How to Properly Clean and Maintain Your Running Vest

A quality running vest is a significant investment, with premium models costing upwards of $200. Yet many runners neglect proper care of their gear, leading to premature wear, unpleasant odours, and degraded performance. With the right maintenance routine, your running vest can remain in excellent condition for years of reliable use across countless trails and races.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining your running vest, from regular post-run care to deep cleaning techniques and proper storage methods.

Why Proper Care Matters

Running vests endure significant abuse during use. Sweat, sunscreen, energy gels, dirt, and salt all accumulate in the fabric and straps over time. Without regular cleaning, this buildup causes several problems:

• Odour development: Bacteria thrive in damp, sweaty fabric, creating persistent smells that become increasingly difficult to remove
• Material degradation: Salt crystals from dried sweat can damage fabric fibres, reducing elasticity and breathability
• Reduced hydration system performance: Residue from sports drinks can clog soft flask valves and bladder tubes
• Skin irritation: Dirty straps are more likely to cause chafing and rashes during long runs
• Decreased lifespan: All of these factors combine to significantly shorten how long your vest remains functional

The good news is that proper care doesn't require much time or effort—just consistent attention to a few key practices.

Post-Run Care Routine

What you do immediately after each run has the biggest impact on your vest's longevity. Developing a quick post-run routine prevents the worst buildup and keeps your gear fresh between deep cleans.

Empty and Air Out

As soon as you finish your run, empty all pockets and remove soft flasks or bladders. Shake out any debris, gel wrappers, or loose items. Unzip all compartments and open all closures to maximise airflow.

Hang your vest in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. A dedicated hook near your entry door works well—you'll develop the habit of hanging it immediately rather than tossing it in a gym bag where it can't dry properly. Allow it to air dry completely before storing.

Rinse When Needed

After particularly sweaty runs, muddy trail sessions, or any run where you've spilled energy gels or sports drink on your vest, give it a quick rinse under cool running water. Focus on areas that contact your skin directly—the back panel, shoulder straps, and sternum strap area. This prevents salt and sugar from crystallising in the fabric.

Don't use soap for quick rinses—plain water is sufficient for removing fresh sweat and surface grime. Squeeze out excess water gently (don't wring) and hang to dry.

Deep Cleaning Your Running Vest

Even with regular post-run care, your vest will need occasional deep cleaning to remove accumulated oils, bacteria, and stubborn odours. How often depends on your usage—weekly runners might deep clean monthly, while daily runners might need to do so every two weeks.

Hand Washing Method (Recommended)

Hand washing is the gentlest option and is recommended by most vest manufacturers. Here's the proper technique:

1. Fill a basin or bathtub with cool to lukewarm water (never hot, which can damage technical fabrics)
2. Add a small amount of mild, fragrance-free detergent—look for products designed for technical athletic wear or use a gentle soap like Dr. Bronner's
3. Submerge the vest completely and gently agitate the water, working the soapy water through the fabric
4. Pay special attention to high-contact areas: shoulder straps, back panel, and any mesh sections
5. Let the vest soak for 15-30 minutes
6. Drain the soapy water and refill with clean, cool water
7. Rinse thoroughly, repeating until no soap remains
8. Gently squeeze out excess water—never wring or twist
9. Hang to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight

Machine Washing (When Necessary)

Some vests are machine washable—check your manufacturer's care label. If machine washing is permitted, follow these guidelines:

• Use a mesh laundry bag to protect straps and buckles
• Fasten all zips and buckles to prevent snagging
• Select the delicate or gentle cycle with cold water
• Use a small amount of mild detergent
• Never use the spin cycle at high speeds
• Remove promptly and hang to dry

Cleaning Soft Flasks and Hydration Bladders

Your hydration system requires separate attention. Soft flasks and bladders can develop mould, bacteria, and unpleasant tastes if not cleaned properly.

After Every Use

Rinse soft flasks and bladders with warm water immediately after use. For bladders with tubes, run water through the entire system including the bite valve. Leave everything open to dry completely—bacteria and mould thrive in dark, moist environments.

Weekly Deep Clean

Once a week (or after using sports drinks/electrolyte mixes), give your hydration system a thorough clean:

1. Fill with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap or use specialised hydration cleaning tablets
2. Shake well and let soak for 15 minutes
3. Use a bottle brush to scrub the interior of flasks
4. For bladders, use a dedicated bladder cleaning brush for the reservoir and tube
5. Rinse thoroughly multiple times until no soap taste remains
6. Invert or prop open to dry completely

Drying Your Running Vest

Proper drying is just as important as proper washing. The number one rule: never put your running vest in a tumble dryer. The heat damages elastic materials, melts bonded seams, and can cause shrinkage in technical fabrics.

Always air dry your vest by hanging it in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colours and degrade certain materials over time. If you need to speed up drying, position a fan to improve airflow, or hang the vest near (not on) a heat source like a radiator.

Ensure the vest is completely dry before storing. Any residual moisture creates an ideal environment for mould and mildew, which can be very difficult to eliminate once established.

Storage Best Practices

How you store your running vest between uses affects its shape and longevity. Follow these guidelines:

• Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight
• Hang on a wide hanger or dedicated hook rather than folding—this prevents permanent creases and stress on seams
• Leave zips partially open to reduce stress on zip teeth
• Remove soft flasks and store separately
• If you must fold for travel, do so loosely and unfold as soon as possible

Addressing Persistent Odours

If your vest has developed stubborn odours that won't come out with regular washing, try these approaches:

Baking soda soak: Add half a cup of baking soda to your wash water and let the vest soak for several hours or overnight before washing as normal.

White vinegar rinse: After washing, soak the vest in a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Specialised sports detergent: Products like Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Active Wash are specifically formulated to remove odours from technical athletic wear without damaging the fabric.

With consistent care, your running vest will remain fresh, functional, and comfortable for many years of adventures. The small investment of time required for proper maintenance pays dividends in extended gear life and more enjoyable runs.