How to Clean a Fire Hose

Regular cleaning and maintenance of fire hose will reduce the need to frequently replace it.

Some fire departments treat fire hose as though it is a disposable commodity. Cost-efficient fire departments know that cleaning and maintaining their fire hose will result in longer-lasting hose that requires far less frequent replacement.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Water
• Sponges
• Soft scrub brushes
• Micro-fabric cloth or towels
• Garden hose
• Buckets

Instructions

1. Unroll the hose and stretch it out in its entirety. Use a nearby garden hose to wet the fire hose completely.

2. Fill a large bucket with hot, soapy water. Generously apply this with a sponge to all areas of the fire hose. Ash, soot and mud can become caked on the hose.

3. Scrub harder-to-clean areas with a soft scrub brush. Don't use hard bristles, as you don't want to take the risk of damaging the hose.

4. Rinse the hose thoroughly with a garden hose or buckets full of clean water. Be sure no soap residue remains on the hose, as its constant presence may eventually cause wear.

5. Dry the hose thoroughly in the sun, turning over on both sides. If weather won't permit this, wipe the entire hose down with dry, clean micro-fabric cloths.

Resources

• Firehouse.com