My drytop (and other kayaki gear) has a tendency to get totally funky, especially in warmer & nastier rivers. I've found that my favorite thing to soak stuff like booties in is a strong vinegar solution. I don't know exactly what this does but it seems to help the odor of wet gear significantly. A lot of my stuff stays wet a lot of the time because I use it all the time. I'd like to soak my drytop but I'm worried that the vinegar could damage the expensive latex gaskets... please advise?

11/14/2007 3:49:02 PM

i'm a chemistry major, so i can tell you this much:

the chemistry name for vinegar is "acetic acid".

11/14/2007 3:59:16 PM

Ok... does it affect "latex?"

11/14/2007 4:14:46 PM

I'm not a chemistry major, but I worked at a hardware store and can tell you this much

People would often use vinegar solutions to clean up latex paint.

11/14/2007 4:18:51 PM

are you sure the gaskets are latex? it seems like they'd be made out of something more durable

11/14/2007 4:40:36 PM

Quote :

"• Fabric: 420-denier, 3-layer TriTon • Waterproof & Breathable: Yes • Neck Closure: Latex gasket with hook-and-loop adjustment • Wrist Closures: Latex gaskets with hook-and-loop adjustments • Waist System: Double-pull hook-and-loop adjustment • Pockets: One pocket on upper left arm • Form-fitting, four-way stretch inner tunnel • Cordura reinforced elbows • Stretch panels under the arms and across the back"

http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2575&deptid=1172&TTD=1

11/14/2007 4:46:35 PM

Turn it inside out and stick a fan on it.
Take a paper towel, soak in vinegar or bleach, and wipe down the inside of the suit if it gets funky.

11/14/2007 5:08:03 PM

^You left out "3. profit!"

11/14/2007 5:17:35 PM