How to Wash a Heated Vest?

A modern marvel in wearable technology is heated clothing, which is widely adopted to counteract cold temperatures worldwide. As the inclination of individuals towards heated garments is increasingly day-by-day, including these in outdoor activities has also enhanced.

During snowboarding, skiing, hiking etc, people actively wear it to stay warm, comfortable and focused. But these activities also make the vest dirty pretty easily . All kinds of dirt, dust, sweat and other elements get stuck in it. Not only does it decrease the heated vests’ aesthetic appeal as a result but also lags it in performance.

Cleaning the vest is essential in this case, and using the right technique is key. Manufacturer’s of these heated vests generally elaborated all details of washing it along with mentioning concerned areas.

The brand SGKOW comes with heated apparel with instructions on how to clean it. Their heated vest are easy to maintain and provide the optimum heat for maximum comfort. In this article, we will focus on the proper way to clean a heated vest without causing any damage to its components.

Understanding the Construction of a Heated Vest

The Technology Behind Heated Vests

Advanced engineering is employed in the construction of a heated vest. The core technology integrated in these clothing items are the heating elements. These are in the form of thin wires sewn within the fabric of the inner lining of the heated vest.

Rechargeable batteries are used to provide the electrical power required to heat up the vest. Once the vest is activated, the current travels from the battery to the wires and warms them up. This is adjusted by the microcontrollers and sensors within the vest.

They adjust the temperature accordingly. The users can also modify the heat settings of the vest by using the thermostat fixed on the chest area of the vest. The battery pack is usually placed within the pocket of the vest for comfort and portability.

Brief Overview of Heated Vest’s Components

To get the most benefit from a heated vest, it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of its numerous components.

1. Heating Components

Heating components are the core components of any heated vest. The items are constructed from materials that are very resistant to electrical current. Wires made of copper or stainless steel are often utilized for heating elements.

Heating components made of metal fibers or carbon fiber are small and lightweight vest. These are sewn at specific areas of the vest, such as the abdomen, chest, etc, for added effect.

2. Battery Pack

The pocket area is used to carry the battery pack of a heated vest. Rechargeable and disposable battery packs are also available to users. The use of rechargeable batteries has both economic and environmental advantages. These are included in the classic heated vests for men that are now offered by SGKOW.

The built-in battery packs have a 7.4V/2A, 1000mAh capacity and are rechargeable, which is of high efficiency.

3. Insulation

Fleece and down are two common insulating fabrics. The insulation helps to keep in the heat produced by the heaters. This helps users stay warm in subzero climates.

The Heated Vest For Women by SGKOW is insulated with premium-grade fleece. It's made of a synthetic fabric that allows sweat to evaporate, so it's nice and dry inside.

4. Protective Covering:

Tough materials like nylon or polyester are often used for the outer shell. The outer shell protects the vest and its heating components from damage. Wind-resistant materials such as 100% Polyester are also favored in SGKOW's heated vests.

5. Controls

The vest's buttons are often found on its chest. There are 3 steps involved. Activating and deactivating the vest and changing the temperature can be done by this. Some systems include a timer that turns off the vest automatically.

Pre-Wash Preparations

Now, getting back to the significance of washing a heated vest. It’s a crucial process and should be handled carefully as it can affect the vest majorly. Here is how to prepare the vest pre-wash to let the washing procedure be smooth.

Removing the Power Source

The first step of the process is to detach the battery packs attached to the vest securely. You can easily remove the battery pack from its attachment area. Take off the connecting wires softly to avoid damage. In another case, hold the charging cable softly and plug the power bank off. If the power bank shows any leakage or cracks, consult a certified technician before removing it.

Checking for Damages

The next step is to examine any tears or damage to the vest. Look for any frayed ends of wires or any broken pieces of heating components. Have all these repaired before putting them in a washing machine, as they can get caught in the machine and cause harm? Any tears can also help excess moisture seep into the vest and ruin the circuit within, along with the control panel.

Mesh Laundry Bag

Soft mesh laundry bags are easily available in the market. For machine washing, these bags keep the components of the vest enclosed within and intact. It prevents any loose wire ends from getting tangled in the washing machine’s parts. This mesh bag also protects the vest and its covering as well.

Appropriate Washing Machine Settings

Next, ensure that your washing machine is set to a gentle cycle to clean the heated vest. This gives the vest just the right amount of light cleaning to keep it in pristine condition. On the other hand, aggressive washing can easily damage the heated vest in a short span of time.

Reading the Label

It is of extreme importance to stick to the manufacturer’s guide to washing a heated vest. They design the heated apparel in such a way that it can be a specific sort of cleaning. SGKOW’s heated vests are fit for machine washing with gentle settings and light detergent. This helps clean it and take out all the gunk without destroying its elements.

Handwashing vs. Machine Washing

Handwashing

Handwashing is one of the most sensitive yet careful methods to clean a heated vest. It requires manual input and can be done anywhere easily.

1. The first step is choosing the detergent. Wool detergent, mild dish soap and laundry soap are ideal choices. These are preferred because they are used for delicate fabric, as well as effective in removing dirt without causing damage to the fabric or vest’s components.
2. Next, is stop-treating stains. Use the mild detergent and place it on any priorly spotted stains. Leave it there for some time.
3. Now, take cold water and fill it in any container that can fit the vest. Add a small quantity of detergent to this water and mix it well.
4. Place the vest within this water and let it stay there till it's fully wet. Leave it there for 15–30 minutes.
5. Move the vest around in the water with the help of your hand to help loosen out the dirt or dust.
6. Rinse the vest thoroughly with fresh water to take out excess detergent.
7. Hang the vest on a wire with the help of clips or on a hanger to let the water drain.
8. Let it air dry completely for best results and next use.
   

Machine Washing

Most heated vests can be machine washed but with careful settings. It enables thorough cleaning without any manual effort. SGKOW’s Classic Men’s and Women’s heated vest can be machine washed with no damage. Its fabric is created to bear extensive cleaning without harming the internal components.

• Determining the right type of detergent is the foremost step in this process. Now, for the safest clean cycle, you can use mild detergent pods, mild laundry soap, and style detergents can be used.
• Next, we have to determine the settings of the washing machine. You can set the intensity to gentle and set it for one cycle of a pre-determined time, such as 5–10 minutes.
• Remove the battery pack and any sensitive components from the heated vest. Now place it in a mesh laundry bag to protect its components from slipping out.
• Add some warm water to the tub of the washing machine.
• Now add detergent or detergent pod within it.
• Place the vest enclosed within the mesh bag in the machine and start it.
• Once the wash cycle is complete, remove the vest from the machine.
• Rinse it in fresh water to remove any detergent particles.
• Let it air dry completely before you use it.
  

Drying Heated Vest

Now, you can be tempted to put the heated vest in the dryer for faster drying, but it can cause irreparable damage to the vest. We have discussed some of the ideal easy-to-dry a vest after washing below.

Air Drying

To prevent the heating components from being damaged, air drying is the best approach after cleaning. It is also the safest method. A well-ventilated area is required to complete this process.

For further speeding the evaporation process, air can be blown through a fan on the vest as well. A dehumidifier is also excellent to eliminate moisture from the vest. It helps the vest dry out sooner.

Tumble Drying

Although a dryer is not recommended to dry a wet heated vest but putting it on the lowest setting can get the job done. Always use a lint roller before you place your heated vest in the dryer. Avoid using any other fabrics with the heated vest to avoid any harm to the vest.

Ironing

To remove any moisture from a moist heated vest is generally not recommended, as it can directly damage the internal heating components. However, If a user must opt for it, they put place a towel between the iron and the heated vest. The lowest setting of iron should be used, and directly using it on heating components should be avoided.

Post-Wash Care

After you have air-dried the heated vest, it's time to inspect and reassemble it.

• Post wash of a heated vest, observe the heating components for any damage.
• If there is no damage, the n reattach the power source, which is the rechargeable battery pack. Clean the battery pack separately with a towel carefully.
• Examine the sides of the heated vest for any signs of frayed wire ends poking out. Check the seams and threads for any damage.
• Repair any damaged ends.
• Let it air dry entirely once assembled before storing it.
• Store in a cool, dry place until used.
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using hot water to soak the heated vest can harm it badly. Always use warm to cool water to clean it.
• Do not overload the washing machine with more than required intake. It can cause the heated vest to get tugged on by other clothing and get damaged in the process.
• Harsh detergents such as bleach, fabric softeners, and fast strong cleaners should be avoided. Heated vests are generally made up of delicate fabric, like SGKOW’s Unisex vest is composed of 100% Polyester, so it requires the use of mild detergent for washing.
• Directly exposing the heated vest to heat sources such as ironing or blow-dryer should be avoided to let it's heating components function properly.
  

Benefits of Regular Cleaning

Eliminate Skin Irritation

Cleaning a heated vest regularly removes all direct gunk and any particles that might be stuck in it. This can keep your skin from any allergies or irritation, as a dirty vest can contain microbes and dust particles that can be harmful to the user’s skin.

Heating Component’s Optimal Performance

By cleaning the heated vest, the heating components get cleaned. Any rust or residue will be removed from them, enhancing their heat deliverability. This boosts the heated vest’s performance.

Extending Heated Vest’s Lifespan

Any elements that can potentially damage the interior or exterior parts of the heated vest are removed by cleaning it. This extends the lifetime of the heated vest substantially.

Maintaining the Vest's Appearance and Comfort

A dirty vest can be hard to wear as it contains a layer of dust If used in outdoor activities. Cleaning it will make it look clean, which can boost the user's confidence. It can also improve the comfort level of the user as the fabric becomes softer after cleaning.

Conclusion

Heating clothing is a blessing, but regular maintenance of it can be a challenge. To make it easy, you need to disassemble it carefully, remove all parts, and then machine wash it. Let it air dry to improve performance. This not only keeps the heated vest looking clean and pristine for longer but helps its components perform better. Keeping a heated vest clean is key to maintaining its usability. We hope this article was of maximum help to you in this.

FAQs

How often should I wash my heated vest?

You should wash your heated vest after every 3–5 uses, or more frequently, depending on how dirty it is. If you use the heated vest more, then clean it regularly. If not used on a regular basis, then you can clean it whenever used.

Can I dry-clean my heated vest?

Manufacturer’s instructions usually come in handy in this regard, as different heated vests are designed for different types of washing and drying. Most heated vests, however, If not dry-cleaning safe, should be put in a dry cleaner as it can damage the heating components within it.

What should I do if my vest stops working after washing?

The first thing you can do If the heated vest stops working after washing is try pressing the power button multiple times. If that does not work, then check the connections of the heated vest battery pack with the heating components. Check the charging of the battery. Make sure there is no moisture in the heated vest. Let it air dry completely again. If it still does not work, then get it a check from a certified technician who can help make it functional quickly.