7 keys to proper care and cleaning of your ballistic vest
We know that ballistic vests save lives and that body armor is a must for any officer. But what do you need to know to prolong the life of this lifesaving garment?To get more news about hard armor panels, you can visit bulletproofboxs.com official website.
1. DO READ THE CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Let’s be honest – most of us don’t bother reading the instructions that come with a new purchase. Whether you receive instructions with your vest or have to go download them, it’s important to read and follow them to avoid accidentally damaging your vest and voiding the warranty. The manufacturer’s instructions should explain how to clean and store your armor.
“We include care instructions with every vest that we ship so that the officers who receive them know not to make the mistakes that could ruin the Kevlar aramid fibers,” said Ace Laserna, national armor sales manager for Propper, which offers several ballistic vest options.
“It's very important that officers read the instructions carefully and follow them to the letter if they really want to get the maximum benefit and maximum protection from their vests for years to come,” he said, “because we can't guarantee if they don't follow the instructions that the vests are going to work properly.”
2. DON’T GET YOUR ARMOR SOAKING WET
Soft ballistic armor can stop a bullet, but it is not machine washable. Generally, Kevlar/aramid panels are housed inside a watertight sleeve, which is then inserted into an internal or external carrier. Assuming the watertight seal has not been broken, it’s OK to get the ballistic insert wet without damaging the fibers.
But Laserna warns that it’s best to avoid submerging the insert just in case the seal has been broken. Submerging tightly woven fabric like Kevlar in water will loosen the material, causing it to degrade and break down.
“We recommend keeping the whole insert dry to prevent possible water intrusion if the seal is broken,” he said. “When the fibers loosen up and separate, you'll lose the protection. The weave begins to relax, and that's when bullets get through. That material can't do its job if those fibers have loosened too much.”
3. DO SPOT-CLEAN YOUR ARMOR
“Don’t wash your armor” doesn’t mean you can’t clean it. Just like anything else you wear, your armor naturally gets sweaty and dirty and needs to be freshened up. You can accomplish this with a little soap and water and a clean cloth, then wipe away any excess moisture and hang it to dry.
How often you clean your armor is up to you. If it’s cold out and you're not sweating, you can likely get away with more time between cleanings than in sweaty summer months.
Be sure to use a mild soap detergent like Dawn or baby wipes. Avoid alcohol or bleach wipes, as those chemicals can break down the ballistic material.
4. DO HANG YOUR ARMOR TO DRY
Do not put it in the washing machine, do not dry clean it, and do not use an electric dryer, says Laserna. Let your vest air dry.
Although NIJ certification tests include temperature extremes, it’s best to store your armor vest flat, and in a cool, dry place to prolong its useful life.
5. DO ROLL YOUR NEW ARMOR TO INCREASE COMFORT
Although it seems contradictory to the advice to store your vest flat, Dianne Zanzottera, a former police officer and Propper’s armor customer service specialist, advises officers to roll up a new soft armor vest to make it more comfortable more quickly.
“Sometimes I'll get a vest here and start trying to work it in for the officer,” she said, “because otherwise, the only way they’re going to work it in and make it feel comfortable is by wearing it.”
6. DO WEAR A SHIRT UNDER YOUR VEST
Ballistic vests are made to protect you from bullets, but they aren’t necessarily comfortable. A vest meant to go over your uniform keeps the ballistic material off your skin, but a concealed vest requires an undergarment, such as a moisture-wicking T-shirt, to prevent chafing and minimize odors from sweat.
7. DO KEEP YOUR WARRANTY ON FILE
In the unfortunate event that you need your vest serviced, keep the paperwork for reference, including the serial number, proof of purchase and purchase date.
These documents will also contain important information like the certified service life so you’ll know when it’s time to replace your armor. In general, it should be five years for soft armor and up to 10 for hard plates. Check your paperwork to be sure, as different manufacturers may offer different warranties.