Info needed: Cleaning a Camouflage net help needed

[Robin Craig]

So, this is a modern ex CF cam net that saw service in Afghanistan.

When dry it doesn't look very temperate but when wet it does.

I have tried washing it wish a hose on a concrete slab, a number of times, this picture shows it recently wet, the dry picture wont load.

Am I being unrealistic? How do I get the dust out of it if I am not?

It is nearly 7 metres in each direction and it isn't lightweight.

It is summer so we are not getting a lot of rain.

What assistance can anyone give please?

[Wayne Hingley]

Did you try submersing it in a big tub of soapy water, and sloshing it around with your hands? Rinse it off the same way. ...or you can tow it around the lake behind your boat.

[Lynn Eades]

Do you need a fishing licence for that?

[Matthew P]

I agree on trying some soap with it. That Afghan dust 'Moon dust' is tenacious stuff. It's super fine, like talcum powder and can get into the smallest crevices. So some soap as a wetting agent to get the water into the smallest crevices may serve to lift the dust out.

Matt

[Robin Craig]

Thanks for all the replies, yes I agree soap has to be part of the proper solution to this problem for sure. I admit I was optimistic that just water would do the job.

This is a large object to clean so I have to borrow a water trough to be able to get it in to and be able to agitate it properly. I was hoping for a quicker result.

Thanks all

[rob love]

Use your bath tub. Make sure the significant other is away that day.


I have always found that those nets can get quite dry and crinkly. Try spraying a small portion with some armourall and see the difference that makes to the material. I have done that to the vehicle tarps when they have aged and it makes a world of difference.

[Michael R.]

Originally Posted by Robin Craig

So, this is a modern ex CF cam net that saw service in Afghanistan . . .
It is nearly 7 metres in each direction and it isn't lightweight.

Perhaps it is a British made 6.8 x 6.8 metre BRIDPORT Industries product dated about 1991, purchased for Canadian DND use? DND also purchased camo nets from Sweden.

Robin, I am going to take the piss out of you... ? “saw service in Afghanistan”. OMG! Really . . .
My camo nets are pretty dusty too! How would I tell if the dust on mine is from Afghanistan... or CFB Petawawa.


Have you considered a local service that washes horse blankets ? Commercial, large load washing machine?

[James P]

Originally Posted by Michael R.

Perhaps it is a British made 6.8 x 6.8 metre BRIDPORT Industries product dated about 1991, purchased for Canadian DND use? DND also purchased camo nets from Sweden.

Robin, I am going to take the piss out of you... ? “saw service in Afghanistan”. OMG! Really . . .
My camo nets are pretty dusty too! How would I tell if the dust on mine is from Afghanistan... or CFB Petawawa.


Have you considered a local service that washes horse blankets ? Commercial, large load washing machine?

Agreed, dust is dust. I am also of the mind that contaminated stores like canvas and cam nets would be destroyed and not returned to Canada. Just looks like any other dried out and dirty cam net to me.

[Michael R.]

Originally Posted by James P

Agreed, dust is dust. I am also of the mind that contaminated stores like canvas and cam nets would be destroyed and not returned to Canada. Just looks like any other dried out and dirty cam net to me.

Based on a few tell-tale clues, it looks like a recent GCSURPLUS disposal item. A whack of them went through CFB Kingston... many, many more through CFB Downsview, in apparent error when they were shipped there from Pet.

A slow holiday Monday in the Great White North ... during the dog days of summer . . . with fek all else to do but talk about the life and times of a cam net that may have travelled more then we ever wished to.

A Remote Weapons System equipped TLAV traveling under camo netting shade...

[rob love]

The only cam nets I saw in KAF were used for patio shade. I saw both arid and temperate nets kicking around.

I stowed cam nets on the LAV3 monument here in Shilo, and got the remark from a few of the Afghan veterans that they never really had or used them.....things were just too mobile.

[Robin Craig]

Michael R I don't mind you making fun of me, I have broad shoulders. I know you mean no harm, being called out is fair

I am surprised that you did however, as I thought you knew me better. I don't usually say something these days without provenance, but no never mind.

The net came to me from a former tire fitter civvy who was in theatre on contract (for several tours) and is even known to Rob Love. He had it from camp, the dust inside the wire is the same as outside the wire.

Yes it is a Bridport net and have the same label. The former tire fitter now works with me and we trade stuff, he got a crappy trailer that was part of a deal I didn't want and I got the net that he didn't want but I did. Fair exchange is no robbery in my books.

Thanks for everyone's help.

[Darrell Zinck]

Originally Posted by rob love

The only cam nets I saw in KAF were used for patio shade. I saw both arid and temperate nets kicking around....

And one Arctic pattern one on KAF, as I recall. In '07 it was over the patio of the "KAF,eh" (love the name) by NCE. I often wondered how exactly it got there!

regards
Darrell

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Is it dust or weathered, sun baked surfaces on the plastic giving the appearance of dust? Water would smooth that over and make it look fresh...until it dried.