How to Clean Plate Carrier? With Maintenance Tips & Video

How to Clean Plate Carrier, Chest Rig & Vest

The chances of your plate carriers and chest rigs getting dirty are inevitable. Knowing how to properly care for your gear such as plate carrier, chest rig or vest is very essential to keep those in good condition.

That’s why educating you on how to wash the chest rig and plate carriers is important for anyone who is a first responder or outdoor enthusiast.

If you learn some tricks your equipment can be thoroughly cleaned without causing damage to its materials or fasteners. Before cleaning, don’t forget to read the manufacturing instructions on the label.

How to clean Plate Carrier

The plate carriers are more durable and do not require delicate cleaning, however, you must take care to not damage them. To achieve a great result, you must do the following:

Step 1: First, you have to remove the body armor panels.

Step 2: Then remove the accessories such as magazine pouches and straps. It is also recommended that you remove padded covers during the cleaning process in order to prevent mold growth.

Step 3: Use a dull tool to scrape away dried mud and dirt because a sharp edge can abrade or damage the fabric.

Step 4: Soak the plate carrier in a mixture of warm water and liquid laundry detergent.

Step 5: Rinse the soapy plate carrier in clean water until all the detergent is washed away.

Step 6: Finally, dry it indoors or in a shady spot outside. Once the carrier is completely dry, reassemble it.

Careful : Plate Carrier (Buckles, Mesh, Stitching, etc.)

How to clean Chest Rig

After emptying all the pockets and removing all the accessories, it’s time to wash your chest rig by the following steps:

Step 1: After applying a small amount of dish soap, scrub any stained areas with a soft brush or toothbrush.

Step 2: Fill your bathtub with at least six inches of warm water then add a small amount of laundry detergent.

Step 3: Use a toothbrush to reach hard-to-reach crevices. On a mesh fabric don’t use a brush; instead, use a sponge or cloth.

Step 4: Use clean, cool water to rinse thoroughly.

Step 5: Absorb excess water with a thick towel.

Step 6: Let the carpet air-dry in a shady place with good airflow. This will help dispel any odors that may remain. Before using or storing, make sure it is completely dry.

Plate Carrier Cleaning Spray

Well, cleaning your plate carrier, chest rigs or vest is not the final process. You can make a presence on the field and feel good simultaneously if you apply cleaning spray on your gear. Cleaning spray can help neutralize and remove the bad smell that comes from a hard day’s work in your vest.

But you may wonder which body armor deodorizer spray you should get, right? Don’t worry we have your back. Presenting the Arrest My Vest Military and Police Grade Odor Eliminating Spray.

No matter what type of smell you have on your plate carrier, this spray can remove any type of smell with a breeze thanks to its professional-grade formula and Odor Absorbing Molecule.

Furthermore, it is safe to use on all types of panels, Kevlar, and other composites, meaning it won’t leave any stain on the vest.

Moreover, it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals which ensure that your skin is completely safe. If you want you can also use it on your uniforms as well.

Should I get a chest rig or plate carrier to hold magazines and tactical gear?

AOR2 VS Multicam Uniforms

FAQ’s

How To Clean An Outer Vest Carrier

First, you will need to remove all tags, trauma inserts, and ballistic panels from your carrier vest. Hand washing is the best way to clean the front and back carriers. You can also machine wash the carrier using cold water and a mild detergent on the gentle cycle. When you are done, You can air dry it or tumble dry it using the lowest temperature setting on your dryer.

How To Clean Body Armor

In order to clean the ballistic panels, first lay them flat. Wipe the ballistic panels with a damp cloth or sponge to remove dirt and stains. Use a mild detergent, if you need to. You should not bleach, tape, iron machine wash or tumble dry ballistic panels.

How To Clean Point Blank Outer Carrier

You should never submerge any part of your armor in water. Always use dish soap as a detergent instead of a stronger chemical. Definitely don’t use bleach or starch, as well as most household cleaners, as they are strong and may damage your armor.

Machine-washable covers or parts are available for some plates and vests. The instructions on the label become extremely important in this situation. It is best to wash the part by hand with cold water if the label is absent or unreadable.

How To Store Plate Carrier

Keeping your vest properly stored and inspecting it on a regular basis can help it last longer. When storing your vest, keep it flat, not bent or stacked. Be sure to store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. You shouldn’t put anything on your vest and store it in your trunk or back seat.

For proper performance, you should also inspect your vest regularly. For more information, please refer to your use and care guide.

How To Wash A Suit Vest

You can clean your suit vest in several ways. Start by brushing it regularly to remove dust, hair, and other particles you can’t see. If you need to remove stains on your suit, use a wet cloth and mild detergent and let it air dry.

How To Wash A Bulletproof Vest

To clean your bulletproof vest, remove all ballistic panels, trauma inserts, and plates. The preferred method of cleaning the front and back carrier is to hand wash it.

The vest may also be machine washed on the gentle cycle using cold water with a mild detergent. When complete, lay it flat to air dry or tumble dry, using the lowest temperature setting on your dryer.

How To Clean Tactical Vest That Is Made Of Nylon

When it’s dry, you should shake off any excess sand, dirt, or grime. You can then manually scrub down the gear with a soft brush and rinse it. Then repeat the process if you are not satisfied with the cleaning result.

How To Clean Tactical Gear

Your tactical gear should be washed either on warm or cold settings in your washing machine, which is around 30°C or 86°F.

They will deteriorate if you wash them at high temperatures! To remove dirt and dried mud from your equipment, use a soft brush. You can clean dirty spots and stains using a rag soaked in water mixed with technical fiber soap.

How To Get Smell Out Of Ballistic Vest

Spraying an odor-eliminating spray on the carrier shell of the vest will get rid of body armor odors between washings. Invest in an odor-eliminating spray like Arrest My Vest that is gentle and non-toxic.

Unlike other fabric fresheners, Arrest My Vest does not leave any chemical odor on clothes. Its patented formula completely eliminates odors by encapsulating them.

Can you wash a ballistic vest?

Yes, you can wash your ballistic vest by the following process. Although some parts of a bulletproof vest can be put in a washing machine, most of them need to be hand-washed.

Use the gentle cycle only if you are using a washing machine. In addition, you should wash the vest in cold water and mild detergent. It is not advisable to wash or soak the straps. Wipe them gently with a damp sponge or cloth.

How do you wash a vest?

Your vest will last longer if you clean it regularly. Rubbing dirt and soil into the fabric causes the material to fray and weaken prematurely. Besides, who wants to lug dirty gear around? First, get rid of loose dirt and plant matter by brushing them off.

Make sure the equipment is free of bark, twigs, grass, and burrs. You should use a dull tool to scrape off dirt or mud that has dried or caked-on since sharp instruments will abrade the fabric, making it weak. Use a microfiber cloth to remove loose dirt and dust.

How long are ballistic vests good for?

Ballistic vests are expected to last five years, but their real-life will depend on how the plates and carriers are used, maintained, and stored. If you use it every day most likely it will wear out quickly.

Another most important thing to note is when you take it off makes sure it is in good shape. If something seems wrong try to fix it up before wearing it again.

As time passes the quality of ballistic material slowly deteriorates. So, we urge you to replace your existing vest if you have been using it for more than 5 years.

What will penetrate a bulletproof vest?

Some types of handgun calibers can be deadly, yet many gun enthusiasts overlook them. Regardless of size, any bullet traveling at a high speed will pass through body armor.

Rounds like the .44 Magnum, .45 ACP, and other large handgun rounds will travel at slower speeds, which makes it easier for body armor to stop them. In contrast, 9mm and .357 SIG guns travel faster and can’t be stopped as quickly.

How To Clean Safe Life Vest

First, fill a bucket with cool water and two tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent. Lay all the straps and hardware off the life jackets and use the detergent solution and a soft brush to scrub the surface of the jacket.

Dab the detergent directly onto tough stains, like red mud or food. Rinse the jacket after it has sat for at least 15 minutes before brushing.

How To Clean Weighted Vest

First, you need to make sure to remove the weights from the vest before washing. Then fill the tub with lukewarm water. It’s not recommended to use super hot water since this can damage your vest.

Put your weighted vest in the water. Afterward, add a small amount of mild laundry detergent to the water. Scrub your vest with a sponge. Once the vest has been cleaned, it must be rinsed with fresh water.

How To Clean A Stab Proof Vest

Make sure the plate is out. You will need to remove the straps and fasteners. Place straps and fasteners in their secured positions if they cannot be detached. Mix mild detergent in cold water. Wash it with fresh water and hang it up indoors to air dry.

Method And Process Of Washing A Plate

In the absence of a specific recommendation from the manufacturer, hand washes the plate in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. You should not use bleach or fabric softener to clean your plates.

Dry cleaning your carrier is not recommended. In addition, do not use deodorizing sprays, such as Febreeze or Lysol, as these can damage the material.

Are Plate Carriers Machine Washable

Never put a plate carrier in a washing machine or dryer. Using a washing machine may shrink the carrier as well as damage buckles and retaining clips.

Should I Hang My Plate Carrier

Don’t bend or stack your vest when storing it. Keep it away from direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place. Do not store your vest in the trunk.

Can I Use Dryer

You shouldn’t use a dryer on your plate carrier or chest rig. Because it may ruin the vest and stop working the way it should.

Verdict

Maintaining your body armor or vest properly should extend its life significantly. To avoid damaging the carrier, you should avoid abrasive and high-temperature cleaning methods. Cleansing your vest or carrier properly can keep it in good condition or even extend its life.

To avoid any chance of accidental damage, we recommend contacting us if you have any concerns about how to properly clean your vest.