2020-06-01 | COVID 19-Guidance on disinfecting your PFD/lifejacket

As your safety is our top priority, and having taken into consideration all questions you might have due to Covid-19 pandemic, we have decided to give you some pieces of advice regarding cleaning and storing your PFD/lifejacket.

This pandemic is a new challenge and it is truly not known how all materials and the virus will respond to laundry.

If you think that your PFD/lifejacket (Foam or Inflatable) has been exposed to a virus, you are advised to clean as recommended by the manufacturer and then let it dry in warm, low humidity environment for at least 72 hours before reuse. 

Steps on cleaning your PFD/lifejacket:

Step 1:

Hand wash or sponge it down in warm, soapy water, taking care not to submerge the inflator.

Attention! Do not:

• dry-clean it
• use chlorine bleach and spraying inflatables with specific disinfectants that are detrimental to the fabric (e.g. bleach-based products)
• apply direct heat
• use laundry machine

Please note that PFDs/lifejackets should be hand-washed with gloved hands – wash as hot as possible (< 60C) to kill virus.

Buckles, zippers, other hardware and hook/loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro) are hard to clean due to crevasses and metal/plastic construction. Using 60 – 90% solutions of alcohol sprayed/wetted on these components is acceptable.

COVID-19 virus may exist 3 days on or in clothing. Virus can exist longer on porous surfaces. Synthetic fabrics, plastic and metal surfaces may harbor the virus longer.

Step 2:

Rinse your lifejacket with clean water

Step 3:

Ensuring complete drying is critical. Virus likes moisture and can survive in cold – virus dies by drying out and by heat, which some fibers can enhance.

Heated air drying is encouraged < 60C. If you hang it to dry (on a plastic coat hanger), allow 72 hours (3 days) before reuse.

You always need to store your fully dried PFD/lifejacket in a warm, dry, well ventilated place out of direct sunlight.

The inherently buoyant PFDs/Lifejackets (foam) are cleaned in the same manner except they may be fully submerged.

Please note that it is important not to share garments with other people.

We hope the above instructions will be helpful and we wish you experience a safe and happy boating season.

LALIZAS will continue keeping you safe while on board and supporting you with the best possible way as always.