stupid question from contractor with issued armor

[octal]

I never thought I'd have to ask this, but how do you get blood out of your IBA? I assume you can't really launder it, and just rubbing with cold water didn't help much.

Comments

[digitaldmc]

i got mine clean of said stains with a bleach/water mixture. not too heavy with the bleech... you don't want to stain it further!

[catawbakeembo]

You could try one of those tide pens they have now. or go easy on a clorox bleach pen.

[talisein]

You can remove the kevlar material from the inside and then wash what remains. It's not too much of a pain to put back in, either. Hope you don't have too much blood on it..

[snarkactual]

Don't use bleach unless you remove the inserts. Bleach will break down the Kevlar (see the FM). If you can remove the kevlar inserts, soak the cover in cold water. I've had some pretty fair luck using a combination of oxy-clean and orange (citrus) cleaner on the covers. But, hydrogen peroxide with some detergent can do a fair job.

But if you really want to be Soldier like, take it to the S4 shop where you were issued it, and see if they'll DX (direct exchange) it for a new one. Blood in between the kevlar fibers can cause a breakdown of the material and may affect the ballistic properties of the vest.

I hope it wasn't your blood or that of anyone close. I know that sounds kind of callous and I don't mean it to be but s__t happens.

[octal]

It was my blood.

It isn't blood-soaked, just blood dripped. Most of it landed on my pants.

I got hit in the face on a blackhawk flight by some flying object, which made my nose bleed a lot. For the whole flight, as it was doors open. I'd estimate a pint or so. (basically 4-5 double-handfuls)

I feel more sorry for the SGT sitting across from me who got a blood-covered knee out of it.

[snarkactual]

Man, that's embarrassing. I've never come close to having anything hit me in-flight. Sorry about the nose, that had to be painful and embarrassing.

Try the oxy-clean/citrus cleaner method if possible after removing the ballistic panels and washing them with water and mild soap. Or use the hydrogen peroxide and mild detergent. Albeit, it may be cooked in by now.

If there's more than a little splatter you still may want to consider DXing the vest with your supply personnel.

[lars_larsen]

All bodily fluids should be cleaned with 10 percent bleach solution, then hot water.

Will that damage the material? I dont know, but there is no other protocol for cleaning bodily fluids. So you really dont have a choice.