Bulletproof Vest Maintenance Routine

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) states that the average lifespan of a bulletproof vest is five years. But many bulletproof vests don’t even last as long as three years of practical use. So, if you want your bulletproof vest to last as long as it ought to, there are a few maintenance routines you must engage in from time to time. If you are a military officer or cop who makes use of the bulletproof vest every day, it is more likely to wear off faster than one that’s just sitting on a shelve waiting for a duty call. However, if properly taken care of, an everyday-wear bulletproof vest can last up to five years.

For starters, make sure that you always wash and maintain your vest carrier from time to time. As you clean and dry the vest, it would last longer and prove to be more durable. Also, pay close attention to your ballistic panels and endeavor to clean them from time to time with a sponge and soap. When cleaning, try to use a mild soap and damp sponge to clean it. Avoid dry cleaning it or tossing it in a dryer! You might not like the outcome.

I should say that most bulletproof vest panels are not made for ironing. Hence, do not iron your ballistic panels. That is the beginning of the end for that panel. Ironing them can either make it burn or melt and nobody wants that. When you are drying your panels, try standing them up in a closet instead of making them lie down. So, if you shrink them while drying, you might never be able to get them straight again.

Finally, the best way to keep your bulletproof vest safely preserved is to keep it away from moisture as much as possible.

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