Multi-Year Knot

If your equipment has been tied up for many months or longer, its knot is probably as hard as a rock. The fibers, under the influence of weight and time, have become incredibly compressed. Before you decide to "cut your losses," you can try a few methods. Remember, however: proceed with extreme caution!

Method 1: Patience and Finger Strength

This option is for the most persistent. Start by gently massaging and rolling the knot in your hands. Try to loosen the outer strands of the fabric millimeter by millimeter. Sometimes, after dozens of minutes, you can find that one microscopic slack that allows for further work.

Method 2: Assistance from a Blunt Tool

When your fingers fail, you can seek help, but choose wisely. A sailor's marlinspike (a smooth, pointed tool used for untying knots) would be ideal, as it's designed for working with ropes. An alternative could be the smoothly finished handle of a sturdy metal spoon or any similar, blunt object.

How to do it: Gently insert the tip of the tool between the fabric strands and try to carefully pry or separate them. Work slowly and with sensitivity.

What to avoid: Absolutely do not use sharp tools, such as knives, scissors, or screwdrivers! The risk of cutting the fibers is too great.

Method 3: A Water Bath for the Knot

Some suggest soaking the knot itself in lukewarm water for about 15-20 minutes. Damp fibers may become slightly more flexible and easier to manipulate. After soaking, return to Method 1 or 2.

SAFETY FIRST! Post-Operation Inspection

Regardless of whether the mission was successful, this step is crucial. After untying the knot, you must thoroughly inspect the fabric in the area where it was tied. Lay the fabric out on the floor and check it against the light. Look for:

Fraying and pilling,
Broken or snapped threads,
Any signs of mechanical damage.

If you find even the slightest damage, the equipment must be immediately retired from use. Such material no longer guarantees safety. If the knot cannot be untied without significant force, that is also a sign that it's safest to say goodbye to the equipment.

Part 2: SPA Day for Your Fabric – How to Wash Aerial Equipment Step-by-Step

Regular washing not only refreshes the material but also removes sweat, rosin, and small contaminants that can weaken the fibers over time. How to do it correctly?

Step 1: Dismantle the Hardware

This is an absolute must. Before your aerial silk or hammock goes into the water, remove all metal hardware: carabiners, figure-8 descenders, swivels. Washing the fabric with metal components will almost certainly damage it and could also damage your washing machine drum.

Step 2: Choose Your Washing Method

You have two options:

Machine Wash (recommended): This is more thorough and less strenuous.

Program: Set a delicate or hand wash cycle.

Temperature: Maximum 40°C. Higher temperatures can damage the fiber structure.

Spin Cycle: Set the spin speed (max. 800 rpm) or turn off spinning completely. Intense spinning can cause severe and hard-to-remove wrinkles.

Detergent: Use a mild, liquid laundry detergent. Powder detergent may not rinse out thoroughly and could leave an irritating residue. NEVER use fabric softeners or bleach! They can make the material slippery and weaken its strength.

Hand Wash:

Fill a bathtub or large basin with lukewarm water (max. 40°C).

Add a small amount of mild liquid detergent.

Submerge the material and gently knead it. Avoid rubbing and tugging.

Rinse the fabric thoroughly in clean, cool water until all suds are gone.

Step 3: Drying

Proper drying is as important as washing.

Never tumble dry your equipment! Hot air can irreversibly damage the material.

Hang your aerial silk or hammock in a well-ventilated, shaded area. You can drape it over a bar or a clothes drying rack, ensuring the fabric is as spread out as possible – this will prevent wrinkles and speed up drying.

Avoid direct sunlight – UV radiation weakens fibers and can cause colors to fade.

Do not hang the equipment directly over a heat source (e.g., a radiator).

Ensure the material is completely dry before re-tying and using it again. Moisture promotes mold growth and weakens the fabric.

Conclusion

Caring for your aerial equipment is not just about aesthetics, but primarily about your safety. Regular and proper washing extends its lifespan, and knowing when to give up the fight with an old knot demonstrates maturity and responsibility. Treat your aerial silk and hammock with care, and they will reward you with many hours of safe and joyful practice in the air!