How to clean and store an equestrian airbag vest without damaging it

An airbag vest spends its days exposed to arena dust, perspiration, rain and the car boot. It is understandable to want to put it in the washing machine with the rest of your riding kit. For an AXION airbag vest, however, that is precisely what you must not do.

The inflatable membrane, mechanism and cartridge require different care from an ordinary fabric vest.

Can an equestrian airbag vest be machine-washed?

Not an AXION Equestrian airbag vest.

Tumbling, immersion, detergent, spinning and heat can affect the internal components, displace the membrane or damage the mechanism. Even a delicate cycle does not reproduce the conditions specified in the instructions.

Care requirements vary between manufacturers and models. Never apply the procedure for another airbag to your own.

The right method for routine cleaning

First disconnect the airbag from the saddle and place it on a stable surface. Do not dismantle the mechanism.

1. Remove dust with a soft cloth or very soft brush.
2. Spot-clean marks with a slightly damp cloth.
3. If necessary, use a small amount of neutral soap.
4. Wipe gently without scrubbing or saturating the fabric with water.
5. Allow it to dry naturally in a well-ventilated place.

Avoid bleach, solvents, powerful stain removers, abrasive products and fabric fragrances. They can attack the materials or mask a damp smell that should instead alert you.

How do you clean the crystals without dulling them?

The Preciosa crystals on AXION models are applied by hand. Clean their surface with a soft, very slightly damp cloth, without scraping around the edges or using a hard brush.

Do not apply alcohol, acetone or household cleaner. If a crystal or its setting appears loose, do not attempt a repair with general-purpose glue. Contact AXION to preserve both the finish and the technical fabric.

Can you speed up drying?

Not with a tumble dryer, radiator, hair dryer or direct sunlight.

Heat can affect the materials, while forceful drying may cause deformation. Leave the vest open in a dry, ventilated room away from any heat source.

Never store it while it is still damp, even for a few hours.

Is the car boot a good place to store it?

No, especially not for an extended period.

A vehicle can become very hot in the sun, very cold at night and humid depending on the season. The equipment may also be compressed beneath a saddle, trunk or boots.

Transporting your airbag vest in the car for a ride is normal. Leaving it there for days or weeks is not.

How should an airbag vest be stored?

Choose a dry, ventilated place at a moderate temperature, protected from UV light, sharp objects and prolonged compression.

The vest can lie flat or hang on a suitable hanger that is wide enough not to distort the shoulders. The mechanism and cartridge should not strike a wall or be crushed against other equipment.

Do not fold the inflatable areas sharply or place a heavy load on them.

Should the cartridge be removed between rides?

Follow the instructions for your model. With regular use, the approved cartridge generally remains fitted and correctly screwed in. Handling it unnecessarily before every ride increases the risk of misalignment or incomplete tightening.

Inspect its condition regularly, however: there should be no impact marks, corrosion, perforation or abnormal play.

What should you check regularly?

• fabric and seams free from cuts and deep abrasion;
• closure complete and smooth;
• lanyard and strap free from fraying;
• carabiner not deformed;
• mechanism clean, with no impact damage or loose parts;
• cartridge intact and reference legible;
• no damp smell or traces of mould.

Repeat this inspection after any long period without use.

What should you do after a fall or deployment?

Cleaning comes after safety. Inspect the airbag, mechanism, lanyard and strap first. A pierced cartridge must be replaced, and the system should only be reset in accordance with the specified procedure.

After a significant fall, heavy abrasion, compression by the horse or any abnormal inflation, have the vest checked before using it again.

How long can an airbag vest last?

There is no universal lifespan covering every model and pattern of use. Longevity depends on the manufacturer’s requirements, frequency of use, deployments, falls and care conditions.

An older vest with a complete maintenance history is not assessed in the same way as a recent vest left damp or compressed. Condition and traceability matter more than a date alone.

Care is part of protection

Gentle cleaning, natural drying and correct storage may seem less technical than changing a cartridge. Yet these actions determine the environment in which the membrane and mechanism age.

Find all the instructions in the AXION use and care guide. If in doubt, do not use the airbag until it has been checked.