Aerial Silk Care: Washing, Inspection & Safe Use

Aerial silks are manufactured from extremely strong synthetic fabrics such as polyester interlock or nylon tricot. These materials are engineered to withstand high dynamic loads, but they remain vulnerable to abrasion, excessive heat, UV exposure, and harsh chemicals. Proper maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your aerial silk but, more importantly, plays a critical role in ensuring your safety.

This guide explains how to wash, dry, inspect, store, and safely use your aerial silk following internationally accepted best practices used by professional aerial studios and manufacturers.

1. Washing Your Aerial Silk

Ideally, wash your aerial silk after every 10–15 training sessions, or sooner if the fabric begins to feel slippery from body oils, sweat, or dirt. A clean silk provides significantly better grip and comfort during training.

Before Washing

Before placing your silk in the washing machine:

• Remove all hardware, including carabiners, rescue eights, swivels, and quick links.
• Completely untie every knot. Leaving knots in the fabric for extended periods can permanently stress and weaken the fibers.

Machine Washing

• Wash the silk by itself. Never wash it together with clothing containing zippers, buttons, Velcro, or other hard components that could snag or damage the fabric.
• Use a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water (maximum 30°C / 86°F).
• Use only a small amount of mild liquid detergent, preferably free from perfumes and dyes.

Never Use:

• Fabric softener – It leaves a coating on the fibers, making the silk dangerously slippery and reducing grip.
• Bleach, vinegar, or harsh cleaning agents – Strong chemicals can degrade the synthetic fibers at a microscopic level, reducing the overall strength of the fabric.

2. Drying Your Aerial Silk

Synthetic fabrics are highly sensitive to excessive heat. Incorrect drying methods can permanently damage both the elasticity and strength of the material.

Air Drying (Recommended)

The safest method is to:

• Hang the silk fully extended over a drying rack or a secure beam.
• Allow it to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Prolonged exposure to UV radiation gradually weakens polyester and nylon fibers while also fading the fabric's color. Whenever possible, dry your silk indoors or in a shaded location.

Do Not Tumble Dry

Professional studios and manufacturers strongly discourage using a tumble dryer.

Even moderate heat can create localized hot spots that partially melt synthetic fibers. These weakened areas may not be visible but can significantly reduce the safety margin of the fabric.

3. Inspecting Your Aerial Silk

Inspect your aerial silk:

• Before every training session
• After every wash
• Whenever the silk has experienced heavy use or an unusual load

A thorough inspection only takes a few minutes and can help prevent serious accidents.

How to Inspect

Run the entire length of the silk through your hands, section by section.

Stretch the fabric sideways and hold it up against a bright light to identify any irregularities.

Pay particular attention to:

Holes or Tears

Even a tiny puncture can rapidly develop into a larger tear when the fabric is loaded.

Runs or Snags

Look for pulled threads or "ladders" running through the weave, which indicate damage to the fabric structure.

Friction Damage

Inspect for shiny, stiff, hardened, or melted-looking patches.

These can occur after high-speed drops where friction generates enough heat to partially melt the synthetic fibers. Although these areas may appear minor, they represent permanent structural damage.

4. When Should You Replace Your Aerial Silk?

If your silk shows:

• holes
• tears
• runs
• melted fibers
• severe abrasion
• significant discoloration caused by UV exposure

Stop using it immediately.

Never attempt to repair an aerial silk by sewing or patching the damaged area. Once the structural fibers have been compromised, the original strength of the fabric cannot be restored.

As a general guideline:

• Professional studios: Replace silks after approximately 300 hours of use or every 3 years, whichever comes first.
• Home users: With proper care, limited exposure, and correct storage, a silk may remain serviceable for up to 5 years. However, actual lifespan depends on frequency of use, environmental conditions, and inspection results rather than age alone.

When in doubt, replace the silk.

5. Safe Use Guidelines

Proper daily use greatly influences both the lifespan of your aerial silk and your personal safety.

During Training

• Remove all rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces, and earrings before training.
• Wear fitted clothing without zippers, buckles, sequins, or exposed metal parts.
• Keep hands and feet clean to improve grip and reduce contamination of the fabric.
• Trim and file fingernails and toenails to prevent accidental snags.
• Use liquid chalk only when necessary. Excessive chalk buildup reduces grip quality over time and requires more frequent washing.

6. Proper Storage

Store your aerial silk:

• In a cool, dry location.
• Away from direct sunlight.
• Inside a breathable storage bag or container.

Always ensure the silk is completely dry before storing it to prevent mildew, odors, and fabric deterioration.

Keep the fabric away from:

• pets (especially cats, whose claws can easily puncture the fabric),
• sharp objects,
• chemicals,
• excessive heat,
• and prolonged UV exposure.

Safety Reminder

An aerial silk is personal protective equipment used for aerial arts. Regular inspection and proper maintenance are essential, but they do not replace safe rigging practices.

Always use certified rigging equipment, ensure that anchor points are suitable for dynamic aerial loads, and train under qualified supervision whenever learning new techniques or drops.

Proper care helps maximize the lifespan of your aerial silk—but your safety should always come first.