How to Care for ALPHATAG Vests

Dirt, stains, and unpleasant odors from a vest can spoil the impression even after a great game.

Guests assess the equipment even before the first round, and its condition can influence whether they want to return to your arena. Well-maintained kits show attention and care for customer comfort.

Here is how to keep ALPHATAG vests clean and service them carefully without putting the electronics at risk.

The main rule: the vest must not be washed as a whole or immersed in water. Its outer surfaces may only be wiped carefully with a barely damp cloth. The liner must always be removed before washing or spot cleaning.

How to Prepare the Liner for Washing

An ALPHATAG vest consists of two parts: the main section with electronics and a removable hygienic liner.

The section with electronics must not be washed or soaked. Only careful external wiping with a cloth is allowed; more details are provided below.

Dirt accumulates on the liner during games, so it requires separate care. Before washing, always remove it from the vest by carefully detaching it from the Velcro.

The liner is made of AirMesh, a three-dimensional polyester mesh. To preserve its structure, use a delicate wash and avoid strong rubbing or wringing.

Hand Washing Is the Preferred Method

Prepare water at a temperature no higher than 30 °C. Add a small amount of liquid laundry gel or a delicate detergent without bleach.

Soak the liner for 10-15 minutes. Carefully wipe dirty areas with the soft side of a sponge, without pressure or strong rubbing. Rinse thoroughly in clean water. Do not scrub the mesh with a stiff brush and do not wring it.

If You Use a Washing Machine

1. Place the liner in a special laundry bag.
2. Select the Delicate Wash or Hand Wash mode.
3. Set the temperature to 30 °C.
4. Disable the spin cycle or limit it to 400 rpm.

Only the removed liner may be placed in the machine. Washing the vest with electronics is prohibited.

How to Dry the Liner Properly

After washing, let the water drain. To remove excess moisture, gently press the liner with a clean towel without twisting it.

Dry it flat in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, radiators, and heaters.

Do not use a tumble dryer and do not iron the liner. High temperatures may deform the three-dimensional mesh.

Install the liner back only after it has dried completely. Plan washing so that it has enough time to dry before the next game shift.

Spot Cleaning and Additional Treatment

If the dirt is minor, remove the liner and carefully treat the required area with a soft sponge or cloth and a soap solution. Remove any product residue with a clean damp cloth and let the liner dry.

If disinfection is required, choose a product whose instructions explicitly state the appropriate purpose and compatibility with the material being treated: textile and polyester for the liner, plastic and coatings for the outer parts.

Follow the dosage, exposure time, and subsequent treatment procedure. Spot treatment does not replace dirt removal and washing the liner.

How to Clean the Section with Electronics

Before you start, turn off the vest and disconnect it from charging.

If there is heavy dust, first remove it with a dry soft brush. Then take a soft cloth or microfiber, lightly moisten it with water or a mild soap solution, and wring it out thoroughly. The cloth should be barely damp, with no dripping drops.

Carefully wipe the outer panels, sensor housings, and surfaces that players touch. Do not press hard or rub with force. Avoid moisture getting into connectors, gaps, buttons, speakers, and seams.

Do not spray water or cleaning agent directly onto the vest. Apply liquid to the cloth first.

After wiping, let the equipment dry completely at room temperature. Do not turn on the vest or connect it to charging until it is fully dry.

Do not use chlorine-containing products, bleaches, hydrogen peroxide, concentrated alcohol, acetone, or other aggressive solvents for cleaning.

If the cleaning product instructions require abundant wetting, this method is not suitable for the part of the vest with electronics.

Before issuing the equipment to the next group, check that the vest and liner are dry, the liner is installed evenly, and it is securely fastened to the Velcro.

How do you organize vest care at your arena? Share your experience in the comments.