How to Properly Care for Your Flame-Resistant Workwear
Flame-Resistant Workwear has become part of personal protective equipment worn by many different professionals who put themselves in potentially hazardous situations every day, from electrical linemen to rig workers in the oil fields. Such clothing is designed with the sole purpose of saving lives from possible fire hazards, but to extend such gear's effectiveness, it is important to clean them properly.
The blog here will outline and give a step-by-step guide on best practices regarding the washing, storing, and maintaining of your FR workwear to keep it as a reliable protector for the intended service life.
Why Proper Care Matters
Flame-resistant fabric is designed to resist ignition and self-extinguish when exposed to flames. Modifying or neglecting recommended care, however, can compromise these protective qualities in the fabric, reducing its flame-resistance abilities and jeopardizing your safety. Proper care prolongs your workwear and ensures that it performs when it matters most.
Washing Your Flame Resistant Workwear
Pre-Wash Tips
1. Read the Label
Always start by following the manufacturer's care instructions as given on the label. Instructions differ depending on the fabric used and provide valuable guidance on maintaining flame resistance.
2. Inspect for Damage
Always be sure to inspect your clothes, before you clean them, for any sort of tear, rip, or frayed areas. Repair or retire torn clothing to ensure ongoing protection.
Washing Instructions
- Select a detergent free of bleaches, fabric softener or starch as they will destroy the flame-resistant properties of the FR fabric. Use a mild, non-ionic detergent instead.
- Always wash FR garments separately to prevent other flammable substances from contaminating the clothing.
- Warm water is normally at about 140°F or 60°C; it successfully cleanses the material from dirt and oil without affecting the strength of the fibres. Hot water should not be used, as this compromises the fibre after a long time.
- Run your washing machine on a gentle cycle to set as little wear and tear on the clothing as possible.
- Rinse your clothing twice, to ensure that all the residues of the detergent are removed. Flame-resistance properties can be affected by residual chemicals.
Drying Your Flame Resistant Workwear
1. Air Drying
Drying FR workwear by simply hanging it to air dry is the best. This does not only reduce the extent of shrinkage but also the damage caused by high heat.
2. Tumble Drying
If you need to use a dryer, use low heat or an air-only cycle. High heat will ruin the fabric and reduce its protective qualities. Remove promptly to avoid wrinkles.
Ironing and Storing Your Flame Resistant Workwear
1. Ironing
Iron only on low heat when necessary. Do not steam, as steaming can compromise the flame-resistive properties of this fabric.
2. Storing
Store FR clothing in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and chemicals. Be sure the storage area is free from contaminants which may reduce its integrity in some manner.
Additional Maintenance Tips
1. Regular Inspections
Check your workwear regularly for thinning, holes, or broken closures and mend these problems promptly to ensure that the garment retains its protection capability.
2. Professional Cleaning
If the garment is heavily soiled, consider sending it to professional cleaning. The service provider should have experience cleaning FR clothing with appropriate cleaning protocols.
3. Avoid Contamination
Keep your FR workwear away from flammable substances like gasoline, oils, and solvents, which can decrease the effectiveness of the fabric's flame resistance.
Proper care and maintenance of flame-resistant workwear is important for keeping you safe in high-risk environments. Following these guidelines on washing, drying, and storing such garments will ensure that protective qualities are retained and life expectancy extended. Your safety depends on your equipment's reliability, so invest the time and effort required in taking proper care of your FR clothing. Follow us at Unito for more.