Safe Aerial Washing: A Guide for Your Silks & Hammocks

Washing your aerial silks for the first time can feel a little nerve-wracking. You want them clean, but you're worried about using the wrong detergent or cycle and accidentally ruining them. You're not alone. Many aerialists are unsure about the best way to care for their most important piece of equipment. That’s why we put together this straightforward guide. We’ll take the guesswork out of safe aerial washing, showing you exactly what to do and what to avoid. From picking the right non-toxic cleaner to air-drying correctly, you’ll have the confidence to keep your gear in top condition.

Key Takeaways

• Your Detergent Choice Matters

  : Harsh chemicals in common detergents can weaken your fabric's fibers and irritate your skin. Always opt for gentle, non-toxic detergents that are free of fragrances and dyes to keep your gear strong and safe.

• Wash Cold and Always Air-Dry

  : Heat is the number one enemy of aerial fabrics. Protect your gear by washing it on a cold, delicate cycle and never putting it in a machine dryer. The only safe method is to hang it to air-dry away from direct sunlight.

• Treat Every Wash as a Safety Inspection

  : Use laundry day as a built-in safety check. Before washing and after drying, carefully inspect the entire fabric for snags, holes, or thinning areas. Knowing when to retire your gear is a critical part of staying safe.

Why You Should Regularly Wash Your Aerial Silks and Hammocks

Think of washing your aerial silks as part of your practice. Just like you warm up your body to prevent injury and cool down to recover, cleaning your fabric is a non-negotiable step for safety and performance. Over time, your silks and hammocks collect sweat, chalk, skin oils, and all sorts of invisible grime. Ignoring this buildup doesn't just make your fabric look and feel a little gross, it can also impact your health and the integrity of the material itself.

Regular washing is about more than just keeping things fresh. It’s a fundamental part of equipment care that ensures your gear is safe, reliable, and ready for your next flight. By making it a routine, you protect both yourself and your investment, so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your time in the air. Let’s get into the two biggest reasons why you should never skip laundry day for your silks.

For Your Health and Safety

Let’s be real, aerial arts is a workout, and workouts involve sweat. Your fabric absorbs it all, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to grow, which leads to funky odors and potential skin irritation. As the experts at Firetoys note, aerial silks "get dirty from sweat and use, and need to be washed to stay clean and safe." Simply spritzing your silks with a fabric refresher won't cut it, that only masks smells without actually cleaning the material. To truly sanitize your gear, you need to wash it properly. Choosing the right detergent is also key, as harsh chemicals can leave behind residues that cause rashes or allergic reactions. Opting for one of the many best non-toxic laundry detergents ensures your fabric is clean without exposing your skin to harmful ingredients.

Keep Your Fabric Strong and Performing Well

Washing your silks isn't just about hygiene, it's also a crucial moment for a safety check. The process of handling your fabric during washing gives you the perfect opportunity to inspect it up close. According to Aerial Fabric, after washing, you should untangle your silks and "check for any snags, holes, or puckered areas." Finding a small issue early can prevent a much bigger problem down the road. While your equipment is designed to be durable, it’s important to remember that it won't last forever, and proper care is essential for its longevity. Regular, gentle washing helps maintain the fabric's strength and texture, ensuring it performs reliably every time you train. Think of it as a reset for your silks, clearing away abrasive dirt and giving you a chance to confirm your gear is in top condition.

Is Ariel Detergent Actually Safe for Your Aerial Fabrics?

When you’re dealing with sweaty, chalk-covered aerial gear, reaching for a powerful detergent like Ariel can feel like the obvious choice. You want something that will get your silks and hammocks truly clean, and strong detergents promise to do just that. But what you might not realize is that the very ingredients that make some detergents so effective can be incredibly harsh on your delicate fabrics, your skin, and the environment. The truth is, not all detergents are created equal. Some popular brands contain chemicals that can weaken the fibers of your silks over time, reducing their lifespan and potentially compromising their safety.

Beyond the fabric itself, these chemicals can also affect your health. Think about it: your skin is in constant contact with your silks during training. Any residue left on the fabric can be absorbed by your body. Before you toss your precious gear in the wash with a heavy-duty detergent, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s inside that bottle. The goal is to remove sweat and grime, not to strip the fabric of its integrity or expose yourself to unnecessary chemicals. Let's break down why a detergent like Ariel might not be the safest bet for your aerial equipment and what you should be looking for instead.

Harmful Chemicals to Watch Out For in Ariel

Many strong detergents, including Ariel, use powerful cleaning agents that can be problematic. One common ingredient is Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), a surfactant that creates lots of suds. The issue is that SLES can be contaminated with a chemical called 1,4-Dioxane during its manufacturing process. The EPA has classified 1,4-Dioxane as a likely human carcinogen. Another thing to watch out for is the generic term "fragrance." This can be a catch-all for hundreds of chemicals, including phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors that can interfere with your hormones. These chemicals can get absorbed through your skin, which is a real concern when your body is wrapped up in the fabric.

Health Risks of Using Harsh Detergents

Beyond the long-term risks, the chemicals in harsh detergents can cause more immediate problems. Have you ever noticed how some detergents make whites look almost unnaturally bright? That’s thanks to optical brighteners. These particles are designed to stick to fabric to make it reflect more blue light, making it appear whiter. The problem is, they don't rinse out and can cause skin irritation or rashes, especially when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Other preservatives, like Benzisothiazolinone, are known allergens that can trigger dermatitis. If you have sensitive skin, using these harsh detergents could be the source of unexplained irritation after a training session.

How Harsh Detergents Impact the Environment

The impact of your laundry routine goes beyond your home. The chemicals in many conventional detergents don't break down easily in water treatment plants. Surfactants and optical brighteners can end up in rivers and lakes, where they can be toxic to aquatic life. Furthermore, some detergents release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the air as your fabrics dry. These compounds contribute to air pollution and can affect the air quality both inside and outside your home. Making a more conscious choice about your detergent is a simple way you can help reduce your environmental footprint, one wash at a time.

Safer, Non-Toxic Detergents for Your Aerial Gear

Choosing the right detergent is about more than just getting your aerial silks and hammocks clean. It’s about protecting the fabric’s integrity and ensuring it’s safe against your skin. The wrong detergent can leave behind chemical residues that cause irritation or, even worse, degrade the material’s strength over time. Using a gentle, non-toxic cleaner ensures your gear stays strong, reliable, and ready for your next session. Think of it as using the right tool for the job, a simple step that guarantees a better, safer outcome. When you invest in high-quality equipment, it only makes sense to maintain it with the same level of care. Here are a few excellent, fabric-safe detergents that get the job done without the harsh chemicals.

Seventh Generation Free & Clear

If you’re looking for a straightforward and reliable option, Seventh Generation Free & Clear is a fantastic choice. It’s designed for sensitive skin, which means it’s free from the synthetic fragrances, dyes, and artificial brighteners that can weaken delicate fabrics. As a USDA Certified Biobased Product, its plant-based formula is tough on dirt and sweat but gentle on your gear. You can find it at most grocery stores, making it an accessible way to keep your equipment clean and in top condition without any harsh additives. It’s a simple swap that makes a big difference in preserving the life of your silks.

Molly's Suds

Molly's Suds is another wonderful option, especially if you prefer laundry powders. The company uses just a handful of earth-derived ingredients, so you know exactly what you’re washing your gear with. Their formulas are highly concentrated and specifically designed to remove grime and body oils without relying on harsh chemicals. This makes it perfect for fabrics that see a lot of use. Because it’s so effective at deep cleaning, Molly’s Suds helps maintain the texture and grip of your silks, ensuring they perform just as you expect them to, wash after wash.

Tru Earth Laundry Strips

For a mess-free and convenient solution, Tru Earth Laundry Strips are hard to beat. These small, pre-measured strips dissolve completely in the wash, delivering a powerful clean without any plastic jugs or messy powders. Each strip contains a concentrated, low-sudsing detergent that is gentle on fabrics and rinses out cleanly. This is ideal for aerial silks, as leftover soap residue can make the fabric feel stiff or slippery. The lightweight, compact packaging also makes them easy to store. It’s a smart, efficient approach to laundry that delivers consistent results every time.

Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets

Similar to strips, Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets offer a powerful clean in a simple, dissolvable sheet. They are a great alternative to traditional liquid and powder detergents, helping you cut down on plastic waste without sacrificing cleaning power. These sheets work in all machine types and are formulated for sensitive skin, so they won't irritate you or damage your equipment. They are completely free of parabens and phthalates, ensuring your silks and hammocks are left fresh, clean, and free from harsh chemical residues. It’s another excellent choice for effective and mindful washing.

Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds

Don’t let the name fool you, Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds is a surprisingly gentle yet effective cleaner for your aerial gear. It’s a concentrated, all-purpose cleaner made from plant-based ingredients that are fully biodegradable. Unlike a soap, it’s a detergent, so it rinses clean without leaving any residue, even in hard water. You only need a small amount to get a thorough clean, making one bottle last a very long time. Its simple but powerful formula is perfect for cutting through sweat and oils while being safe for your delicate fabrics and your skin.

How to Read the Label for Safer Ingredients

Getting familiar with ingredient labels is the best way to make an informed choice. When you’re shopping for a detergent, take a moment to scan the back of the bottle. Look for products that are explicitly free from phosphates, 1,4-dioxane, optical brighteners, and synthetic fragrances. These additives are unnecessary for a good clean and can cause problems, from skin irritation to the gradual breakdown of fabric fibers. A good rule of thumb is to choose detergents with a short, understandable ingredient list. Making this a habit will help you select a safer product for your gear every time.

How to Wash Your Aerial Silks and Hammocks the Right Way

Taking care of your aerial gear is just as important as nailing your next drop. A clean silk or hammock not only feels and smells better, but it also performs better and lasts longer. Washing your fabric isn't complicated, but it does require some specific steps to protect its strength and vibrant color. Think of it as a little spa day for your most trusted apparatus. Let's walk through the right way to get your silks sparkling clean without compromising their integrity.

What to Do Before You Wash

Before you even think about the wash cycle, a little prep work is in order. First, remove all hardware. This includes any carabiners, swivels, or figure 8s attached to your fabric. Washing your silks with metal still on can damage both the hardware and the delicate fibers of your fabric, not to mention your washing machine. This is also the perfect opportunity to give your silks a thorough safety check. Carefully run your hands along the entire length of the fabric, looking and feeling for any snags, runs, or small holes. It's much easier to spot potential damage on a clean, un-bunched fabric.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Your Fabric

Once you've prepped your fabric, you're ready to wash. You can use a washing machine, as long as it's a front-loader or doesn't have a central agitator, which can tear the fabric. Place your silks in a large mesh laundry bag to prevent them from getting tangled. Wash them on a cold, delicate cycle using a gentle, non-toxic detergent. We covered some great options earlier, like Molly's Suds. Avoid using too much soap; a little goes a long way. A second rinse cycle can help ensure all the detergent is washed out completely.

How to Dry Your Aerial Fabrics Safely

This step is critical, so listen closely: never, ever put your aerial fabrics in the dryer. The high heat from a dryer, even on a low setting, can permanently damage the nylon fibers, making them weak, brittle, and unsafe to use. The only safe way to dry your silks or hammock is to air-dry them. Hang the fabric indoors or in a shaded spot outside, away from direct sunlight, which can fade the colors and degrade the material over time. You can drape it over a clean shower rod or clothesline. Make sure to spread the fabric out as much as possible to allow for good airflow and faster, more even drying.

The Best Way to Store Your Fabrics

After your fabric is completely dry, and I mean 100% dry, it's time to store it properly. Storing even slightly damp silks can lead to mildew and mold, which will ruin the fabric and can be a health hazard. Find a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to keep your gear. A breathable fabric bag is an excellent choice for storage, as it protects your silks from dust while allowing air to circulate. Avoid storing them in sealed plastic containers, which can trap moisture. And remember, every time you pull your silks out for a session, give them a quick once-over to make sure they're still in perfect, ready-to-fly condition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Your Aerial Gear

Washing your aerial gear seems straightforward, but a few common missteps can accidentally shorten your fabric's lifespan or even make it unsafe. Think of it like caring for any other piece of high-performance equipment. The goal is to get it clean without compromising the material's strength and integrity. Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing the right steps to take.

By avoiding these simple mistakes, you can keep your silks and hammocks in top condition for many flights to come. It’s all about protecting your investment and, more importantly, ensuring your safety every time you train or perform. Let’s walk through the most common errors so you can wash your gear with complete confidence.

Using Hot Water or the Wrong Wash Cycle

It might be tempting to use hot water for a deep clean, but this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Hot water can seriously weaken the fibers of your aerial silks, which compromises their strength and safety over time. The fabric might feel clean, but you could be causing invisible damage that puts you at risk.

Always stick to a cold water setting on your washing machine. Pair it with a delicate or gentle cycle to treat your fabric with the care it deserves. This simple choice protects the integrity of the material, ensuring your gear stays strong, reliable, and ready for your next practice session.

Forgetting to Use a Mesh Laundry Bag

Before your fabric goes anywhere near the washing machine, always remove all hardware. This includes carabiners, swivels, and figure 8s. Once the hardware is off, don't just toss the fabric into the drum. Placing your silks or hammock inside a large mesh laundry bag is a crucial step.

This simple action prevents the fabric from getting snagged on any part of the machine or twisting into a tangled mess. Snags can create small tears that can grow over time, while severe tangling can stretch and stress the fibers unevenly. A mesh bag is an inexpensive tool that offers major protection for your silks and helps maintain their smooth, safe condition.

Adding Fabric Softeners or Harsh Detergents

Fabric softeners and harsh detergents are your fabric’s worst enemies. While they promise softness and a powerful clean for regular clothes, they leave behind residues on aerial silks. This residue can make the fabric feel slippery, which is the last thing you want when you need a secure grip.

More importantly, the chemicals in these products can damage the fabric and degrade its strength over time. Always opt for a gentle, pH-neutral detergent that is free of dyes, fragrances, and softeners. Your gear will get just as clean without the risky side effects, keeping both you and your fabric safe.

Tumble Drying or Leaving It in the Sun

Heat is a definite no-go for aerial fabrics, so keep your silks far away from the tumble dryer. Even a low-heat setting can damage the delicate fibers, making them brittle and weak. The intense heat of a dryer can permanently alter the material, reducing its strength and reliability.

Drying your gear in direct sunlight isn't a safe alternative either. The sun’s UV rays can also weaken the material over time, causing it to degrade faster than it should. The best method is to hang your fabric to air dry indoors or in a shady spot outside, ensuring it has plenty of air circulation.

Washing Fabric That's Already Damaged

Never wash a fabric without inspecting it first. Washing can worsen existing problems, turning a small snag into a significant hole or a tiny pucker into a weak spot. Before you wash, run your hands over the entire length of the fabric, feeling for any snags, holes, or thinning areas.

After washing, it's just as important to check for any damage that might have occurred. Lay the fabric out and look closely for any puckered areas. A slight pucker could be a sign of internal fiber damage from a drop, which means the fabric may no longer be safe to use. If you find anything concerning, it’s always best to retire the fabric.

When Is It Time to Retire Your Aerial Equipment?

Your aerial fabric is your lifeline, and just like any piece of high-performance equipment, it has a limited lifespan. Trusting your gear starts with knowing its condition. Getting into the habit of performing regular, thorough inspections isn't just good practice, it's a fundamental part of staying safe in the air. Don't wait until you notice a problem. Instead, make these checks a non-negotiable part of your routine. By proactively looking for signs of wear and tear, you can confidently know when your silks or hammock are performing at their best, and more importantly, when it’s time for them to retire. This isn't about being paranoid; it's about being professional and putting your safety first.

Inspect Your Gear After Every Wash

Washing your silks is the perfect time for a detailed inspection. Once your fabric is clean and dry, lay it out and untangle it completely. Carefully run your hands and eyes over the entire length. The experts at Aerial Fabric suggest you should look for any snags, holes, or puckered areas. A small pucker might not seem like a big deal, but it can indicate internal fiber damage, possibly from a drop or shock load. Catching these small imperfections early gives you a clear picture of your fabric's health and helps you decide if it's still safe for use. Making this a part of your laundry routine ensures nothing gets missed.

Check the Stitching, Seams, and Weak Spots

While a post-wash check is great, a quick inspection should happen before every single use. As the team at Aerial Gymnas reminds us, "Fabric will last a long time with care, but it is still fabric, and won’t last forever." Pay close attention to the areas that take the most stress. This includes the center marking on your silks, the seams along the edges, and any spot where the fabric regularly makes contact with hardware or your body. Look for fraying, thinning, or any discoloration that could signal weakness. These are the places where wear and tear will show up first, so give them extra attention.

Check Your Hardware and Rigging Points

Your fabric is only one part of the equation. Your hardware and rigging points deserve just as much attention. Before you wash your silks, always remove any metal components like figure 8s, O-rings, or swivels. Use this opportunity to inspect them for any signs of damage. Look for cracks, grooves, warping, or rough patches that could damage your fabric or fail under load. This is also a good time to check your carabiners to ensure the gates close properly and lock securely. A complete safety check means evaluating every single component that keeps you in the air, not just the fabric itself.

Test the Fabric's Strength and Grip

Sometimes, the most important signs of wear aren't visible, they're things you can feel. After your fabric is washed and fully dry, take a moment to assess its texture. Does it still have that familiar grip, or does it feel unusually slippery? Does it feel thinner or overly stretchy in certain spots? According to Firetoys USA, you should always inspect your fabric for any signs of wear and ensure that it maintains its grip and strength after washing. If the fabric feels weak, brittle, or just "off," trust your intuition. A significant change in texture is a serious warning sign that the fibers are breaking down.

Know When to Say Goodbye to Your Silks or Hammock

Ultimately, you have to be the one to make the final call. If you find any holes, significant snags, or areas that are clearly thinning, the decision is easy: it's time to retire the fabric. The same goes for any hardware with visible damage. But even if you don't find a specific flaw, you may just notice that your fabric has lost its responsiveness or feels too stretched out. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution. Your safety is far more valuable than the cost of a new set of silks. Treat your gear with respect, and know when to thank it for its service and say goodbye.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just use my regular laundry detergent on my silks? While it’s tempting to grab whatever is already in your laundry room, I’d strongly advise against it. Many standard detergents contain harsh chemicals, optical brighteners, and fragrances that can weaken your fabric’s fibers over time. They can also leave behind a residue that might irritate your skin or, even worse, make the fabric feel slippery. Your safest bet is to use a simple, gentle detergent designed for sensitive skin to protect both your gear and yourself.

How often should I actually be washing my aerial fabric? There isn't a magic number here, as it really depends on how often you train. A good guideline is to wash your fabric whenever it starts to feel grimy, look visibly dirty, or develop a noticeable odor. If you're in the air several times a week, you might find yourself washing it every few weeks. If you use it less often, you can stretch that time out. Think of it less as a strict schedule and more as a regular part of your maintenance routine.

Is it really that bad to put my silks in the dryer on a low or no-heat setting? Yes, it really is that bad. Please, never put your aerial fabrics in a machine dryer. Even a "no heat" or "air fluff" setting can cause damage, as the tumbling action can create tangles and put unnecessary stress on the fibers. Any amount of heat can make the material brittle and unsafe. The only truly safe method is to hang your fabric to air-dry, making sure it's spread out and away from direct sunlight.

What's the most important thing to look for when I inspect my fabric? If you only have time to check for one thing, pay close attention to any changes in the fabric's texture. This means looking for small holes, snags that pull the threads, or any puckered areas. A pucker can look like a small, stubborn wrinkle and often signals that internal fibers have been damaged from a drop or shock load. This is a serious safety concern, so always run your hands over the entire length to feel for these kinds of inconsistencies.

Help! I washed my silks and now they feel slippery. What did I do wrong? That slippery feeling is almost always caused by leftover residue on the fabric. It usually means one of two things happened: you either used a detergent that contained fabric softeners, or you simply used a little too much soap. The fix is pretty simple, though. Try running the fabric through another wash cycle with no detergent at all, and be sure to add an extra rinse. This should help strip away that residue and get your fabric's natural grip back.