Advanced Inspections may be taken care of by the professionals, like LION TotalCare, but basic gear cleaning is done daily by firefighters and the departments.  Here’s a quick checklist we like to keep in mind next time you’re cleaning your gear:

  • Look over the entire ensemble for any damage that may require repair
  • Check for places that may need spot treatment
  • Use a soft bristle brush for any areas that need to be pre-treated
  • Separate your liner from your outer shell
    • Your liner is delicate – if you’ve got hooks or other fasteners rubbing against it in the laundering process, they’ll damage your moisture barrier
    • Always launder liner and shell separately
  • Remove belt, DRD, etc.
  • Close all closures prior to washing
    • This includes Velcro, hooks, etc. – if they’re open, it’s more abrasive in the laundering process and more likely to cause damage to your gear over time
  • Turn liner inside out
  • Launder shell and liner in separate cycles
  • Air dry in a well-ventilated area away from UV light

Once your gear is dry, turn the liner back to the right side out and reassemble your gear (don’t forget your DRD!).