Can life jackets be washed?

[lime4x4]

Life jackets got a little dirty from winter storage. Can they be washed in a washer machine?

 

[apache61]

Re: Can life jackets be washed?

Thats a good one, seams like it would have to be a large washer they would float and wouldn't get moved around much. Try spraying with a soft soap (Boat or auto) wash then use hose, pressure washer or car wash to rinse off.

 

[lime4x4]

Re: Can life jackets be washed?

We have a front load washer machine so they float to the top they will still be in water

 

[apache61]

Re: Can life jackets be washed?

Give it try

 

[tractoman]

Re: Can life jackets be washed?

Front loader on cold cycle or simple green and a scrub brush should do it. Let them air dry.

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: Can life jackets be washed?

Not recomended, at least not is a top-loader. We did so several years ago. it shredded the life jacket and I had to tear it apart to get the shreds out.

TerryMSU

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Can life jackets be washed?

I would not risk it with something that you may rely on to save your life one day. Wear it dirty or replace or follow the manufacturers instructions.

 

[diesel5599]

Re: Can life jackets be washed?

I don't think most lifejackets can be in water that long. Sure they will save your life, but some have warnings on them about an immersion limit. Meaning if they are exposed to water for x number of hours they lose their rated bouyancy and should be replaced, can only imagine what being tossed around in a washing machine would do to that rating.

If you do not have anyone that wears them all the time I wouldn't even worry about it, I'd rather a moldy life jacket that saves my life than a fresh and clean one that sinks like a rock.

I would wipe them down but skip the whole washing machine part.

 

[koko1]

Re: Can life jackets be washed?

They should be ok in front load in delicate cycle on coldest with the lowest spin cycle..

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Can life jackets be washed?

I'd be inclined to use a spray on fabric cleaner and a scrub brush, hose off and air dry.

 

[HappierWet]

Re: Can life jackets be washed?

Check if three is a machine washable label. We only handwash ours with SIMPLEGREEN and a soft brush. Also a good time to check for wear and tear.

 

[imoutnumbered]

Re: Can life jackets be washed?

We have a couple that will get an experimental OxyClean treatment in the coming weeks to see how effective it is. There were a few improperly stored with a boat that sat for a while, and just want to see how good it works on the backup units for mildew.

 

[crazyinkc]

Re: Can life jackets be washed?

I took some of mine to the car wash last year. I clipped them to the floor mat hangers and hosed them off with soap first then a good power rinse. I let the set out in the sun a few days and they were like new.

 

[carbineone]

Re: Can life jackets be washed?

Put them on and jump in the lake!