How To Maintain a Kevlar Vest

According to the National Institute of Justice, the average lifespan of a Kevlar vest is five years. However, even after three years of consistent wear, many protective vests are no longer effective. Therefore, if you want your Kevlar vest to last as long as it should, there are a few practices that you should engage in from time to time. If you are a military or police member and wear a Kevlar vest regularly, it will wear out faster than if you stow it away until you need them. However, with proper care and upkeep, a Kevlar vest for day-to-day wear can last for as long as five years.

First, wash your vest carrier consistently to stay clean and in good operating order. Keep a close check on the condition of the ballistic panels, as they need to be cleaned frequently with a sponge and some soap. You should wash with soap that is not too heavy and a damp sponge. Don’t get it dry-cleaned, and don’t even think about putting it in the dryer! The more you wash and dry the vest, the longer it will endure and the more robust it will become.

It is essential to remember that most of the panels in Kevlar vests cannot withstand the heat generated by an iron. Nobody wants to take the chance of ironing their clothes and having them catch fire or melt. Consider propping the panels upright to dry in a closet rather than laying them down on the ground in a flat position. If you mistakenly cause them to shrink while they are drying, there is a chance that they will never regain their straightness. Keep in mind that maintaining a dry environment for your bulletproof vest is the most critical step you can take to extend its useful life.

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