Tactical gear is an investment that requires proper care to maintain its durability and functionality. Whether you're dealing with plate carriers, belts, or insulated apparel, understanding the best practices for cleaning and storing your equipment is essential. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you take care of your gear.

Cleaning Your Nylon Gear: Plate Carriers and Pouches

Spot Cleaning:

For minor stains and dirt, spot cleaning is the most effective method. Using a Tide pen or a similar spot cleaner can easily remove small stains from your gear. This method is particularly useful for quick touch-ups.

Full Cleaning:

If your plate carrier or nylon gear is heavily soiled you'll need to disassemble it before washing. Remove all patches, cummerbunds, and Velcro, and then wash the pieces on a gentle cycle using a small amount of detergent.

For best results, use detergents specifically designed for gear, such as those from Granger's or Nikwax. These products are formulated to handle the heavy-duty requirements of tactical equipment and often include odor-busting properties.

Odor Management:

If odor and bacteria are concerns, consider using ozone. Ozone cabinets or generators can effectively kill bacteria and neutralize odors, reducing the need for frequent washing.

Storing Your Plate Carriers

When storing your plate carriers, especially in vehicles, take precautions to prevent unnecessary wear and tear:

1. Secure Storage: Ensure your gear is secured to minimize movement. This prevents the hard plates from rubbing against each other and causing wear at contact points.

2. Vehicle Storage: If your kit has to be stored in a vehicle, either use foam padding between the plates to reduce friction or fold the plate carrier the opposite way to make the points of the hard armor face out from each other. This method also makes the carrier easier to don at a moment’s notice.

Caring for Your Belts

Inner Belts:

Over time, inner belts may develop a "pucker" as they conform to your body's shape. This is normal and not a cause for concern. To avoid additional wear:

- Storage: Store your belts rolled up rather than folded. Folding can create permanent creases that weaken the material.

- Attachment: Keep your inner belt attached to the outer belt and store them together, rolled up, to maintain their shape and integrity.

Outer Belts:

Outer belts often don't require as much cleaning, but spot washing can handle most issues. Pay special attention to holster adapters:

- Proper Installation: Ensure your holster adapter is installed tightly. Loose adapters can slide around and cause unnecessary wear. However, avoid overtightening, especially with robust aluminum adapters, as this can also lead to damage.

Washing Insulated Apparel (Helion Line)

Insulated gear, like the Helion line, needs special care:

Hand Washing:

Always hand wash insulated apparel to prevent damage. Use a gear-specific wash that includes DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment, like those from Granger's. This helps maintain the water-resistant properties of your gear.

Drying:

Dry your insulated gear on low or no heat. High heat can melt lightweight nylon, damaging your apparel. Running the dryer on no heat is the safest option.

Conclusion

Proper care and storage of your tactical gear is crucial for longevity and performance. By following these guidelines for cleaning, odor management, and storage, you can ensure your equipment remains in top condition. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to contact us at contact@defensemechanisms.com.