Fire-resistant clothing is used across multiple industries, like oil, gas, and power. It’s the first line of defence against unwanted sparks, flames, and toxic chemicals. A fire-resistant suit also forms a part of specialty wear that lab technicians wear daily.
Many power and construction companies gift mens flame resistant clothing as onboarding gifts. However, these special garments only work if you know how to wash and clean them correctly. Improper washing, drying, and laundry slowly wears off the flame-repelling feature. It can leave an employee vulnerable in the face of a mishap. This article teaches you how to clean, dry, and maintain fire-resistant clothes. Read on!
Tip 1: Always Follow the Original Washing Instructions
Similar to other garments, safety workwear also comes with washing instructions straight from the manufacturer. While you can always clean other clothes how you like, you shouldn’t risk things with specialty wear. By following the manufacturer’s washing instructions, you can extend the longevity of a fire-resistant garment. Here are some of the common washing instructions to follow:
- Always wash the fire-resistant garment separately and not with other fabrics.
- Make sure you’re using cold or warm water. Double-check the water temperature, as hot water can shrink the garment.
- If a fire-resistant garment has tough stains, it’s recommended to soak it in lukewarm water before washing.
- Always dry it flat or line dry for best results. However, if tumble drying is the only option available, ensure it uses low heat.
Never use any market-bought laundry aids like fabric softener or starch. Such additives can permanently coat the special fibres and destroy the flame-resistant feature. Besides, they can also lead to a flash fire when working in a hot environment.
Tip 2: Don’t Use Conventional Laundry Products
Are you planning to use your regular laundry detergent to wash a fire-resistant suit? Think again! Fire-resistant clothes are different and need specially-made laundry products. Compared to regular soap or detergent, they don’t leave behind any residue. They are also gentle on the fire-resistant coating while removing stains.
If your fire-resistant suit shows harsh stains from oil and grease, you can pre-soak it by mixing mild detergent with water. Besides, when you laundry your garment, turn it inside out. It will help you maintain the colour longer and add to the garment’s lifespan.
It’s normal for your fire-resistant suit to get soiled and dirty. So, always keep an extra outfit with you. It also helps if a fire-resistant suit comes in contact with a toxic chemical. In such situations, you must discard the suit immediately and change. Having an extra pair means you will never have to leave your job site or be unproductive for the day.
Tip 3: Say No to Chlorine Bleach
When removing tough stains, many prefer using chlorine bleach. However, in the case of a fire-resistant garment, it’s a strict no-no. This is because chlorine is a powerful reagent. It can strip the colour, lustre, and fire-resistant coating.
Most flame-resistant clothes are made of cotton blends with a protective coating atop. Thus, repeatedly using chlorine bleach can significantly reduce the flame-resistant property. When in doubt, always refer to the manufacturer’s washing instructions.
Closing Thoughts
Taking care of a fire-resistant suit doesn’t have to be complicated. By following the above tips, you can maintain its longevity and usefulness.
If you’ve received a flame-resistant garment from your company, you must read the manufacturer’s instructions that came along. It will help you know the basics of cleaning, drying, and maintaining the clothing. Also, when washing your flame-resistant suit for the first time, pay attention to the water temperature. Many people end up running their specialty suit in the first wash. Understanding the difference between hot and warm water is essential.
Besides, when ironing a fire-resistant suit, keep the heat setting to the lowest. And make sure your garment is completely dry before you put it back on. Take care and stay safe!