Aluminum corrosion and Nylon slings

[IceIceBaby]

Lately I started to notice a white powder buildup on my carbiners as well as white crystals. When I went to remove it, it felt like a grains of sand. I know that it is Aluminum corrosion. I was wondering how safe is it to continue using the slings and the biners?

1) Where the aluminum had contact with the nylon-spectra sling, I notice some white spots (from the aluminum corrosion). Also a little stiffness where the white powder buildup on the nylon slings, but after washing the slings they seems to be supple again

2) There is some shallow pitting evidence on carbiners once I remove the crystals and the white powder with a fine sand paper.

Please real answer

[Rainier_Wolfscastle]

I've been noticing a white powder build up on my teleboots recently. Seems to come off at lower elevations or indoors. Weird.

[catbirdseat]

Do you carry your slings around your shoulders frequently when you climb? Second, do you sweat a lot? The reason I ask is that, while aluminum is remarkably corrosion resistant, it is attacked quite avidly by ordinary salt. There may be enough salt saturating your slings to cause corrosion if the slings and biners lay in contact with one another for an extended period of time, such as in a bag left in a damp place. I suggest that you rinse all your slings and biners in fresh water and always store them in a dry place with good air circulation.