Wading Equipment Compatibility with Cleaning Solutions

updated 6/15/2006

The information listed below was developed from email responses provided by the manufacturer. If the manufacturer is not listed a request for information was not requested. I had asked all of them the following in May of 2006:

Chemical Solutions
y = compatible, n=not compatible, p= probably OK but not tested,
tbd= testing to be done, s = unknown amount of degradation,
unk= Mnfr does not know ; "-"= no response

Formula
409®
Disinfectant
50%

Copper
Sulfate
252mg/L Cu

Sparquat®
QAC
6 oz./Gal

Benzethonium Chloride - QAC
1940 mg/L

Bleach
10%
*1

Salt & Water
1% *3

Vinegar
100%
*3

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Sparquat 256 was not part of the CA DFG testing. It is a product the Colorado DOW has been using for years to sanitize their wading equipment and other equipment after exposure to Whirling Disease. (This is a quaternary ammonium compound cleaner)

Several organizations are now recommending fisherman not to use felt soles due to the ease that nuisanse species can get trapped in the felt and the felt is hard to adequately sanitize and rinse disinfectant back out.

For invasive species cleaning consideration Korkers recommends using their removable rubber base cleated soles.

The following notes are from the CA DFG Testing Report:
The report does not specify what brands / models of waders were tested.
Commercial Solutions Formula 409® Cleaner Degreaser Disinfectant: -" Cracking of the Rubber toe portion of the boots was observed. The cracking was similar to that observed for the boots exposed to the Pine-Sol solution. This cracking appeared to be surficial and did not appear to have compromised the integrity of the boots. Water did not continue to bead up on the exterior of the waders. However, they did not develop any leaks." Determined to be safe for wading equipment.

"Copper Sulfate (252 mg/L Cu) -" There were no observed changes in wading gear exposed to the copper sulfate solution. The fabric of the waders and the boots did not appear to have become stiff or brittle. Cracks were not observed in any of the rubber on the wader boots. There were no observable stains present on the outside or the inside of the waders. The waders did not develop any detectable Leaks. Water Continued to bead on the surface of the waders unlike those exposed to the benzethonium chloride, Pine-Sol® or Formula 409® Disinfectant Solutions." Determined to be safe for wading equipment.

"Benzethonium Chloride -" The only observed changes in the wading gear exposed to benzethonium chloride were minor, surficial cracking of the rubber toe guard of the boots similar to that observed with Formula 409® Disinfectant and a lost of surface water repellence ( beading of water) on the legs of the waders similar to that observed for Formula 409® Disinfectant. Waders exposed to benzethonium chloride did not develop any leaks. The Fabric in the waders or the boots did not appear to lose any flexibility." Determined to be safe for wading equipment. (This is a quaternary ammonium compound cleaner as is Sparquat 256)
Pine-Sol failed the test.

Additional notes:

Salt & Water (1% solution for 24 hours) and Vinegar (100% vinegar for 20 minutes) were not asked about in the request to manufacturers. These two solutions are general cleaning methods recommended by the national "Protect Your Waters" campaign. The California Departement of Wildlife previous proved that a salt solution will NOT kill any New Zealand Mudsnails even at high concentrations.

*1 - Bleach may cause some discoloration of material over time. 100% bleach can severely affect waders. Thus rinse well. Bleach will not kill all NZMS but is effective for Whirling Disease and many other invasive plants and other organisms.
*2 - These manufacturers listed individual models instead of providing a generalized response.
*3 - Salt & water has been proven to NOT be effective to kill NZMS. Vinegar has never been tested for killing either NZMS or WD. Both of these items appear in the "Protect Your Waters"general cleaning procedures.