How to wash high visibility workwear properly

Maybe you wear fluorescent workwear every day, or perhaps you only keep a safety vest on hand for when it is required. Either way, at some point it will need washing. At least if your employer does not take care of that for you. But how should you wash high visibility workwear? And how can you prevent the fluorescent fabric and reflective strips from becoming damaged during the process? In this article, I share practical tips so your workwear lasts as long as possible.

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Washing high visibility workwear according to the rules

First of all, read the care label inside the garment. It contains the most important information. It tells you the maximum washing temperature and whether you can put the item in the dryer. In most cases, you should not. Let high visibility workwear air dry instead. The heat from a tumble dryer can damage the fabric and stitching, causing the reflective layer to crack or peel.

Sometimes the label also tells you how many times you may wash the garment. Every wash cycle affects the condition of the clothing and after a certain number of washes it may no longer comply with the EN ISO 20471 standard. If the label specifies a maximum number of washes, track this in your calendar or on a separate list. This prevents you from unknowingly wearing clothing that no longer meets safety requirements. It also helps you remember when you last cleaned it. Even if your workwear does not get visibly dirty very quickly, washing it occasionally keeps it fresh.

 

Removing stains locally

Did you get mud on your trousers during work? You can put them in the washing machine, but cleaning the stain locally is also a good option. Wipe it off with a cloth or let the stain soak briefly in water. This helps your clothing last longer than if you rely on the washing machine after every small stain. Especially when the garment is not worn directly against your skin, such as a jacket or outer vest, spot cleaning is often sufficient.

If you use stain removers, check first that they are not too aggressive. Harsh chemicals can affect the color of the fabric, which may cause your clothing to no longer meet visibility standards.

 

 

Washing high visibility workwear in the washing machine

If your clothing is heavily soiled and truly needs a full wash, use the washing machine but proceed with care. Inspect the garment carefully and look for loose stitching or components that are no longer properly attached. Close all zippers and turn the garment inside out. This protects the fluorescent fabric and reflective strips from damage.

As mentioned earlier, always follow the care label instructions. If you are unsure about the correct temperature, choose a lower temperature wash cycle. Hot water can shrink the fabric and cause the reflective layer to crack or peel. It can also fade the color. Use a mild detergent without bleach or aggressive chemical ingredients.

Also pay close attention to what you place in the drum together with your high visibility clothing. Wash heavy garments such as jeans separately. Their zippers and buttons can damage the fabric. Ideally, wash high visibility workwear only with similar work garments in the same color to prevent discoloration.

 

 

Fabric softeners and workwear

In addition to using a mild detergent, it is essential to avoid fabric softeners. These can cause logos to loosen, fabrics to discolor and special properties to deteriorate. Think of UV resistant, moisture wicking or flame retardant fabrics. The layer left behind by fabric softener can negatively affect these protective characteristics.

If you prefer softer clothing, you may want to read the article I previously wrote about fabric softeners, in which I share alternative methods to keep garments comfortable without compromising their performance.

 

Checking high visibility workwear after washing

Once the garment has been washed and is hanging to dry, inspect it before placing it back in your wardrobe. Carefully examine the stitching, reflective strips and overall color. If the fluorescent shade has faded or if cracks appear in the reflective tape, it is advisable to replace the garment.

Knowing how to wash high visibility workwear properly helps extend the lifespan of your garments and ensures they remain safe to wear.

 

Want to read more about high visibility workwear?

These articles may also interest you:

• Fluorescent workwear: the remarkable history of hi vis
• A lace safety vest sparks debate
• Workwear and mental health awareness in the construction industry

 

Best regards,

Aileen