Bulletproof Vest: Cleaning And Maintenance

As is the case with all equipment, if you treat your bulletproof vest well and maintain it diligently, it will continue to protect you for a long time. In this brief guide, we will delve into basic bulletproof vest maintenance, as well as cover some of the ballistic materials and fibres that require some extra TLC. Additionally, we will have a look at a few interesting points about ballistic vests that you may not have been unaware of – for interest's sake.

For bulletproof vests, plate carriers, ballistic plates, modular vests, and more, we recommend paying a visit to the Futurama online store. There, you will find a vast selection of high-quality goods to suit a range of professional and recreational purposes.

Bulletproof Vest Maintenance

We have spoken at length about the many different kinds of ballistic vests, plate carriers, and other pieces of protective wear available to you, but we have not yet gone into detail about maintenance and cleaning. Even though it may seem a little less exciting than jumping into the capabilities and technology behind these combat essentials, it is necessary to prolong the lifespan of this crucial equipment. Luckily, none of these tips are overly complicated or time-consuming, but they will help to keep your bulletproof vest in perfect shape for as long as possible.

Maintaining Your Vest: Read The Instructions

Let’s be honest, how often do we read the instructions when we decide to make a new purchase? For most, the answer is rarely, and we might all be guilty of this to a certain extent. However, with a potentially life-saving piece of equipment like a ballistic vest, it is extremely important to take the time to look over the instruction manual.

In this manual, whether it comes with the product or you need to download it, you will find cleaning instructions, maintenance recommendations, storage requirements, proper use tips, and more. Ultimately, the manufacturer has the best understanding of how their products should be treated in order to get the most from them.

Do Not Fully Submerge Your Bulletproof Vest

This is something we have covered before, but it is crucial enough that it should be reiterated. The fibres and materials in these vests are strong enough to withstand the impact of bullets, however, they are not designed to be fully submerged and ideally should be kept away from water. While it is true that many Kevlar or Aramid panels are kept within watertight sleeves, which are then inserted into the carrier inside the vest, it is still not a good idea to go for a swim in your ballistic vest.

We say this because this watertight seal may have been broken at some point, and if it is, the tightly woven fabrics in Kevlar could loosen the material – compromising the integrity of the ballistic fibres and causing it to break down. As you can imagine, this is very dangerous as once these fibres are loosened, they cannot be corrected, and this is when bullets can penetrate these sorts of ballistic materials. Those who have experience with bulletproof vests and similar equipment will likely already know this, but it is a common mistake made by those who are unfamiliar with proper maintenance practices.

How To Clean Your Bulletproof Vest Correctly

Drawing from the previous point, throwing your ballistic vest into the washing machine may not be the best idea, however, this does not mean you cannot clean it at all. Over time, dust, sweat, and dirt will likely accumulate on your vest and you will want to address this eventually.

To do this, you will need some non-abrasive soap, some filtered water, and a clean cloth – then simply wipe away any dirt and avoid getting the vest too wet while doing so. Once this is done, use a dry cloth to wipe away any excess moisture and hang it up to dry. When it comes to ballistic plate carriers specifically, you can simply remove the ballistic plates and wash the carrier vest as you would any other attire.

In warmer months, it may be necessary to perform these spot cleans more regularly, as you will naturally sweat more and there is usually more dust and particles in the air. In winter, you won't sweat as much and could probably get away with more time between cleaning sessions. If you opt to use wipes on your equipment, we suggest steering clear of bleach or alcohol wipes, as these harsh chemicals can also cause the ballistic materials to break down.

Carry Out Frequent Inspections

This is the final piece of maintenance advice we have to offer, and it can be one of the most critical. When you are out in the field or in combat situations, it is unlikely that you are focussing on the state of your equipment and may not notice your vest taking damage. For example; plenty of security or military personnel have taken a bullet to their bulletproof vest, but in the heat of the moment, did not even realise until after the fact.

So, with that in mind, we suggest comprehensively inspecting your ballistic vests regularly, if not after every use. This should ensure that no wear and tear, rips, or damage goes unnoticed. If you find that the vest has received damage that cannot be repaired, it might be time to invest in another vest.

A Little More About Bulletproof Vests

As mentioned in the introduction, we will cover a few interesting points about this life-saving equipment, setting you up for success with your future bulletproof vest.

1. A Bulletproof Vest Can Protect The Wearer In Car Accidents

It would seem that the impact-absorbing abilities of bulletproof vests can stop more than just bullets. Every year, there are reports of law enforcement and military personnel who survived the impact of their patrol car’s steering column during an accident. Luckily, it would seem that ballistic materials are capable of handling the impact of accidents and even falls. It goes without saying, but we wouldn’t recommend putting this theory to the test.

2. Why Does A Bulletproof Vest Only Cover The Chest Area?

Well, these protective vests have been designed to protect the wearer’s vital organs, and most of those can be found above the waist and below the neck. Of course, ballistic vests do not protect the user’s face or head, but that is what ballistic helmets are designed for. To add to this, there are also plenty of body armour options that can comprehensively protect the wearer’s legs and extremities. While many people wear only a ballistic vest, those who know they might need to deal with combat situations should consider more extensive body armour coverage.

3. How Long Will A Bulletproof Vest Last?

The answer to this question will depend on the manufacturer of the equipment and the amount of wear and tear the vest receives. Generally, ballistic vests are capable of offering around five years of consistent use, provided you take the time to properly maintain your vest. After five years, it’s possible that the ballistic materials can begin to break down and loosen, and this is why most companies recommend replacing them after this amount of time has elapsed.

4. All Ballistic Equipment Undergoes Rigorous Testing

In order to be certified and classified by the NIJ, manufacturers have to submit their products to arduous testing and meet certain performance requirements. It is no easy process to achieve a rating of IIA or IIIA under these regulations, so know that when you see these performance ratings, the particular piece of equipment is of excellent quality.

5. Body Armour Is Different For Men And Women

In the past, female military personnel and law enforcement officers used to wear the same body armour as their male colleagues. However, this was quite far from ideal and was often extremely uncomfortable. Women and men have unique proportions and nowadays, body armour manufacturers take this into account. The NIJ has an entirely unique testing criteria for female body armour, which has made a huge difference in terms of both safety and comfort.

Bulletproof Vest: In Conclusion

We hope that you have found this brief guide to be informative and helpful. As we touched on earlier, maintenance and proper care can make the world of difference in increasing the longevity of these crucial pieces of protective gear. Without adequate know-how, it can be quite easy to make mistakes and possibly damage your equipment.

Moreover, if you are searching for some of the finest body armour anywhere in South Africa, we highly recommend having a look at our vast selection. Futurama is your reliable, one-stop shop for all of your tactical gear needs and our experts are ready to help you find the perfect bulletproof vest for your purposes.