Equipment Maintenance Schedules
Daily Maintenance
- • Wipe down duty belt and holster
- • Remove boot insoles to air out
- • Check flashlight function and battery
- • Inspect uniform for damage
- • Clean and dry wet gear
Weekly Maintenance
- • Clean boots thoroughly
- • Inspect body armor carrier
- • Check all gear for wear
- • Organize and clean vehicle gear
- • Test retention holster function
Monthly Maintenance
- • Inspect body armor for damage
- • Deep clean backpacks and bags
- • Condition leather items
- • Replace worn consumables
- • Check expiration dates
Maintenance by Equipment Type
🛡️Body Armor Care
- •Store flat in cool, dry location - never folded or compressed
- •Keep away from direct sunlight, chemicals, and petroleum products
- •Clean carrier according to manufacturer instructions - usually hand wash
- •Inspect monthly for delamination, cracks, or damage
- •Replace immediately after any ballistic impact
- •Track purchase date and warranty period - soft armor typically 5 years
- •Never store wet - promotes mold and delamination
- •Professional fitting recommended for new armor
👢Tactical Boots
- •Rotate between two pairs - extends life significantly
- •Remove insoles daily to air out and prevent odor
- •Use boot dryers (no heat) - air circulation only
- •Condition leather monthly with quality leather conditioner
- •Re-waterproof annually if waterproof boots
- •Replace insoles every 3-6 months for comfort and support
- •Fix small issues immediately - stitching, eyelets, minor damage
- •Store in cool, dry location - not in hot vehicles
🎒Backpacks & Bags
- •Empty completely and air out after each use
- •Spot clean regularly with mild soap and water
- •Deep clean quarterly - hand wash with mild detergent
- •Never machine dry - air dry only, away from direct heat
- •Check zippers monthly - lubricate with zipper lubricant if sticky
- •Tighten loose stitching before it becomes major repair
- •Re-waterproof annually if treated fabric
- •Store unloaded and dry - prevents mold and maintains shape
🔫Duty Holsters
- •Clean weekly with damp cloth - remove dirt and debris
- •Never oil polymer holsters - attracts dirt
- •Check retention adjustment regularly - ensure proper weapon security
- •Test draw and retention weekly - critical for duty use
- •Inspect for cracks, especially around retention mechanisms
- •Ensure all screws are tight - thread locker on critical screws
- •Replace if damaged - holster failure is a safety issue
- •Store in stable temperature - extreme heat can warp polymer
🔦Tactical Flashlights
- •Clean lens and reflector monthly with microfiber cloth
- •Check O-rings for damage - maintains waterproofing
- •Lubricate threads annually with silicone grease
- •Test function daily - your life may depend on it
- •Carry spare batteries and bulbs if not LED
- •Remove batteries if storing long-term
- •Check for corrosion if exposed to water
- •Replace when output noticeably decreases
⚙️Duty Belts
- •Inspect stitching weekly - critical load-bearing item
- •Clean with mild soap - avoid harsh chemicals
- •Check buckle function and all attachment points
- •Verify hook-and-loop (Velcro) is still secure
- •Replace when showing significant wear - safety critical
- •Ensure proper tension - too loose or tight causes issues
- •Store flat when possible to maintain shape
- •Quality belts should last 3-5+ years with proper care
When to Repair vs Replace
Worth Repairing:
- Recraftable boots: Danner and similar can be completely rebuilt for $100-150
- Quality packs: Zipper replacement, strap repair often worth it on premium packs
- Plate carriers: Stitching repair, buckle replacement usually economical
- Duty belts: Professional re-stitching if quality belt showing minor wear
Better to Replace:
- Damaged holsters: Never risk holster failure - replace
- Compromised armor: Any impact or visible damage requires replacement
- Budget boots: Repair costs often exceed replacement value
- Failed flashlights: Modern LEDs rarely worth professional repair
Q&A