what's the best way to clean a zeltbahn?

[organix]

lol

I have just buttoned it up on the floor according to that diagram and it's now fitting perfectly :-) Thanks again for the link!

they're actually quite a neat piece of survival kit, never really paid much attention to them before!

[camo master]

Hi Andy, not sure if you got your zelt washed yet. I will use a tub or shower cubicle - which ever is present but I find a tub is the best. Fill it half full of luc warm water and a little soap and then just try and hand squeeze the water through the zelt. You'll be amazed the color the water turns the more you do this. Dont be afraid to get aggressive - these zelts were made to last. When the water is really dirty drain, rinse the zelt off and repeat with a fresh tub until the water stays relatively clear. Then, hang them to dry somewhere out of direct sunlight. The dyestuffs used in the printing are really stable but they will still fade in sunlight and exposure to direct UV.

I've washed many dirty really stinky zelts this way and you'll be amazed at how vibrant the colors still are under all that dirt and grime.

Mark

[corporalSteiner]

German zelts are dyed with "Indanthren" colors and still non-fading after 60 years, so you can clean them with warm water, i`ve done that several times. I hang them on a clothesline, take a garden hose and throw it with water. If they are very dirty and stinky i use some soft cleaner. But you can do that only with german zelts, italian zelts bleach only if say the word "sun"!

best regards
Dirk

well said, dirk. on tatooine there is a particular problem for italian zelt owners. joking aside, it is quite true...the italians may win hands down globally re fashion. but their world war two dyes werent built to last, as is evident by the many bleeched-beyond-pratical-use italian ponchos now found. you know your onions on comparative poncho bleaching stakes, axis-wise, so, well done for the aposite comment.