It is important to thoroughly wash lifejackets, in cold, fresh water, and ensure they are completely dry, before putting them away.
However, if you should take out your lifejacket and find that it isn’t as fresh as it could be, or that it has succumbed to mold, there are a couple of ways to treat it.
Method One
- Prepare a solution of two-thirds water to one-third bleach. Pour the solution onto the mold or mildew stains, and place the lifejacket in full sun for at least thirty minutes, to allow the solution to soak in.
- Scrub the stains with a nylon scrubber or soft brush, after the thirty minutes has elapsed.
- Rinse with cold, fresh water
- Wash stains in a mix of cold water and dishwasher detergent
- Rinse with cold, fresh water
- Hang outside, in full sun, until the lifejacket is completely, thoroughly dry. This may take as much as a full day, but it is important to make sure the lifejacket is bone dry before you store it.
Method Two
- Prepare a salt water solution, sufficient to completely immerse the lifejacket.
- Soak for 24 hours
- Remove, and scrub at the stains with a soft brush or nylon scrubber
- Wash in a mix of cold water and dishwasher detergent
- Rinse with cold, fresh water
- Hang outside in full sun, until the life vest is completely, thoroughly dry.
Remember, always thoroughly wash your lifejacket in cold, fresh water – especially if you have been on or in salt water – and ensure it is completely dry, before storing it. This should help you avoid mold and mildew.
If the cleaning methods above fail to completely remove mold or mildew stains, you would be best advised to invest in a replacement lifejacket. Remember: a life vest is a tool, and it is vital that tools are always in the best possible condition, and ready to do their job.