Perspiration causes damage to the parachute much like salt  water does. Small amounts are not significant and may be  ignored. For larger areas heavily contaminated, clean the  parachute in accordance with the Removal of Salt Water  Contamination section above. repair. Identification of these conditions and rigger-applied  repairs determine their effect on the airworthiness of the  parachute assembly. Nylon that has been contaminated by acid may have  irregular shaped spots of gray or dead white color. The  acid-contaminated fabric may also become powdery when  scraped lightly. Parachute components suspected of acid  contamination may be tested with blue litmus paper. Dampen  the suspect area with distilled water. Then lay the litmus  paper on the area in question. If the paper turns pink, acid is  present. Be careful not to touch the litmus paper, as touching  the paper can cause an erroneous response. Dry parachute assembly in accordance with the section titled,  Drying a Parachute.  The following steps should be taken when removing mildew  from the parachute: If an area tests positive for acid and the effected area is  known to be localized, that area should be neutralized  with a solution of distilled water and ammonia. Household  ammonia works. Ammonia does not damage nylon or  hardware. The damaged area should be removed and  the resulting hole should be patched. If the extent of  contamination cannot be determined or if it effects large  portions of the parachute, the parachute should be first  destroyed, then disposed of. Hydrocarbons usually do not harm nylon. Petroleum  products, such as oil or grease, have a greenish or brownish  appearance. Wash the affected area by repeated applications  of mild soap and water solution until the affected area is  clean. Each application shall be followed by a rinse in clean  fresh water. Once complete, hang assembly in drying tower  in accordance with the section titled, Drying a Parachute.  The following steps should be taken when removing  bloodstains from the parachute: Crystals of dry salt and the presence of pale brown circular  stains are often evidence of salt-water exposure. If the  parachute is allowed to dry after salt-water immersion  without being rinsed in fresh water, salt crystals form causing  damage to the fabric and suspension lines. Parachutes exposed to salt water should be rinsed out several  times in warm fresh water in a smooth tub. Use of a water  softener is recommended. Hang assembly in drying tower  in accordance with the section within this chapter titled,  Drying a Parachute. The maximum complete salt-water  immersion limits for the parachute are listed below. The  parachute assembly should be cleaned within 8 hours of  immersion. Remove from service any parachute assembly  or sub-assembly for any of the following conditions: The following steps should be taken when removing soil  from the parachute: Removal of Perspiration Acid Contamination Removal of Fresh Water Removal of Mildew Action Removal of Petroleum Products Salt Water Contamination Action Removal of Bloodstains Removal of Soil 7-10 1. Wash affected area with mild soap and water solution. 2. Rinse affected area thoroughly with fresh, clear water. 3. Hang assembly in drying tower in accordance with  the section titled, Drying a Parachute.  1. Soak the stained area in cold water. 2. Hand wash affected area with mild soap and  water solution. 3. Rinse affected area thoroughly with fresh clean water. 4. Hang assembly in drying tower in accordance with  the section titled Drying a Parachute. 1. Hang the parachute and shake to remove most of the  dirt and sand.  2. Brush lightly with a soft-bristled brush. 3. If the assembly is extremely contaminated, perform  the following:  1. Immersion in salt water for more than 6 hours if the  parachute contains cadmium plated parts. 2. Immersion in salt water for more than 24 hours if  the parachute contains stainless steel parts (i.e.,  slider stops). 3. Immersion in salt water and cannot be cleaned for  36 hours.