English
Arc flash clothing is designed to protect workers from serious electrical hazards, and proper care is crucial to maintaining its effectiveness. One common question is whether arc flash clothing can be dry cleaned. In this blog, we’ll address this question, explain how to properly care for arc flash garments, and highlight the best practices to ensure your PPE remains protective and durable over time.
Arc flash clothing is engineered with flame-resistant (FR) materials to prevent injuries from electric arc hazards. These garments, typically made of materials like Nomex, Proban, or Kevlar, are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and provide protection in hazardous environments. However, improper cleaning and maintenance of arc rated workwear can degrade its protective performance, thereby undermining worker safety.
Proper care ensures:
Longevity: Well-maintained arc flash clothing lasts longer, saving you money on replacements.
Effectiveness: Regular cleaning helps to maintain the FR properties of the arc rated fabric.
Comfort: Clean arc flash coveralls not only maintain lasting comfort but also prevent the buildup of skin-irritating dirt and grime—preserving both wearability and protective integrity.
Generally, dry cleaning is not recommended for arc flash clothing. While some manufacturers may indicate that their garments are suitable for dry cleaning, it is usually safer to avoid this method. Here’s why:
Chemical Residue: Dry cleaning involves the use of solvents, which can leave behind residues that may compromise the flame-resistant properties of the clothing.
Fabric Integrity: The cleaning chemicals used in dry cleaning can weaken the fibers of the fabric over time, reducing the effectiveness of the garment’s protective qualities.
Manufacturer Guidelines: Many arc flash clothing manufacturers specifically recommend machine washing or hand washing to preserve the integrity of the garment’s FR treatment.
To ensure that your arc flash clothing remains protective, follow these key cleaning guidelines:
Follow the Care Label: Always check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. These labels provide specific guidance on how to properly clean the garment.
Machine Washing: Most arc flash clothing can be safely machine washed in cold or warm water. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as these chemicals can damage the fabric’s FR properties.
Drying: Always air dry arc flash garments. If the clothing label allows for tumble drying, use the lowest heat setting. High heat can damage the fibers and reduce the garment’s protective performance.
Spot Cleaning: For stains or spills, spot cleaning with a mild detergent is often sufficient and helps prevent the garment from being over-washed.
While dry cleaning may seem like a convenient option, it’s not the best method for arc flash protective gear due to the following reasons:
Potential Loss of Flame-Resistance: Dry cleaning chemicals may strip the flame-resistant coating that is applied to the fabric, reducing its protective effectiveness.
Fabric Damage: The aggressive chemicals used in dry cleaning can cause the fabric to break down, particularly after multiple cleanings, thus shortening the life of your electrical ppe clothing.
Warranty Concerns: Using dry cleaning could potentially void the garment’s warranty, especially if the manufacturer specifies against it.
Maintaining the flame-resistant properties of arc flash clothing is essential for the safety of workers. Here are some additional tips to help preserve the effectiveness of your gear:
Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your arc flash clothing for signs of wear, damage, or fading of its FR properties. Any damaged or compromised clothing should be replaced immediately.
Proper Storage: Store arc flash clothing in a clean, dry place, away from chemicals or excessive heat, to prevent damage.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: When cleaning, avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents that may damage the protective fabric. Stick to mild, FR-safe detergents.
Proper maintenance is crucial to ensuring that your arc flash clothing continues to protect workers effectively. While dry cleaning is generally not recommended due to the risks of damaging the fabric’s flame-resistant properties, following the manufacturer’s care instructions, using machine washing when appropriate, and air drying your gear can help preserve its safety features and longevity.
At Domex Safety, we offer a range of high-quality arc flash clothing designed for durability and protection. Ensure your workers are fully protected by investing in garments that are properly maintained, and follow the best care practices to keep them in optimal condition.
