Flame-resistant (FR) clothing protects workers from flash fires, electrical arcs, and combustible dust in hazardous environments. However, improper washing can compromise the protective properties of these garments, putting workers at risk. Understanding the correct laundering methods ensures your FR clothing maintains its safety standards and extends its usable life.
FR garments contain specialized fibers or chemical treatments that self-extinguish when exposed to flames. Regular detergents, fabric softeners, and certain washing practices can degrade these protective qualities. Following manufacturer guidelines and industry best practices keeps your safety wear clothing functional and compliant with workplace safety regulations.
Check the Manufacturer’s Care Label
Every FR garment includes a care label with specific washing instructions from the manufacturer. These labels provide critical information about water temperature, detergent type, and drying methods suitable for that particular garment.
Manufacturers design care instructions based on the fabric composition and flame-resistant treatment used. Some FR clothing uses inherently flame-resistant fibers like Nomex or Kevlar, while others rely on chemical treatments applied to standard fabrics.
Review each garment’s care label before the first wash and follow those instructions consistently. Ignoring these guidelines can void a garment’s certification and compromise worker safety. Keep a record of care instructions for different FR garments in your facility to ensure consistent laundering practices across all items.
Use the Right Detergent
Be sure to select a mild, pH-neutral detergent specifically approved for FR clothing. Avoid detergents containing bleach or chlorine compounds, fabric softeners or softening agents, stain removers with harsh chemicals, hydrogen peroxide, and animal fats or natural soaps.
These substances can coat FR fibers, reducing their flame resistance or breaking down the chemical treatments that provide protection. Many detergent manufacturers now offer products specifically formulated for FR garments that clean effectively without damaging protective properties.
Use the recommended amount of detergent listed on the product label, as excess detergent leaves residue on fabric that can accumulate over time and reduce flame resistance. If you notice soap residue on garments after washing, run an additional rinse cycle with plain water.
Set the Correct Water Temperature
Most FR garments wash best in warm water between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot water can damage chemical treatments and shrink certain FR fabrics, while cold water may not remove oils, dirt, and contaminants that can fuel combustion.
Check each item’s care label for specific temperature requirements. Some modern FR fabrics tolerate higher temperatures, while others require cooler settings. Industrial laundries often use specialized equipment that maintains consistent water temperatures throughout the wash cycle.
Hard water with high mineral content can leave deposits on FR fabric that reduce detergent effectiveness. If you have hard water, consider using a water softener or selecting a detergent formulated for hard water conditions.
Avoid Fabric Softeners and Dryer Sheets
Never use fabric softeners, dryer sheets, or anti-static products on FR clothing. These products coat fabric fibers with chemicals that can make the garments more flammable and significantly reduce their protective capabilities.
Fabric softeners work by depositing a thin layer of lubricating chemicals on fabric surfaces. This coating interferes with the flame-resistant properties of FR garments, creating a flammable barrier that defeats the purpose of protective clothing.
If you want to reduce static cling, add a half cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Vinegar naturally softens fabrics without leaving harmful residues and helps remove any detergent buildup.
Separate FR Clothing From Other Laundry
It’s important to wash FR garments separately from regular clothing, especially items that may contain flammable residues like cooking oils, gasoline, or solvents. Cross-contamination can transfer these substances to FR clothing, creating fire hazards.
Separate FR clothing by color to prevent dye transfer, and wash dark colors separately from light colors. If you must wash different colors together, choose cold water and make sure all items have been washed multiple times previously to minimize dye bleeding.
Sort FR garments by soil level as well. Heavily soiled items require more aggressive washing that might damage lightly soiled garments. You can also pre-treat heavily soiled areas with an FR-safe stain remover before washing.
Inspect Garments Before and After Washing
Examine each FR garment for damage, excessive wear, or contamination before washing. Be sure to look for the following:
- Holes, tears, or frayed areas
- Permanent stains that won’t wash out
- Melted or charred spots from previous exposures
- Missing labels or faded compliance markings
- Damaged seams or closures
Remove damaged garments from service immediately. Even small holes can compromise protection by allowing flames to reach skin or undergarments.
After washing, inspect all garments again to ensure they remain in good condition. Check that reflective striping, compliance labels, and other identifying marks remain intact and legible. Proper laundering should not fade or damage these critical features.
Dry FR Clothing Properly
Most FR garments can tumble dry on a low or medium heat setting, but high heat can damage flame-resistant properties and cause excessive shrinkage. Remove garments promptly when the cycle finishes to minimize wrinkles.
Some FR fabrics require line drying or flat drying to maintain their shape and protective qualities. Check each item’s care label for specific drying instructions. If line drying is necessary, hang the garments in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors and weaken fibers over time.
Never over-dry FR garments, as excessive heat exposure gradually degrades flame-resistant treatments. You can remove items from the dryer when they’re just dry or slightly damp, then allow them to finish air drying.
Establish a Regular Washing Schedule
Create a consistent laundering schedule based on how frequently workers wear FR clothing and their exposure to contaminants. Workers in high-risk environments may need daily garment changes, while others can wear items multiple times between washes.
Document each wash cycle with the date, garment identification, and any observations about condition or performance. This recordkeeping helps you track garment lifespan and identify when items need replacement.
Train all personnel responsible for laundering FR clothing on proper procedures. Whether you handle washing in-house or contract with an industrial laundry service, verify that everyone understands the importance of following correct protocols. Regular audits of laundering practices confirm compliance and identify areas for improvement.
Maintain Safety Standards Through Proper Care
Washing FR work clothing correctly preserves its life-saving properties and protects your workforce. Follow manufacturer instructions, use appropriate detergents, avoid fabric softeners, and inspect garments regularly. These practices ensure your FR program meets safety standards and provides reliable protection.