When riding a motorcycle, it's important to wear armored pants to minimize the risk of injury in case of an accident. It's crucial to take good care of your armored pants to ensure they provide the best defense and comfort for a long time.
In this article, we'll discuss how to properly clean, store, and maintain your armored pants so that they can serve you efficiently for a long time.
Why Proper Care for Armored Pants is Important
It is not only a matter of keeping the armored pants clean and in good condition but also paying attention to whether they are protective. Too much sweating, accumulation of dirt, and exposure to environmental conditions may degrade the fabric and protection features in your armors. In case you never pay attention, they may be less effective in the case of an accident or fall.
Here are some reasons why maintaining your armored pants is important:
- Long-lasting: cleaning it regularly and storing it properly, the armored pants will last longer. That means you will not replace them that often. It saves your money for sure in the future.
- Preserved Protection: Dirt and grime can break down fabric and armor on your pants, which means through regular cleaning, the integrity of the armor remains intact to continue offering protection where needed.
- Comfort and Hygiene: Clean armored pants are much more comfortable to wear. Regular maintenance also helps to avoid nasty odors and bacterial accumulation that can act against comfort while riding.
- Keeps them looking good: A well-maintained armored pant keeps you looking sharp on every ride. They also retain their color and finish longer when well taken care of.
Cleaning your Armored Pants
As part of your armored pants maintenance routine, cleaning is essential. To prevent damaging the materials or compromising the armor's performance, it's crucial to clean them properly.
Step 1: Remove the Armor
When preparing your armored pants for washing, there are some important steps that one mustn’t ignore such as removing the armor inserts that are usually incorporated into the pants. These inserts are normally located at the knees and the hip locality. This process can be rather dangerous as it can destroy both, the pants and the armor, which will diminish the quality of your gear.
Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains
In case your armored pants have visible dirt stains, wash them separately or pre-treat the pants with a laundry detergent. Wash it with a mild soap or a product that is manufactured for removing stains on synthetic material. In most cases, you merely dab it at the stained area and then let it work for a few minutes before washing.
Step 3: Washing the Pants
When it comes to washing armored pants, remember always to follow the care instructions of the manufacturer. In general:
- Hand Wash: The best bet that one can take is to wash the armor pants by hand and this should be done with cold water and mild soap. It does not apply pressure on the material or any layers of protection that may be already on the product.
- Machine Wash: If one has no option but to wash the pants in a washing machine, they should be put in a laundry bag to minimize the chance of being agitated too much. Next, the result of a gentle cycle which involves using cold water and mild detergent must be complied with. Do not use bleach or fabric softeners because these products damage the fabric and gradually lessen the effectiveness of the pants.
Step 4: Drying the Pants
After washing the pants, it is recommended that one should avoid twirling the pants. Instead, blot the clothes to remove excess water. Do not dry your armored pants in a tumbler since the heat weakens the armor and also deteriorates the cloth. But for the remaining clothes, lay the step pants flat on the clean towel and roll the pants with the towel to give it a blot. Then, it should be hung for drying in some other region preferably a region with proper ventilation or air conditioning system with no direct sunlight or heat source coming closer to the region.
Step 5: Reinsert the Armor
When your armored pants are thoroughly dry, return the armor pieces to the pants. Ensure that they are properly positioned and well anchored to fit in your rides to increase their protective ability.
Storing Your Armored Pants
The care and cleaning of your armored pants should also be properly stored so that they retain their shape, material stability, and of course their protective capability. Here are some tips for storing your pants:
Hanging vs. Folding
As much as you can, do not wrinkle your armored pants, best if hang them to keep their structure upright. It is therefore appropriate to use a big hanger that can easily hold the pants and the weight of the armor when it is still installed. If you have to fold the pants then it is better to do it gently so that you do not press on the armor or make deep crease lines on the material.
Storage Environment
The armored pants should be stored in a cool dry area where there is no direct sunlight since this discolours the fabric as well as makes the material brittle. This can be achieved by ensuring that the fabrics and the armor are not stored in places that have high humidity since this can lead to molding of the fabric and may harm the armor.
Avoid Heavy Loads
If you have to store your armored pants in a closet, do not fold them under stress from other clothes or equipment, shoes, etc. High pressure distorts the scale and tends to compromise the protection that it offers.
Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Besides washing and properly storing the armored pants, it is also important to inspect and maintain them periodically as well.
Inspect the Fabric
It is also important to frequently examine the fabric of your armored pants for any signs of damage such as fraying, holes, or thinning. If you observe any of the above areas, it is advisable to have it repaired immediately to avoid an extension of the damage which would reduce the integrity of the pants.
Check the Armor
Visually check for any crack, warping, or any other signs of abnormality on the armor inserts. Armor is not immune to wear and tear as durability reduces with time depending on the impact that it has received. In any case where the armor of the pants gets damaged, one should replace it so that the pants can continue to afford the required protection.
Refresh the Water-Repellent Coating
It is often that many armored pants will already have a water-resistant coating to them to avoid getting wet in the rain. Still, with use, these coatings wear off and hence the pants will not be as effective in keeping you dry. One can wash it, and restore the water-repellent capabilities by getting a spray treatment that is available in most stores that deal with motorcycle gear.
Zippers and Fasteners
Feel the zippers, snaps, and all the other fasteners on your armored pants to be sure that they are functioning properly. In case the zippers of the pants become stiff, it is recommended to treat them with a silicone-based lubricant while damaged or broken fasteners should be replaced for the pants to fit and function as intended.
Proper care for your armored pants is essential for ensuring they continue to provide the protection you need while riding. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can maintain your pants’ durability, comfort, and appearance, keeping them in top condition for years to come. Remember to clean them regularly, store them properly, and conduct routine inspections to catch any potential issues before they compromise your safety.
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FAQs
Q1: Can I wash my armored pants in a washing machine?
Yes, you can wash armored pants in a washing machine, but it’s recommended to do so with caution. Always remove the armor inserts first, use a gentle cycle with cold water, and place the pants in a laundry bag to protect them. Hand washing is preferred to avoid excessive wear.
Q2: Is it safe to tumble dry my armored pants?
No, it is not safe to tumble dry your armored pants. The heat from the dryer can damage both the fabric and the armor inserts. Instead, air-dry your pants by laying them flat on a towel and then hanging them in a well-ventilated area.
Q3: Can I iron my armored pants?
No, you should not iron armored pants. The heat from the iron can damage the synthetic fabrics and any protective coatings on the pants. If your pants are wrinkled, hang them in a steamy bathroom or use a garment steamer at a low setting, avoiding direct contact with the fabric.