How do I clean or disinfect restraints?

First it is important to note we are not specialists in disinfecting techniques. Any information provided by us should be double checked with experts in this area. For more information call the Center for Disease Control (CDC) at 800-342-2437.

Disinfecting Techniques - Standard and Color Plated Product

There are a few different ways agencies/departments clean and disinfect restraints.

The first is to use commercial products. The following are disinfecting agents for use on hard non-porous surfaces. In general they are effective against various Herpes, Influenza, HIV-1 (AIDS virus), tuberculosis and other organisms. They are easy to use and will not damage a nickel plated finish. These cleaners will effect Black Oxide or Pentrate finishes.

1. Medaphene Spray – available through Romaine Companies (800) 850-6985.

2. Redicide – available through Chemclean Corporation (800) 538-2436.

3. Staphene Spray – available through Calgon Vestal Laboratories (800) 345-7995.

Ultrasonic cleaning is another option. Many large agencies or departments have ultrasonic cleaning tanks for firearms maintenance. The same process can be used for cleaning and disinfecting our standard and color plated restraints. Do not use ultrasonic cleaning methods with Peerless High Security restraints.

For ultrasonic cleaning systems we use and recommend products from L&R Manufacturing Company. L&R offers a wide range of ultrasonic cleaning solutions at:

L&R Manufacturing Company
577 Elm Street
Kearny, NJ 07032
Phone: (201) 991-5330 Fax: (201) 991-5870 Website: http://www.lrultrasonics.com/

Another option is to use a bleach bath. Mix 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Soak the cuffs for 10 min. and then following the instructions below. The bleach may cause the nickel finish to cloud or tarnish. Do not use this method for Black Oxide finishes or High Security Restraints.

Do not place cuffs in boiling water. This may effectively disinfectant the restraint but can cause heavy rusting.

After using appropriate disinfecting techniques it is very important to thoroughly clean and dry the restraint. The single strand pivot area and the internal lock parts are most important. Use a hair dryer if necessary to force moisture out of the lock cavity. Avoid temperatures above 300° Fahrenheit. If the internal parts are not thoroughly dry, rusting and corrosion will become a problem leading to improper or poorly functioning restraints.

All Peerless Handcuff Company restraints use stainless steel or nickel plated internal lock parts. This will help stop rusting or corrosion issues. It will not prevent it.

Black Oxide finishes may require more frequent lubrication and may tend to rust if not kept properly oiled.

Disinfecting Techniques - High Security Restraint:

Use the following to disinfect Peerless High Security restraints. Do not use Disinfecting Techniques for standard and color plated products.

Important: Care should be taken when using cleaning solvents and lubricants on high security restraints. Different chemicals, temperatures and stress can have adverse affects on the LEXAN® thermoplastic lock housing.

Cleaning: The Lexan® portion of the Handcuffs or Leg Irons may cleaned with a mild soap and water only!  Complete immersion is not recommended and should be avoided. Care should be taken to remove all remaining cleaning agents with forced-air drying or warm water. Hot water above 140ºF should be not be used.

High Security Restraint Lubrication: Routinely clean and lightly oil the ratchet area and double strand rivet area to insure proper operation. Avoid getting any lubricants on the LEXAN® thermoplastic lock housing parts. Different chemicals can have adverse affects on the lock housing parts. Do not use any lubricant other than a Silicone Mold Release lubricant; such as SLIDE product #:40112N. For information on Silicone Mold Release lubricants click here: SLIDE 400112N.

Please remember to double check all advice given with experts in disinfectants techniques.