Did you know that wearing police-quality body armor can protect our nation’s officers from ballistic threats and reduce the risk of death or serious injury?
If you know an officer or are one yourself, you might want to get that one a present, especially if their birthday is approaching and they’re getting a new one soon.
But as powerful and durable as ballistic vests are, they can fall apart if not taken care of properly. Keeping your vest clean and able to function at peak capacity requires that you pay attention to a few simple steps.
Read on to learn all about the proper care of a protective vest.
1. Follow the Care Instructions
It is really important to read and follow the care instructions before doing anything else, every brand and manufacturer’s directions are a bit different.
The manufacturer’s instructions should explain how to clean and store your bulletproof vest. The manufacturer’s directions are usually on the inside of the vest carrier.
2. Spot Clean Your Protective Vest
You should clean your protective vest regularly to prolong its service life and keep it effective. Avoid washing the entire vest, but it doesn’t mean you can’t clean it. Instead, you want to spot clean with a clean cloth and water and a mild laundry detergent.
Before spot cleaning, take out the ballistic panels. Take your time to inspect your safety vest closely for any wear or tear as you wipe it down. Avoid alcohol or bleach, as those chemicals can break down the ballistic material.
3. Hang Dry Your Protective Armor
Before inserting ballistic panels, make sure the vest carrier is completely dry. Machine washing and drying are prohibited, you can let it dry by hanging it on a hanger. Do not dry clean it or use an electric dryer.
To prolong the lifespan of your affordable security bullet resistant vest, it’s best to store your vest flat and in a room with good airflow.
4. Do Not Get Your Protective Vest Soaking Wet
Many manufacturers do not recommend machine washing and drying. Submerging and cleaning in water will loosen the material, causing it to degrade and break down.
If those fibers have loosened too much and separated, you’ll lose your protection.
5. Store Your Bullet Resistant Vest in a Cool and Dry Place
Although a bulletproof vest can take extreme temperatures, you want to avoid excessive heat or cold. It should be stored flat and indoors, away from direct sunlight, because it can negatively affect the fabric.
Extend the Life of Your Protective Vest
When you purchase protective clothing, you want it to guard you against threats and last as long as possible.
Bulletproof protective vests require special care when cleaning to avoid damage. The first step is to check the care label for any specific instructions. Don’t forget to know the service life of your protective vest, so you’ll know when it’s time to replace it.
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