Start with what the hood is made of
The NOMEX Heavyweight FR Hood 15" is built from 100% DuPont® NOMEX®, a fire retardant material that will not sustain a flame. That property is the whole point of the hood: it protects your head and neck during SWAT and tactical operations, especially when deploying flash bangs. Because the protection depends on the material staying intact, how you clean and store the hood matters just as much as how you wear it.
This guide covers the care steps you can take based on the verified facts about this hood. Where the manufacturer instructions are not confirmed, we say so plainly instead of inventing steps.
What the product record confirms
- NOMEX® Heavyweight FR Hood 15": Made from 100% DuPont® NOMEX®, a fire retardant material that will not sustain a flame. The flame-resistant property is inherent to the NOMEX fiber, so care that preserves the fiber integrity directly preserves the hood's protective function.
NOMEX® Heavyweight FR Hood 15" - NOMEX® Heavyweight FR Hood 15": 8 ounce 100% DuPont Nomex® The 8-ounce weight indicates a heavyweight build, which means the hood is designed for demanding tactical use and may require more careful handling during washing to avoid damaging the dense weave.
- NOMEX® Heavyweight FR Hood 15": One size fits all Because the hood stretches to fit, improper washing (like high heat or harsh agitation) can affect the elastic recovery and fit over time.
Washing: protect the NOMEX fibers
To keep the NOMEX material performing, wash the hood separately or with similar dark tactical gear. Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners, which can coat the fibers and reduce breathability. The supplied information does not include specific water temperature or cycle instructions, so use common sense: cool or warm water on a gentle cycle is the safest default for a heavyweight FR garment.
Avoid bleach and any harsh chemicals, as they can degrade the NOMEX fibers. If the hood has heavy soiling, pre-treat stains gently rather than scrubbing aggressively, which could damage the material.
Drying: air dry to be safe
The product record does not specify a dryer setting, but because NOMEX is a high-performance fiber, air drying is the most conservative choice. Hang the hood in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove the hood while slightly damp to minimize shrinkage risk.
Never iron the hood. High heat from an iron can damage the NOMEX fibers and compromise the flame-resistant properties.
A simple care routine for your NOMEX hood
- Inspect before washing: Check for rips, fraying, or heavy soiling. Address damage before cleaning, as washing can worsen small tears.
- Wash with mild detergent: Use a gentle cycle with cool or warm water. Avoid fabric softeners, bleach, and harsh chemicals that can degrade NOMEX fibers.
- Air dry flat or hung: Lay the hood flat or hang it in a shaded, ventilated area. Avoid direct heat and sunlight to preserve fiber integrity.
- Store clean and dry: Once fully dry, store the hood in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid folding it in a way that creates permanent creases.
Storage: keep the hood ready for the next call
Proper storage keeps the NOMEX hood ready for immediate use. Store it in a dry, dark location, because prolonged exposure to UV light can weaken any synthetic fiber. Keep it away from chemicals, oils, and solvents that could contaminate the material.
The hood's one-size-fits-all design means it stretches to fit, so avoid storing it stretched over a helmet or other object. That can permanently deform the knit and reduce the snug fit you need for flash protection.
When to replace your NOMEX hood
Inspect the hood regularly for signs of wear: thinning fabric, holes, frayed seams, or loss of elasticity. If the hood no longer fits snugly or shows visible damage, replace it. The flame-resistant protection is only as good as the material's integrity, so a damaged hood should not be trusted in a flash-bang scenario.
The supplied information does not specify a service life, so use your own inspection and operational standards to decide when a replacement is needed.
