How to clean a black shirt with electronics inside it.

skygnome777 · Post by **skygnome777** » Sun Oct 04, 2009 2:45 pm

So I wore a t-shirt that's black and has a graphic that lights up and moves up and down depending on how loud things are around it.
any suggestions for how I could remove the playa dust from it without making it fade or destroying the electronics?

Post by **Sham** » Sun Oct 04, 2009 3:41 pm

The LED graphics on the front are velcroed on and they can be removed easily by tugging on it. The battery pack is in a pocket on the inside and that can also be taken out. Now, wash it like you normally would wash a playasized t-shirt. This may be your biggest challenge!

mudpuppy000 · Post by **mudpuppy000** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 12:05 pm

Good luck washing it even without the electronics... My socks still feel crunchy even after a couple of washes, lol.

misfit · Post by **misfit** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 12:19 pm

cold wash, mild soap, and add a little vinegar to the wash cycle.

Jiva · Post by **Jiva** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 6:42 pm

Use a reasonable laundry detergent.

I wore the same shoes out there for eight days straight (though with fresh socks at least once a day, sometimes twice). I got home and washed those shoes in the washer with regular detergent. Let em dry in the sun. Parts of them are still beiger than normal (they were mostly white running shoes), but they came out pretty clean.

I'm skeptical of the need for vinegar in the wash. I will be running some tests with some of the playa dust I brought back, but generally I believe that the fraction of playa that is dilute-vinegar-soluble vs. that which is soluble in soap and water is vanishingly small.

Post by **Elderberry** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 8:41 pm

I think in this case, the vinegar is more to set the color and help prevent fading. This is recommended for first time washing of most dark colored garments.

JK

Bounce530 · Post by **Bounce530** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 9:36 am

I just looked at my shirt that has the led graphic on it and its not velcro'ed on there its stitched...

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 9:41 am

Wassamatta? No rocks in your river?

Bounce530 · Post by **Bounce530** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 9:44 am

plenty of rocks, no water...I live in Northern California..Enjoy my water So Cal Bitches!!

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 9:48 am

Wave a few dead salmon under their noses and we'll get our water back.

Post by **Elderberry** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 10:06 am

If the power-pack comes off, you can probably wash the shirt with the led's attached on gentle cycle or hand wash...in warm or cold water.

Or, if the power pack doesn't detach, you might have to remove the lights, wash the shirt and then restitch the lights back on.

A good high-end dry cleaner can do that for you, too.

JK

Post by **Sham** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 6:17 pm

I checked mine very carefully. The graphics are velcroed on mine and the wire is connected by a 7 pin plug that disconnects so the wire can be removed from a cloth sleeve. If the graphics do not come off on the version that you have, I would NOT soak this in water.

Meanwhile, where is skygnome while everyone is trying to help?

Craftsmn · Post by **Craftsmn** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 10:25 pm

I suggest looking at the tag that has the

Recommended Laundering Instructions.

Just my 2 cents......

Post by **Elderberry** » Wed Oct 07, 2009 10:59 am

Craftsmn wrote:I suggest looking at the tag that has the

Recommended Laundering Instructions.

Just my 2 cents......

That's a good idea, except the problem is more with the electronics than the fabric. I would bet that the shirt was manufactured and labled by one company than purchased by the company (or individual) that added the electronics; which would mean that the label information would no longer be an accurate guide.

JK

Bounce530 · Post by **Bounce530** » Wed Oct 07, 2009 2:13 pm

JK wins again!

bigbluedoggy · Post by **bigbluedoggy** » Wed Oct 07, 2009 2:48 pm

If its the type of electronic display I think it is (looks like a sound meter with bars going up and down) it's made of electroluminescent film (EL Film). I made a costume that has some extensive EL wire in it. To wash it, I removed the power boxes (which unplug), then used a large sink and laundry soap and did my best to keep the EL wire parts out of the water and fairly dry while I hand washed the garment. I then let it air dry for a day or so. The most easily damaged part of EL wire is the ends, and for the film, it's where the wires attach. Most important part of any of this is to be sure all of it is completely dry before trying to turn it on again. You can probably wash the face of the lighted area with a damp rag, just don't saturate it. I have also had good luck with a bit of vinegar in the washer for most of my playa clothes. It does seem to make a difference. Good luck!

Post by **Sham** » Wed Oct 07, 2009 3:39 pm

I think this is the one that's being discussed!
Most electronics can be soaked in water and still work as long as it's completely dried before powering up.

Craftsmn · Post by **Craftsmn** » Wed Oct 07, 2009 10:17 pm

jkisha wrote:
Craftsmn wrote:I suggest looking at the tag that has the

Recommended Laundering Instructions.

Just my 2 cents......
That's a good idea, except the problem is more with the electronics than the fabric. I would bet that the shirt was manufactured and labled by one company than purchased by the company (or individual) that added the electronics; which would mean that the label information would no longer be an accurate guide.

JK

JK it was meant to be a light hearted joke. I guess my humor is just to dry.....hehe

Craftsmn · Post by **Craftsmn** » Wed Oct 07, 2009 10:19 pm

jkisha wrote:
Craftsmn wrote:I suggest looking at the tag that has the

Recommended Laundering Instructions.

Just my 2 cents......
That's a good idea, except the problem is more with the electronics than the fabric. I would bet that the shirt was manufactured and labled by one company than purchased by the company (or individual) that added the electronics; which would mean that the label information would no longer be an accurate guide.

JK

Hey guys, it was meant to be a light hearted joke. I guess my humor is just to dry.....

dewnorth · Post by **dewnorth** » Thu Oct 08, 2009 9:17 am

I have the shirt looks the same as the one pictured above by Shambala. Instructions say you can machine wash it. But I think I recall it should be air dried.

10 pounds to go, and I think I'll fit into it.

How to clean a black shirt with electronics inside it.

How to clean a black shirt with electronics inside it.

I have that shirt