Many professionals choose to wash work clothes at home, but this requires more attention than your everyday jeans. Incorrect cleaning can compromise the protective properties of your PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), cause coatings to disappear, or drastically shorten the lifespan of your clothing. In this article, you will learn everything about the correct temperature, the best detergent, and how to ensure hygiene without wrecking your washing machine.
How should you wash work clothes?
The process of washing workwear begins even before the machine is switched on.
- Always sort your clothes by color and degree of soiling.
- Close all zippers, Velcro fasteners, and buttons; loose hard parts can damage the fabric or the drum.
- Always turn the clothing inside out to minimize wear on the outside and on prints.
- Always check the pockets for screws, nails, or pins as well.
- Following the care label is the guiding principle here; manufacturers extensively test their clothing to guarantee quality with specific care.
In addition to this blog, we also have a few tips on washing your work clothes.
At what temperature should you wash work clothes?
The correct temperature is crucial when washing workwear. For much cotton workwear, 60°C is the standard for killing bacteria and grease. However, modern workwear often contains stretch (elastane) or special coatings that break down at excessively high temperatures. Reflective elements on High-Vis clothing can become dull if washed at too high a temperature. Therefore, preferably wash technical clothing or softshells at 30°C or 40°C. Be careful with washing at too high a temperature, especially when it comes to cotton or other natural materials, as this can lead to shrinkage, causing the fit to be lost.
Which detergent do you use for work clothes?
Choose a liquid detergent for workwear instead of powder, as liquid detergent is less likely to leave residue in the fibers. Never use fabric softener! Fabric softener forms a layer over the fibers, causing the breathability of membranes (such as GORE-TEX ) to disappear, logos to be damaged, and reflective colors and stripes to lose their effectiveness. For stubborn oil or grease stains, you can pre-treat the stain with a specific stain remover or a small amount of liquid dishwashing detergent before putting it in the machine.
Washing dirty work clothes: here's how to tackle stubborn dirt
When washing dirty work clothes, a pre-wash cycle is often not an unnecessary luxury. Heavily soiled clothing, such as mechanic's clothes or greasy overalls, can leave an unpleasant odor in your machine. A tip: add a splash of natural vinegar to the rinse compartment to neutralize odors and prevent limescale buildup caused by heavy dirt. Make sure not to overload the machine; the clothes need space to be cleaned by the water and detergent.
Are you allowed to wash work clothes together with regular clothes?
It is strongly advised against washing overalls and regular casual clothing. There is a real risk of cross-contamination: dirt, grease, metal shavings, or chemical residues from your workday can transfer to your normal clothing. Furthermore, work clothing is often much rougher, causing your finer everyday clothes to wear out faster due to friction in the drum. Therefore, always keep work clothing strictly separate from family laundry.
Wash printed clothing without damage
You must be extra careful when washing printed clothing . The heat of the washing machine and the dryer is the biggest enemy of transfers and screen prints.
- Always wash printed clothing inside out and never at a temperature higher than 40°C, unless otherwise indicated.
- Many modern logos can be washed at higher temperatures.
- Avoid the dryer completely; the heat can melt the adhesive layer of the print, causing the logo to peel or crack.
- Preferably let these clothes air dry on a hanger.
Laundry allowance and responsibility
If you wash your own work clothes, you are sometimes entitled to a laundry allowance. This is an amount paid by the employer to compensate for the use of your own washing machine, water, and electricity. Whether you are entitled to a work clothes washing allowance is usually stipulated in the collective labor agreement (CAO) or the employee handbook.
Please note: for specific safety clothing (such as flame-retardant or chemical-resistant clothing), the employer is often legally required to have the cleaning carried out professionally, as washing at home can invalidate the safety certification.
Buy workwear at Unishore Workwear
Now that you know how to keep your clothing in top condition, it is time for the best equipment. At Unishore Workwear, we are more than just a supplier; we are experts in durability and maintenance. Whether you choose top brands that can take a beating or clothing specifically developed for industrial washing, you will always find what you need with us. Thanks to our expertise in printing and embroidery and our fast delivery, you are assured of workwear that is not only safe but still looks like new even after washing it at home many times.
