Weighted Vest Care & Cleaning Instructions
Each Zelus weighted vest is engineered with a specific weight system, and its care instructions follow that design. Removable-weight vests can go straight into the washing machine, while sewn-in weight vests are cleaned by hand. Find your exact model in the table below.
General Care Rules
How to Clean Each Type
Not every Zelus vest is cleaned the same way. Read the method that applies to your vest below, then check the Quick Reference table to find your exact model.
Wipe Clean
Wipe the vest down with a soft, damp cloth after every use to clear sweat and dust. For odor or heavier buildup, use a light disinfectant spray instead of soap and water. Never soak or submerge the vest, and never put it in a washing machine. Let it air dry completely before storing.
Hand-Soak
Wipe the vest down after each use the same as any vest. Every so often, hand-soak it in cold water with a mild detergent for a deeper clean. Gently squeeze out excess water — don't wring or twist it — then lay it flat to air dry completely before reinserting the weights or storing it. Do not put it in a washing machine.
Machine Wash
Remove every weight insert first — only the empty shell goes in the washer, on a cold, gentle cycle. A mesh laundry bag helps protect the straps and hook-and-loop closures. Never machine dry. Air dry the shell fully before reinserting the weights.
Quick Reference
| Series & Model | Wipe Clean | Hand-Soak | Machine Wash* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Series | |||
| ✓ | – | – | |
| ✓ | – | – | |
| ✓ | – | – | |
| ✓ | – | – | |
| – | – | ✓ | |
| Z-Fitâ„¢ Slim Series | |||
| ✓ | ✓ | – | |
| ✓ | ✓ | – | |
| – | – | ✓ | |
| – | – | ✓ | |
| Performance Series | |||
| – | – | ✓ | |
| – | – | ✓ | |
| – | – | ✓ | |
| – | – | ✓ | |
* Remove all weight inserts before machine washing.
Common Questions
Can I put my Zelus weighted vest in the dryer?
No. Dryer heat can warp straps and damage hook-and-loop closures. Always air dry, even for machine-washable models.
How do I get rid of sweat odor?
Wipe the inside of the vest with a damp cloth or a light disinfectant spray after every workout, and let it dry completely before storing. For machine-washable models, a cold gentle-cycle wash clears odor buildup that spot cleaning can't.
How do I know if my vest is machine washable?
If the weight inserts lift out completely, the empty shell can go in the washing machine. If the weight is sewn in and can't be removed, the vest should only be wiped clean or, for Z-Fitâ„¢ Slim Series vests, hand-soaked occasionally. Check your model in the Quick Reference table above.
Can I use bleach or fabric softener?
No. Both break down the fabric and straps over time. Use a mild detergent only, and skip bleach, softener, and other harsh chemicals entirely.
How should I store my vest between workouts?
Keep it in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. Letting it air out fully after each use — rather than packing it away damp — is the single biggest thing you can do to prevent odor.
Still have a question about your vest?
Our support team can help with care questions specific to your model.
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