How to wash workwear correctly

Wash workwear according to the care label on the garment, turn it inside out, close zips and hook-and-loop fasteners, and use the right temperature for the material. For protective clothing, stricter rules apply: do not use fabric softener or bleach, and replace the garment when the protection is degraded. Incorrect washing wears down the fabric, the branding and the protective function, and shortens the lifespan unnecessarily.

Workwear is subjected to hard use and frequent washing, and the way it is washed determines how long it lasts. Correct washing is not just about removing dirt, but about preserving the fabric, the branding and, for protective clothing, the protection itself.

What temperature should I wash workwear at?

Always follow the care label on the garment, because the right temperature varies with the material. Many work garments tolerate 40 to 60 degrees, but a higher temperature is not always better. Washing too hot can shrink the fabric, weaken reflective material and wear down branding faster. Wash at the lowest temperature that actually gets the garment clean, and use a hotter wash only when necessary for hygiene or approved for the garment.

How do I protect the branding during washing?

Turn the garments inside out before washing, so the logo and print face inward and are protected from friction. Close zips, hook-and-loop fasteners and buttons to stop them snagging other garments and the branding. Avoid overfilling the machine, because the laundry needs room to move to get clean without unnecessary wear. A tumble dryer on high heat wears more on both fabric and branding, so air drying or low heat extends the lifespan.

How do I wash hi-vis workwear?

High-visibility clothing to EN ISO 20471 requires extra care, because both the fluorescent colour and the reflective material can be weakened. Wash at the temperature the label specifies, often lower than people think, and avoid harsh detergents and bleach that can fade the fluorescent colour. The reflective tape tolerates a limited number of washes, and the garment loses visibility over time. Check the reflective material regularly, and replace the garment when it is visibly degraded, not just when the garment looks worn.

How do I wash flame-retardant workwear?

Flame-retardant clothing to EN ISO 11612 has the strictest washing rules. Never use fabric softener or bleach, because these can settle in the fibres and reduce the flame retardancy. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for temperature and detergent. Do not wash flame-retardant clothing together with ordinary clothing heavily soiled with oil or grease, because grease drawn into the fabric can make it flammable. The garment should be inspected and replaced when the protection is degraded.

Washing rules by garment type: an overview

A simple overview: Ordinary branded workwear is washed per the label, inside out, at the lowest effective temperature, ideally air-dried to protect the branding. Hi-vis clothing is washed gently without bleach, with regular checks of the reflective material and fluorescent colour. Flame-retardant clothing is washed strictly per the label, always without fabric softener and bleach, and kept away from grease. For all types, the garment is replaced when function or appearance is significantly degraded.

Should the company organise washing centrally?

For protective clothing it is often sensible to organise washing centrally or through a professional service, so the right routines are followed and the protection is preserved. That reduces the risk of an individual employee washing incorrectly and weakening the protective function. For many companies a subscription arrangement with professional washing is a simple way to ensure hygiene, lifespan and regulatory compliance.

At Universe Profile we deliver workwear and protective clothing with clear washing guidance, and we advise on how to extend the lifespan and preserve the protection. We can also set up programmes that include washing and maintenance. Use the Design Studio to see your logo on relevant garments, or ask for a quote and we will help you build a clothing programme that lasts longer.