Looking After Your Vest
Look after your body armour and it'll return the favour looking after you. See our care and maintenance guide below for advice on ensuring lasting service.
Topics covered on this page
Cleaning
- Clean as soon as possible after wearing
- The vest should not be immersed in water, instead it should be sponged with mild liquid detergents diluted in warm water
- The worst areas may require light scrubbing (a soft bristle brush is recommended)
- Sponge off with clean water
- Dry with a soft cloth (Chamois)
- Air dry (not in direct sunlight)
- When totally dry, store flat in carrier
Odours
- Odours are the result of bacteria build-up
- Wash yourself before wearing vest
- Follow cleaning procedures
- Commercial 'odour neutralising' products are available
- If the vest becomes 'odour impregnated' due to insufficient care, contact the manufacturer to have the cover/carrier replaced
Storage
- All body armour, regardless of style, should be stored flat - not thrown in the back or in the boot of your car or left in the bottom of the wardrobe
- Laying it flat when not in use helps to ensure there are no sets or wrinkles in the ballistic materials which may cause damage to the fibres
- Tactical armour that has a hard plate in the front or rear should be stored with the plate(s) removed
- Body armour should never be stored whilst damp from washing or perspiration as this can cause mould to grow
Washing
- There are different materials used in covers and carriers for vests and the manufacturers washing instructions (where available) should be followed
- Some of the removable carriers, made from polycotton can be gentle machined washed or hand washed
- Carriers made from 100% nylon or cordura should be hand sponged, using mild detergents and warm water
- The cover of the ballistic package, usually made of waterproof nylon, should only be hand sponged using mild detergents and warm water
- The ballistic package should never be immersed in water
Drying
- After being cleaned, the ballistic package should be laid flat to dry in a well ventilated, shady area
- It should not be hung on the clothes line or laid out in the sunlight to dry, as ultra violet light rays will cause some types of ballistic packages to deteriorate
Damage
- Body armour should be visually inspected for damage or excessive wear, every time it is worn
- Never wear body armour that is damaged in any way
- If damaged you should immediately contact the manufacturer or representative to discuss repair options