Just like with all other clothing, you also regularly put your work clothes through a soapy solution. After all, you want the clothes to smell fresh and you want to appear neat and tidy at work. But what should you actually pay attention to when washing your work clothes? Work clothes have often undergone a special treatment to protect you from the dangers at work and often get dirtier than regular clothes. That is why work clothes need a little more care and attention. In this article we will therefore give you a number of tips for washing your company clothing.
Temperature
Workwear is often sturdy and strong. This is necessary, because it can encounter quite a bit of dirt and grime during your work. This usually means that the clothing can be washed a bit hotter, but that is not always the case. Therefore, always read the label in the clothing first. Then you know for sure how hot your work clothing can be washed. Often, the higher the temperature, the cleaner your clothing and the more dirt and bacteria will be washed off your clothing. Make sure you do not wash too hot. Your clothing may be nice and clean afterwards, but it will probably also be a size smaller and work clothing that is too tight does not work well.
Prewash?
Sometimes your work clothes are so dirty that regular washing is probably not enough. Many washing machines allow you to set an additional program for this, the so-called pre-wash. With an extra pre-wash, your work clothes will be extra cleaned and will become cleaner than after a regular wash. Tip: apply a layer of detergent to sweat stains. This will loosen the dirt a bit and the result will often be even better.
Can you just wash everything?
Not all company or work clothing can simply be washed. If you work with dangerous or toxic substances, it is not a good idea to simply wash them in your own washing machine. This allows you to wash the protective layer of your company clothing. So first ask your employer whether you can wash your company clothing at home or whether there is a separate protocol for this. This way you can prevent accidents and unwanted surprises!
Colour
If you know that you can wash the work clothing in your own washing machine, there are a number of things you want to know in advance:
- at what temperature you can wash it
- prewash or not
- You have to sort the work clothes by color or even wash them separately.
This way you prevent unwanted colour changes of your workwear and the original colours are better protected and preserved.
Washing clothes with logo
Does your workwear have a printed or embroidered logo? Then it is important to be extra careful during washing, so that the logo does not get damaged or fade. Always wash clothing with a logo inside out to limit friction with other clothing or the drum wall. Do not use aggressive detergents, fabric softener or bleach and preferably choose a mild program with low temperature (max. 40 °C). Preferably do not put clothing with a print in the dryer, or use a low setting to prevent the heat from affecting the logo (only embroidered logos). By washing carefully, your clothing remains representative and the logo remains visible for longer.
Washing flame retardant clothing
Flame-retardant clothing requires special washing to maintain its protective properties. Always use a liquid, non-aggressive detergent without bleach or fabric softener, as these can affect the flame-retardant effect. It is best to use a special detergent for flame-retardant clothing. Preferably wash the clothing at a temperature between 40 °C and 60 °C, as indicated on the care label. Dry the clothing at a low temperature or hang it up; high heat in the dryer can reduce the protection. Wash flame-retardant work clothing separately from regular clothing to prevent cross-contamination with flammable substances such as oil or grease.
View our special detergent for flame-retardant clothing here
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to wash workwear correctly?
Proper washing extends the lifespan of workwear and ensures that protective properties, such as flame retardancy or water repellency, are retained. The clothing also remains representative and hygienic, which is important for both appearance and safety. Incorrect washing methods can damage the fabric or reduce functionality. For workwear with logos or standards, careful washing is crucial. This prevents additional costs and maintains the professional image of the team.
Is it wise to use fabric softener on work clothing?
In most cases, it is not advisable to use fabric softener on work clothing. Fabric softener can affect protective coatings and reduce the breathable or water-repellent properties. In the case of flame-retardant or reflective clothing, it can even be dangerous, because it affects safety. Fabric softener also affects the adhesion of prints. It is better to use a mild, technical detergent without additives.
How do I maintain clothing with reflective or protective elements?
Wash clothing with reflective strips or protective coatings inside out and at a low temperature (usually max. 40 °C). Use a mild detergent without bleach and avoid fabric softener, as this can affect the reflective effect. Dry the clothing at a low setting or hang it up to limit wear. Do not iron over reflective parts. Check regularly that the reflection is still clearly visible, especially after intensive use.
Who is responsible for washing work clothes?
The responsibility for washing work clothing depends on the agreements between employer and employee. For protective clothing or clothing that must meet standards, the responsibility usually lies with the employer. In some cases, employees are allowed to wash their clothing at home, provided they adhere to the washing instructions. In the case of industrial cleaning, the company arranges the washing itself. Clear agreements about this should be included in the clothing or work regulations.
How do I wash work clothes with a printed or embroidered logo?
Always wash workwear with logos inside out to prevent rubbing and fading. Use a mild detergent without bleach, do not use fabric softener and choose a low temperature wash program, preferably 30 °C or 40 °C. Avoid the dryer, or use a low setting, so that the logo does not become damaged or come loose. Allow printed textiles to air dry for the best results. Do not iron directly over prints or embroidery, but use a cloth in between if necessary.
