Here's what not to do:
- Never use bleach, harsh chemicals or household cleaning products on your plate carrier. These substances could damage the fibers and render your plate carrier vest unusable.
- Never use a washing machine or dryer to clean your plate carrier, and avoid using fabric softener.
Steps to clean:
If you need to clean your weight vest, start by removing the plates and all your accessories. Then, follow these steps:
- Brush away loose dirt and debris. Sharp edges can abrade the fabric or poke holes in it.
- Spot-clean your plate carrier using a soft cloth and mild detergent, like liquid dish soap mixed with water. Wipe away excess water as you clean. If your equipment is stained or heavily soiled, use a toothbrush or another soft brush to scrub the material gently.
- If the whole thing needs cleaning, soak your plate carrier in a mixture of liquid laundry detergent and warm water. Agitate the water by hand using the plate carrier's shell. Don’t use a hose to rinse it, because the force could weigh down or damage the fabric’s fibers. Instead, dip the soapy plate carrier in clean water until you’ve rinsed away all the detergent.
- Reshape the plate carrier after cleaning, and dry it indoors or in a shady spot outside. Flip it over when the top side is dry
Storing your weight vest:
When you’re not wearing your plate carrier, you have to put it somewhere – but that “somewhere” isn’t the trunk of your car.
You can also hang your plate carrier in a closet or on a hook between uses. If you’re storing it for a long period of time, cover it with plastic to prevent dust build-up. Dust can compromise the fabric and performance of a plate carrier, in addition to impacting the way it looks.
