How To Wash and Maintain Your Zelus Weighted Vest

The standard procedure to clean a weighted vest is to use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away any sweat, dust, or debris from the vest. 

This is the safest method that works for all of Zelus’s weighted vests, and is what you should resort to in doubt. It is not advisable to put a weighted vest in water or a washing machine, except the product manual explicitly makes it clear that it is okay to do so. 

However, there are some models of weighted vests from Zelus that can be washed by hand or put in the washing machine, but it is only advisable to do so after verifying and making sure that the vest is designed to be cleaned in this way.

This guide will not only instruct you on how to clean your weighted vest, but also which models can be used in a washing machine, and which models should not. 

1. How to Clean Your Weighted Vest With a Damp Cloth

Again, the “official” way to clean a weighted vest, including a Zelus weighted vest, is to wipe it thoroughly with a soft, clean, and damp cloth. 

Get a soft cloth, some water (preferably warm), and follow these steps:

1. Remove all the weight bags from the vest, and ensure all pockets are empty
2. Using the soft, damp cloth, wipe away all the sweat, dust, or debris from the vest. Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals. Do not wash with water or put it in a washing machine.
3. After cleaning, air-dry the vest before use. Do not use a drying machine
4. Store the vest in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, and keep it there whenever you are not using it.

Rules for Cleaning a Weighted Vest

• DO NOT wash the vest with water or in a washing machine.
• DO NOT use bleach or harsh chemicals to clean
• DO NOT use a drying machine after cleaning

2. Can You Wash Your Zelus Weighted Vest By Hand?

Most models of Zelus’ weighted vests are not to be washed by hand. Only certain models, like the 30lb Weighted Vest with Adjustable Weights and the 45lb Weighted Vest with Iron Weights, are made of nylon and padded with foam, and can be washed by hand.

How to Wash By Hand

1. Start by removing all weights from the weighted vest and making sure the pockets are empty.
2. Handwash in warm water with a rough sponge. Do not use bleach or any harsh chemicals
3. Note that you can also clean with a soft, wet cloth, but hand washing will yield cleaner results.
4. Air dry: do not put it in a drying machine.

Rules for Hand Washing Your Weighted Vest

• DO NOT use bleach or harsh chemicals to clean
• DO NOT use a drying machine after cleaning
• Do NOT put it in a drying machine

Remember to store in a cool, dry place after washing: away from direct sunlight

3. Are Zelus Weighted Vests Machine Washable?

The Z-Fit Weighted Vests are machine washable, but most of Zelus’ Weighted Vests are not. Take note that, for the Z-Fit weighted vests,  it is not advisable to wash them in the machine except the machine has a capacity that is at least 2.5 times the weight of the vest.  

For example, a 10-lb weighted vest MUST be washed in a machine with a capacity of 25+ lbs.

You can wash it with mild detergent under running water, or in a washing machine, following regular cleaning procedures. 

• Air-dry it before use: do not use drying machines
• Don't forget to store it in a cool, dry place and keep it away from direct sunlight.

Zelus Weighted Vest Cleaning Guide

A little regular care goes a long way: spot clean sweat and dirt before they build up, hand wash gently when needed, and always let it air dry fully. 

However, remember to avoid harsh chemicals and high heat; this way, you preserve the fabric, straps, and weights for years of training ahead. 

Treat your vest like any other piece of training gear: maintain it well, and it will return the favor by performing reliably every time you put it on.

On the topic of performance, you might be interested in how weight to put in a weighted vest.