Every shift, you rely on your high-visibility (hi-vis) gear to keep you visible to equipment operators, drivers, and coworkers. However, hi-vis clothing takes a beating in harsh work environments. Dirt, grease, chemicals, and constant wear can quickly deteriorate the reflective properties and fabric integrity that keep you safe.
With smart care practices, you can extend the lifespan of your safety gear while maintaining its protective qualities. Whether you’re working on a construction site, roadway, or an industrial facility, these care tips from the field will help you make your hi-vis gear last so it can keep you safe for as long as possible.
Inspect Your Gear Before Every Use
Start each workday with a thorough inspection of your hi-vis clothing:
- Check for tears, loose seams, missing buttons, or damaged zippers that could compromise the garment’s integrity.
- Pay special attention to reflective tape and strips, looking for peeling edges, cracks, or areas where the backing shows through.
- Replace any item that shows extensive wear or damage to reflective elements.
- Document recurring problem areas to identify patterns that might indicate improper sizing or unusually harsh working conditions.
- Examine high-stress areas like knees, elbows, and pocket openings where fabric typically wears first. Address minor issues before they become major problems.
For times when immediate repair isn’t possible, keep a repair kit with fabric patches and reflective tape for minor fixes.
Follow the Washing Fundamentals
Proper washing techniques preserve fabric integrity and reflective properties. Before washing, turn garments inside out to protect reflective elements from direct agitation. Hot water breaks down reflective adhesives and can cause fabric shrinkage that affects garment fit and comfort, so use cold water settings exclusively.
Choose mild detergents without bleach, fabric softeners, or optical brighteners. These chemicals attack the reflective backing of your gear and can create a film that reduces visibility. Instead, opt for commercial-grade work clothing detergents specifically formulated for hi-vis clothing to get the best results and maintain safety standards.
During the first wash cycle, separate hi-vis items from heavily soiled work clothes. Excess dirt and grease from other garments can embed in hi-vis fabrics, making complete cleaning more difficult. Treat stubborn stains with appropriate spot cleaners before machine washing, but test the cleaning product on an inconspicuous area first.
Apply Smart Drying Strategies
The way you dry your hi-vis gear directly impacts its effectiveness. Depending on your drying method, keep the following advice in mind.
Air-Drying
This method preserves your gear better than machine drying. Hang garments away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can degrade the fabric and reflective materials. Keep in mind that ultraviolet rays from prolonged sun exposure cause colors to fade and reflective tape to deteriorate prematurely.
Machine Drying
When machine drying becomes necessary, use the lowest heat setting available. Remove items while slightly damp to prevent overdrying, which makes fabric brittle and can cause reflective tape to crack. Never use dryer sheets, as they leave residue that reduces reflectivity and can attract dirt.
To prevent overheating, check garments frequently during the drying cycle. High temperatures cause shrinkage that affects fit, and poorly fitting safety gear compromises protection.
Store Your Equipment Properly
The way you store your gear directly impacts how well it works. Follow these important tips when storing your equipment.
Clean, Dry Storage
These storage conditions help prevent mold, mildew, and pest damage that can ruin hi-vis gear. Fold garments loosely or hang them to prevent permanent creases that stress fabric fibers. Avoid storing items in hot vehicles, damp basements, or areas with temperature fluctuations that promote moisture buildup.
Breathable Storage Containers
Use breathable garment bags or containers for long-term storage. Plastic bags trap moisture and create ideal conditions for bacterial growth and fabric deterioration. Use cedar blocks or moisture absorbers to maintain dry storage conditions.
Have Spare Equipment on Hand
By rotating between multiple sets of hi-vis clothing, you can extend the life of each piece by reducing the frequency of use and allowing proper drying time between wears. This practice also ensures you always have clean, regulation-compliant gear available.
Address Different Hi-Vis Gear Types
Not all hi-vis gear requires the same type of care. For the best results, follow these best practices for your specific gear.
Jackets
Due to their complex construction and multiple fabric layers, high-visibility safety jackets require special attention. Check insulation integrity regularly and confirm that zippers operate smoothly. Stains can compromise visibility or cause odors that could make your jacket unwearable, so always clean spills immediately.
Vests
Lightweight mesh vests need gentle handling to prevent snags and tears in the delicate fabric. Inspect mesh areas for stretched or broken fibers that create visibility gaps. Also, these garments dry quickly but require careful folding to prevent permanent creases in reflective elements.
Hard Hat Covers and Accessories
These items follow similar care principles but may require more frequent replacement due to exposure to impacts and abrasive conditions. Plus, make sure to remove covers before cleaning hard hats to prevent damage to both items during the cleaning process.
Rain Gear
In addition to standard care practices, rain gear with hi-vis properties demands waterproofing maintenance. Reapply waterproof treatments according to the manufacturer’s specifications to maintain visibility and weather protection. Test water repellency regularly by sprinkling water on the fabric surface.
Handle Repairs and Replacements Strategically
Address minor damage immediately to prevent larger problems. You can patch small holes with appropriate fabric repair kits, but your patches must not interfere with the required reflective placement areas. For emergency repairs, keep replacement reflective tape handy that matches your gear specifications.
In some instances, repair becomes ineffective or unsafe. Extensive damage to reflective elements, large tears, or extensive fading often necessitates a complete replacement rather than repair attempts. Document replacement dates and reasons to identify patterns that might indicate process improvements or sizing adjustments.
Establish relationships with reliable suppliers for quick replacements when needed. Emergency gear purchases often limit your options and may result in ill-fitting or lower-quality items. With bulk purchasing programs, you’ll reduce costs while maintaining consistent availability of properly fitting, specification-compliant gear.
Maximize Your Safety Investment
By following these care tips from the field, you can make your hi-vis gear last. These practices reduce replacement costs and consistently comply with workplace safety requirements. Your commitment to equipment maintenance directly impacts your safety and the safety of your coworkers.
Remember, properly maintained hi-vis gear performs better and lasts longer than neglected equipment. Your life depends on visibility, so treat your safety gear with the respect and care it deserves. If you need to stock up on hi-vis gear, our website is the place for you. From hi-vis jackets to safety gloves, we have everything you need to stay safe and visible on the job.
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