Washing the harness

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Q. Why can’t harness straps be washed?

A. CR manufacturers often warn against laundering the harness straps because of several concerns, despite the fact that wiping them with a damp cloth may not be enough to remove a nasty odor or stain.

According to Mark Sedlack, a veteran of child restraint development, formerly with Century Products, “soaking nylon or polyester straps in plain water will NOT reduce [the] tensile strength or elongation properties” essential for proper strap function in a crash. The problem is the addition of cleaning agents, many of which CAN compromise those critical properties. If a cleanser were added to the water to conquer a persistent odor or a sticky stain, the harness could be weakened.

In addition, soaking in plain water can remove required (non-toxic) fire-retardant chemicals. As no process currently exists to restore these chemicals, all soaking must be discouraged.

Given that the integrity of current webbing materials of the harness is a vital part of the CR, and that there is no way to control laundering variables, manufacturers recommend only wiping the straps with a water-dampened cloth or sponge to ensure child safety.

If this is insufficient, or if the straps have already been washed using a cleaning prduct, at least one manufacturer, Graco, recommends calling customer service for a replacement strap.
(from SRN, November/December 2005)

CPS Resources for Technicians in Health Care and EMS Settings
Source: http://www.cpsboard.org/techreport.htm#6b
 

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