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Ever wondered how to take care of your Mustang Survival gear? Here are all the fabric and care instructions you need to know to get the longest life out of your products:
Dry Suits and Technical Apparel
Washing Instructions:
- Use a front or top-loading washing machine (without an agitator).
- Before laundering, zip all closures, fasten flaps and straps, and loosen adjuster cords.
- Inspect your garment and spot-clean heavy dirt areas with a clean, damp cloth. For tough stains, apply tech wash directly.
- Machine wash on a gentle cycle at 104°F (40°C) using mild, additive-free detergent (avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and stain removers). If you can, opt for a technical wash designed for waterproof outerwear.
Drying Instructions:
- Tumble dry on a warm, gentle cycle. Avoid fabric softeners, ironing, and dry cleaning.
- Note: If you remove the jacket from the dryer before it's fully dry, it might appear crinkled. This doesn't affect waterproofness.
Reapplying DWR Coating:
After cleaning and drying, consider reapplying a DWR (durable water-repellent) coating if the fabric isn't repelling water. This isn't necessary after every wash, but it's vital as the coating wears off over time.
- Use a non-wax, non-silicone spray-on DWR product. These are preferred over wash-in types.
- Follow the washing instructions mentioned earlier.
- Before drying, evenly spray the garment with a waterproofer, focusing on areas prone to wetting out.
- Remove excess liquid with a clean cloth.
- Activate the waterproofer in the dryer. Dry for about 20 minutes on air dry or low heat to restore repellency. Ensure the jacket is fully dry before removing, and add 5-minute increments if needed.
By following these steps, you'll not only prolong the life of your technical gear but also enhance the countless adventures it accompanies you on!
Zippers
Make sure zipper teeth are clear of debris before and after each use. If a zipper becomes jammed, identify and remove the blockage rather than force through it. Like the rest of the product, store in a dry place out of direct sunlight. Main entry zippers of dry suits and immersion suits should be lubricated regularly following the lubricant product instructions to maintain full waterproofness.
Find more information on YKK® zippers here.
Seals and Gaskets
Keep wrist and neck seal gaskets away from sharp objects that could cause tears. Remove jewelry before donning and doffing seals. Avoid exposing seals to bug spray or sunscreen, which often contain chemicals that can harm the seal materials. After use, rinse with salt-free water and do not expose to direct sunlight; UV exposure can slowly degrade the material.
PFDs
To clean your PFD, hand wash or sponge down in warm, soapy water, taking care not to submerge if it is an inflatable. Rinse your PFD with clean water and hang it to dry on a plastic coat hanger. Do not dry clean, use chlorine bleach, or apply direct heat. Always store your fully dried PFD in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight.
If you are washing an inflatable PFD, the device should be disarmed (if it is automatic) to prevent accidental inflation. The inflatable PFDs can be rinsed (once disarmed), but complete submersion is not recommended.
If your device utilizes a Hammar MA1 Inflator (found on our Hammar Inflation Technology (HIT) products), do not allow any water into the bladder after it has been disarmed. If you accidentally get water in the bladder, it must be emptied prior to re-arming your device; failure to do this may result in the inflator being rendered inoperable.
Mustang also recommends IOSSO Mold & Mildew Stain Remover for cleaning the outer cover of your PFD. Please note that other cleaning products for fabrics may function just as well, but results are not guaranteed.
Foam Flotation Products
Any of Mustang's foam flotation products (PFDs, floater coats/jackets) can be rinsed and submerged without issue at any time during the cleaning process.
To clean your flotation gear, hand wash or sponge down in warm, soapy water. Rinse with clean water and hang to dry on a plastic coat hanger. Do not dry clean, use chlorine bleach, or apply direct heat. Always store your flotation gear in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight.