Washing a Sling?

[ChipS]

Is there a collector's rule about washing an original WWII carbine sling? Will this detract from value? I read somewhere awhile back here on the forum that you shouldn't wash your slings but I don't understand why. They certainly got washed in service. I have several that are kind of stiff and oily. They look pretty good but they feel pretty funky. They do have that 'been there ordinance smell' though - that I would miss. Any opinions or recommendations? Thanks.

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[lambo35]

Try washing the canvas slings in warm water/dish soap, use a worn out toothbrush to gently rub the grease etc out. Rinse in clean, warm water, air dry out of the sun light, do not dry in a dryer! This process does not damage the slings, in fact, it removes chemicals that can damage the fibers if left in the canvas.

Chuck

[INLAND44]

I would not wash it in water. You can dry-clean it which will not fade the colors or shrink it. Use Naptha (lighter fluid), Coleman fuel, etc. Pour some in a pan, throw the sling in, swish it around and watch the fluid get dark. You can use a toothbrush on it if you need to. Do this outside and hang the sling up to dry - won't take long.

[frankderrico]

I have washed slings and other web gear. I use Woolite and warm water in a plastic coffee can. Put the sling in and give it a good shake every once in awhile, leave the sealed can in the sun in between agitations. Sometimes they are so dirty you have to change the solution but the Woolite is a gentle detergent and won't hurt the fabric of the sling. When clean hang it in the sun to dry and it will be fine.

Best Regards.....Frank

[ChipS]

Current consensus appears to be it's OK to wash 'em, just be carefull how you do it to prevent fading, fraying and maybe shrinkage. I had Woolite in mind when I asked this question. I have used dish washing detergent with no apparent damage, but I didn't hink about possible fading when I did it. I may go the naptha route (wife's home dry cleaning kit) or maybe the Woolite, which would be more environmentally freindly. I suppose if I do go soap a mild, unscented white soap flakes would be the gentlest. I don't care if the things are squeaky clean - just pliable and presentable. Air drying srilkes me as just common sense. I have never put any web gear in the dryer and never will. Thanks all for your contributions.

[imarangemaster]

About 30 years ago, I threw a really nasty Type I (stock) pouch in with a load of jeans. It went in the dryer, and boy did it shrink! Had to soak it in hot water and slowly stretch it out. Never did that again!

[jimb16]

If you wash it and it has markings, you can kiss those markings good-bye. And there goes 2/3 of the value.

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Plus 1 ^^^^^

If not gone, at least faded out.

[frankderrico]

I would think if you can see markings it does not need to be washed or cleaned. If it had any markings and was dirty, grimey then the tooth brush/go slow and small method would be the way to clean it up. My recomendation was for a dirty, grimey sling that you want to look better. If you are going to clean the metal and the stock why not clean a filthy sling or mag pouch?

Best Regards.....Frank

[ChipS]

If you wash it and it has markings, you can kiss those markings good-bye. And there goes 2/3 of the value.

Makes sense. I would definitely shy away from washing any markings, even without asking. My slings in question are all unmarked, but it's good to note because somebody out there reading this thread may have a slightly dirty marked sling and may be considering washing it.