Proper care of (tree) climbing harnesses

Climbing harnesses are subject to heavy use, especially in the professional sector. In tree climbing and tree care, the harnesses are exposed to the weather every day. Heavy soiling, for example by resin, cannot be avoided. This causes the material to wear out more quickly. Therefore, you should clean your climbing harness regularly – but not too often. Improper transport and storage also reduce the service life of a harness.

What is the best way to clean my climbing harness?

Washing your climbing harness is advisable for hygienic and safety reasons. During regular professional use of the harness, small particles such as sand crystals or sawdust penetrate the textile elements of the harness and damage them permanently.

The most gentle way to wash your climbing harness is by hand with warm water (max. 40 °C), for example with bile soap. In a washing machine, you can clean climbing harnesses in a gentle cycle (max. 30 °C). We recommend using special detergents and a washing bag in this case. This will protect your harness against damage during washing. For all harnesses, please also follow the instructions in the user manual regarding cleaning and washing!

And how does the climbing harness get dry again?

Once the harness has been washed, hang it over the clothesline to dry. Important: The harness should be dried in the fresh air without exposure to direct sunlight and without an additional heat source. Under no circumstances should you put your climbing harness in the tumble dryer or hang it over the radiator. Both will damage the harness permanently. It is best to oil the metal parts after washing (use acid-free oil!).

What is the best way to store my climbing harness?

Generally, extreme temperatures damage the textile materials on the climbing harness. While this is unavoidable at work, the harnesses are best stored at room temperature at home or in the workshop. Moisture and sunlight also damage the harness in the long run. Therefore, when storing your climbing harness, make sure that you keep it dry and that it is protected from UV radiation or daylight. In addition, do not expose the harness to direct heat sources and chemicals and avoid pressure during storage.

For more information on the proper care of climbing harnesses, check out the Harness Handbook (PDF) by Edelrid, page 30–31.

The correct transport of climbing harnesses

As with storage, you should avoid direct sunlight, contact with chemicals, dirt and pressure when transporting your climbing harness as well. It is best to pack your climbing harness securely in a protective bag or a suitable box. This way it is well protected on the way to the construction site.

If you follow these tips, you will do something good for your climbing harness and get something out of it for longer. With this in mind: Climb up high and climb up safe!

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