Airbag/Protective Vest Care & More
How to Clean an Airbag Vest (Without Damaging It)
Airbag and protective body protector vests have become essential pieces of safety equipment for riders across many disciplines. Whether schooling at home or competing, riders trust airbag technology to provide additional protection in the saddle.
Brands like Helite, Tipperary, and Horse Pilot design their vests with specialized materials and internal systems. Because of this construction, they require a different approach to cleaning than traditional riding apparel.
Understanding how to properly care for your vest helps protect both the equipment and the rider.
Why Vests Require Special Care
Airbag and protective vests are built with technical fabrics, internal air chambers, and activation systems. Unlike saddle pads or riding shirts, they are not designed to be fully submerged in water or washed in a standard laundry cycle.
Improper cleaning methods can potentially affect:
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fabric integrity
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mechanical components
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internal inflation systems
For this reason, most manufacturers recommend surface cleaning and odor management rather than full washing.
Common Causes of Odor in Airbag Vests
Because airbag vests sit close to the rider’s body, they naturally absorb:
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sweat
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body heat
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dust from the arena or cross-country course
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moisture during warm weather rides
Over time this combination can lead to persistent odor if the vest is not refreshed between rides.
Safe Ways to Refresh an Airbag / Protective Vest
The simplest way to maintain your vest is through regular surface care and deodorizing between rides.
Riders often follow a routine like:
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Allowing the vest to air out after riding
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Wiping away visible dirt or dust
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Using a light deodorizing spray designed for equestrian equipment
This helps maintain freshness while avoiding heavy cleaning methods that could affect the vest’s construction.
A Simple Solution for Everyday Gear Care
Noggin. A Fresh Helmet Spray & More was originally developed to refresh riding helmets but has become a favorite among riders for maintaining other gear as well.
Exclusively fabricated by The Infused Equestrian, Noggin helps riders deodorize equipment including:
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airbag vests / protective body protectors
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helmets
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gloves
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boots
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frequently used riding gear
Using a light spray between rides helps keep equipment fresh without complicated cleaning routines.
Keeping Your Safety Gear Ready to Ride
Your airbag or protective vest is designed to protect you. Taking a few moments to care for it properly helps ensure it stays comfortable and fresh throughout the season.
A simple routine of airing out your gear and refreshing it regularly can go a long way toward maintaining your vest ride after ride.
Keep Your Gear Fresh
Airbag vests, helmets, gloves, and boots all absorb sweat during regular rides. Refreshing them between uses helps keep your equipment clean and comfortable.
Noggin. A Fresh Helmet Spray & More, exclusively fabricated by The Infused Equestrian, helps deodorize the riding gear you rely on most.
Keep your gear fresh between rides. Shop the 4 oz bottle of Noggin.
Use Noggin on helmets, vests, and gear at your own risk. The Infused Equestrian is not responsible for damage or misuse.
"Some brands try to scare you away from alcohol-based sprays. They’ll tell you it ‘damages’ your gear to push their own products. Here’s the truth they’re ignoring:
Trapped moisture is the real enemy of your safety vest. A spray that stays damp for hours creates the perfect breeding ground for the very bacteria you’re trying to kill.
We use a specific grade of alcohol as a high-performance drying agent. It ensures our formula evaporates quickly, pulling moisture away from the foam and mesh of your body protector. Our internal and manufacturer testing shows zero degradation to technical fabrics—just a bone-dry, deodorized vest that’s ready to ride when you are. We’d rather give you a product that actually works than a 'fear-free' formula that leaves your gear soggy."
