Did I damage my CF tarp?!

**Porcupine** · 01-14-2018, 15:05

Long story short, my new CF tarp (in mesh snakeskins) was in contact with pesticide residue for about three weeks.

How likely is is it that I damaged the tarp? I live in an apartment in NYC, so I can't just take it into the backyard and rinse it/ test it with a hose.

Thanks!

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**Otter1** · 01-14-2018, 15:34

I am not sure. Since you can't hang it - hold up the area of concern to a window to see if you can see a difference. Also, by all means give it a good rinse and rub-down in the tub and drape it over the shower rod. (yes you'll have to reposition it a few times over the next day or two to dry thoroughly)

**Porcupine** · 01-14-2018, 19:46

Originally Posted by Otter1

I am not sure. Since you can't hang it - hold up the area of concern to a window to see if you can see a difference. Also, by all means give it a good rinse and rub-down in the tub and drape it over the shower rod. (yes you'll have to reposition it a few times over the next day or two to dry thoroughly)

Soap/no soap? If soap, any recommendations? (Dr. bronners??)

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**Vanhalo** · 01-14-2018, 19:56

ZPACKS
Can I wash my tent and other Cuben Fiber gear?
Hand wash any Cuben gear in a bucket or bathtub with laundry detergent and warm water. Line dry. Do not put any Cuben gear in a dryer on high heat or it may shrink!

**donig** · 01-14-2018, 20:24

What kind of pesticide residue?

**Porcupine** · 01-14-2018, 20:35

Originally Posted by donig

What kind of pesticide residue?

My apartment had bedbugs, so some sort of pestide that kills them. I put my gear back inside a treated plastic tub without rinsing it first

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**Brooklyn** · 01-14-2018, 21:53

I bet you're fine. Rinse it in the tub with warm water and let it dry.

**donig** · 01-14-2018, 23:56

Originally Posted by Porcupine

My apartment had bedbugs, so some sort of pestide that kills them. I put my gear back inside a treated plastic tub without rinsing it first

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Oh, you are fine. You can wash it in the tub with a bit of soap, or just go camping in the rain.

At least your hammock won't get bedbugs from your tarp.

**Grumpy Squatch** · 01-15-2018, 00:04

You didn't. I wouldn't worry for one single second.

The active ingredients in most bug fumigants are present at incredibly small concentrations. Usually less than 1% of the total volume.
Cuben fiber is a laminate of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMPWE) and Polyester. Both of these are pretty much resistant to every chemical you can imagine.
Unless you had the tarp laid out open while the place was fogged, it's unlikely that any substantial residue reached it anyway.

For fun, here's a list of things that UHWMPE is resistant to: http://www.uhmwpesheetrodtube.com/uh...esistance.html
Here's a list for polyester: https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/c...ter-d_784.html

Don't lose any sleep over it and there's probably no reason to wash it either. The pyrethrins used in many bedbug bombs will probably help keep ticks away.