What Is the Proper Way to Clean a Lifting Slings?

A lifting sling completes a lift in a dirty environment—covered in grease, grime, and chemical residue. The natural instinct is to clean it before storage. But how? A pressure washer? A washing machine? Harsh detergent?

The wrong method can damage the load-bearing fibers, introduce stiffness, or leave behind chemical residues that degrade the sling over time.

Lishenflex has been manufacturing synthetic lifting slings for decades, and our experience shows that cleaning is one of the most misunderstood aspects of sling maintenance. A sling that is cleaned improperly may look clean—but its strength may already be compromised.

1. Approved Cleaning Methods

1.1 Mild Detergent and Water

The safest method for cleaning synthetic slings is hand washing with mild detergent and water.

According to Lift-All technical guidance, regular laundry detergent is compatible with nylon and polyester slings . The CMC (Colorado Mountain College) recommends using a mild detergent that is safe for nylon and polyester .

The recommended procedure:

• Light scrubbing of the webbing with a soft brush

• Warm water (not hot—temperatures should not exceed 200°F/93°C for nylon and polyester)

• Thorough rinsing to remove all detergent residue

• Air drying in a shaded, well-ventilated area

1.2 What About Washing Machines?

Washing machines should be avoided. According to Lift-All, multiple washings of webbing slings and roundslings have shown that this practice negatively impacts product performance, and users are now instructed to avoid using washing machines .

The tumbling action disorients the yarn material and can cause internal damage that is not visible on the surface.

1.3 Pressure Washing

High-pressure washing equipment should not be used on load-bearing materials. Lift-All notes that suitable pressure limits have not been established, and the method can rapidly remove color treatment dyes .

A pressure washer may be lightly used on non-load-bearing covers (such as the outer sleeve of a round sling), but should be discontinued immediately if surface fuzzing becomes evident .

2. Chemicals to Avoid

2.1 Chlorine Bleach

Do not use chlorine bleach. According to Lift-All, nylon is particularly negatively affected by most oxidizing agents—chlorine will rapidly degrade nylon . The CMC also explicitly states that it does not recommend the use of chlorine bleach to disinfect life safety rope and webbing .

2.2 Chemical Compatibility

Before using any cleaning agent, confirm chemical compatibility with the sling material. The CCOHS warns that nylon slings are damaged by acids, while polyester slings are damaged by alkalis . A cleaning agent that is safe for one material may be destructive to another.

CERTEX recommends that where slings have come into contact with acids and/or alkalis, dilution with water or neutralization with suitable media is recommended prior to storage. In some cases, additional recommendations from the supplier may be necessary .

2.3 Solvents and Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning solvents may be used on synthetic slings, as these solvents are specially developed to clean polyester and nylon fabrics . However, the sling should be completely dried before returning to service.

3. Drying: The Critical Step

3.1 Air Dry Naturally

After cleaning, slings must be air-dried naturally. CERTEX specifies that slings which have become wet should be hung up and allowed to dry naturally, not near a heat source .

Lift-All recommends hand drying as the preferred method. Roundslings should not be exposed to any drying process that would cause them to tumble .

3.2 Never Use Heat

Never use a dryer, radiator, or open flame to dry a sling. The CCOHS states that temperatures above 90°C (194°F) damage both nylon and polyester slings . Lift-All specifies a maximum exposure temperature of 200°F (93°C) for nylon and polyester .

3.3 Never Store Wet

Never store a sling wet. According to CERTEX, slings should be inspected for damage prior to storage, and damaged slings should never be returned to storage . Wet storage invites mildew growth and fiber degradation .

4. Storage After Cleaning

4.1 Proper Storage Conditions

The CCOHS and CERTEX specify that slings should be stored:

• Clean, dry, and well-ventilated conditions

• At ambient temperature, away from heat sources

• Away from direct sunlight and UV radiation

• Away from chemicals, fumes, and corrodible surfaces

• On a rack, off the ground

4.2 Inspection Before Storage

CERTEX requires that slings be inspected for any damage that may have occurred during use prior to placing in storage . Damaged slings must be withdrawn from service—they should never be returned to storage .

5. Summary and Practical Recommendations

Cleaning a lifting sling properly requires more than removing visible dirt. It requires material-compatible cleaning agents, gentle handling, complete drying, and proper storage.

Key takeaways:

1. Use mild detergent and water—regular laundry detergent is safe for nylon and polyester

2. Never use chlorine bleach—it rapidly degrades nylon

3. Avoid washing machines—tumbling damages sling yarns

4. Skip the pressure washer on load-bearing materials

5. Air dry naturally—never use heat or a dryer

6. Inspect before storage—damaged slings must not be stored

7. Store clean, dry, and dark—away from UV, chemicals, and heat

Lishenflex manufactures polyester lifting slings to EN 1492-1 and ASME B30.9 standards, with load-bearing stitching and clear identification markings. Our products are designed for durability, but proper cleaning and storage are essential to maximizing service life and maintaining safety.

If you need assistance establishing a sling cleaning and maintenance program for your facility—or need help determining whether a sling has been damaged by improper cleaning—please send an email to sales@lishenflex.com, and our technical team will provide one-on-one support.