How to Clean and Maintain Your LIFELINE Jacket

How to Clean, Care for, and Maintain Your LIFELINE Comp Vest and Capsule Race Suit

If you're a high-performance boater or boat racer, safety and durability are paramount when it comes to your racing gear.

The LIFELINE Comp Vest and LIFELINE Capsule Race Suit are designed for maximum protection, comfort, and longevity, making them a trusted choice among professional racers.

Proper maintenance and cleaning of these essential safety gear will ensure their effectiveness on the water while extending their lifespan.

Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your LIFELINE racing life jackets and other safety gear in peak condition.

Cleaning Your LIFELINE Comp Vest and Race Suit

1. DO NOT Machine Wash or Dry Clean

The LIFELINE Comp Vest and Capsule Race Suit are constructed with specialized high-performance materials, including 1000D Nylon, 600D Polyester, and heavy-duty impact foam. Machine washing or dry cleaning can degrade these materials, reducing their protective capabilities.

2. Send Your Gear to LIFELINE for Professional Cleaning

To ensure your racing vest or race suit maintains its structural integrity, it's highly recommended that you return it to LIFELINE for proper cleaning and recertification. This service ensures that flotation and impact-protection components remain in optimal condition.

3. You CAN Spot Clean and Touch-Up

For small stains or dirt buildup, follow these steps:

Use a mild soap (avoid harsh detergents or bleach).
Wash with cold water and a soft brush to gently scrub dirt away.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Allow to air dry completely before storing—do not use heat to dry.

4. Special Cleaning Instructions for Other LIFELINE Gear

Ballistic Shorts (PN-280), Cut-Resistant Suits (PN-300-307), and Socks (PN-310-312) can be machine-washed on a delicate warm/cold cycle and then air-dried.

Caring for Your LIFELINE Comp Vest and Race Suit

1. Storage Best Practices

Keep your gear in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Prolonged sun exposure can weaken fabrics and fade colors.
Store in a cool, temperature-controlled space to prevent premature degradation of the flotation and impact-resistant foam.
Do not fold or compress your vest or suit excessively, as this can damage the built-in impact materials.

2. Inspect Your Gear Before Every Race

Before hitting the water, take a moment to inspect your LIFELINE Comp Vest and Capsule Race Suit for:

Visible wear and tear such as rips, fraying, or weakened stitching.
Compromised flotation or padding—if the vest or suit feels less supportive, it may need professional evaluation.
Zippers and buckles—ensure all closures are functional and secure before use.

3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Substances

Keep gasoline, oil, and solvents away from your vest and suit, as these substances can deteriorate the fabric and flotation materials.
If exposed to saltwater, rinse thoroughly with fresh water after each use to prevent material breakdown.

Maintaining Performance and Safety on the Water

As trusted gear for top-tier boat racing events—including APBA, UIM, SODA, ODBA, DSRA, SCSC and the Parker Enduro—your LIFELINE safety equipment is designed for intense conditions.

However, routine maintenance ensures maximum flotation, impact protection, and comfort while keeping you compliant with racing association regulations.

By following these cleaning, care, and maintenance tips, your LIFELINE Comp Vest and Capsule Race Suit will remain in excellent condition, providing safety and performance whenever you need it.

Stay safe, stay fast, and trust LIFELINE—proudly made in the USA!

For professional cleaning or technical support, contact Mike Hill at +1-714-697-1716 or email mike@buckshotracing77.com

LIFELINE Comp Vest

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LIFELINE Capsule Race Suit