Daily Care During Water Activities

During your day on the water, avoid leaving your PFD in direct sun for long periods of time. This can cause deterioration and fading of fabrics.

After Every Water Outing:

• If used in salt water, rinse PFD with clean water
• Rinse off any mud, sand or visible stains
• After rinsing, let the PFD drip dry before stowing. Never use a clothes dryer or direct heat
• Allow the PFD to dry out of direct sunlight if possible
• Check each PFD for rips, tears or holes
• Ensure all straps are firmly attached and all hardware is functioning correctly
• After the PFD is dry, check for any puckering or shrinkage
• Verify that no water is caught in the interior foam and that there is no mildew odor

Proper Storage

Force 6 PFDs should be stored in a dry, cool, dark place. If stowing in a small space on a boat or in a plastic bin, do not bend or place heavy objects on top of the PFD as this can cause crushing and damage performance.

When PFDs are not going to be used for an extended period of time, remove them from the boat or any potentially damp storage area. They will last much longer if stored in conditioned, even temperature and humidity location.

Optimal Storage Conditions:

• Temperature: 40°F to 90°F (4°C to 32°C)
• Humidity: 40-80% relative humidity
• Avoid: Temperatures below -4°F (-20°C) to prevent foam brittleness
• Avoid: Temperatures above 90°F (32°C) to prevent degradation
• Location: Dark area to prevent UV degradation
• Keep away: Direct heat sources

Thorough Cleaning

Force 6 PFDs should be cleaned immediately if stains like mud, food or sunscreen are visible. Even those that "look clean" should be cleaned monthly or at the end of the season. Every wearing leaves oils from skin and sun care products on the fabric.

Professional Cleaning Process:

1. 1Pick a sunny, dry day to do the cleaning
2. 2Spread a tarp or plastic drop cloth on the ground
3. 3Fill a bucket with cool water and about two tablespoons liquid laundry detergent
4. 4Place the PFD, with all straps and hardware unfastened, on the tarp
5. 5Using the detergent solution and soft brush, scrub each side of the PFD
6. 6For tough stains like red mud or food, apply detergent directly onto the stain
7. 7Work it in with the brush then allow the PFD to sit for at least 15 minutes
8. 8Rinse well using a hose, smoothing the fabric to get into any crevices
9. 9Hang the PFD to drip dry, preferably out of direct sunlight
10. 10If hanging inside, use a rotating fan to speed the drying process

Mold and Mildew Treatment:

If the PFD has mold or mildew, move to an outside area and brush away any visible spores before wetting the fabric. Scrub as suggested but add 1/4 cup of oxygen based bleach to the cleaning solution. This will help remove the dark stains.

When to Replace Your Force 6 PFD

Force 6 PFD Lifespan: With proper care and maintenance, expect 7-8 years in-service, 10 years from manufactured date.

Force 6 PFDs should be tested at the beginning of every season or periodically if you live in a year-round water friendly climate. A reputable Force 6 dealer can check the devices or you can test buoyancy yourself in a pool. A safe device should be able to keep an average-sized person afloat for several hours.

Replacement Indicators:

• Fabric damage: If the outer fabric or covering is torn or has started to split or break down
• Fabric weakness: If material is highly faded and you suspect weakness, try tugging on a strap - if it tears, discard immediately
• Foam deterioration: Inspect foam by squeezing lightly - if it feels hard, brittle or broken, replace the jacket
• Mold infestation: Any PFD infested with mold should be discarded to avoid inhaling mold spores