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Flame-resistant (FR) garments are crucial for protecting workers in hazardous environments. However, over time, the effectiveness of these garments can be influenced by how they are cleaned. Industrial laundering—the large-scale washing of workwear in industrial laundry facilities—can affect the performance and longevity of FR garments. In this blog, we’ll explore how industrial laundering impacts flame-resistant clothing and what you can do to ensure your protective gear stays effective.
Industrial laundering refers to the cleaning process used by businesses, often in large-scale facilities, to clean workwear and uniforms. These laundries use industrial-grade washing machines, detergents, and high-heat drying systems to handle large volumes of clothing. While this method is efficient and effective for standard workwear, it can have varying effects on FR garments that are specifically designed to protect against fire hazards.
While flame-resistant garments are designed to withstand exposure to extreme conditions, industrial laundering can have negative effects on their flame resistance and overall durability:
Loss of Flame Resistance: Frequent industrial washing can cause the flame-resistant properties of garments to degrade. Over time, repeated exposure to high temperatures, harsh detergents, and aggressive washing cycles can weaken the FR treatment applied to fabrics, making them less effective in protecting workers.
Fabric Wear and Tear: Industrial laundering is often more aggressive than household washing, which can lead to fabric damage, wear, and tear. Over time, the abrasion from the laundry process can break down fibers, reducing the garment's ability to offer optimal protection.
Shrinkage: flame-resistant clothing is designed to fit snugly for safety reasons. Industrial laundering, especially at high temperatures, can cause shrinkage, altering the fit and compromising the protective coverage.
Chemical Damage: The harsh chemicals used in industrial laundry detergents can affect the integrity of FR coatings, reducing the garment’s ability to resist heat and flame.
To ensure that your flame-resistant workwear remains effective, it’s essential to follow proper care and laundering guidelines. Here are some tips to help preserve the performance of FR garments when using industrial laundry services:
Use FR-Specific Detergents: Not all detergents are suitable for FR garments. Opt for FR-safe detergents that are designed to clean without damaging the flame-resistant properties of the fabric.
Avoid High Heat: Whenever possible, reduce the temperature of the washing and drying cycles. High heat can break down the FR treatment, so lower temperatures will help preserve the garment’s integrity.
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Always refer to the care instructions provided by the safety clothing manufacturers. These guidelines are designed to maintain the effectiveness of the FR treatment and ensure the garment continues to meet safety standards.
Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect FR garments for signs of wear, shrinkage, or damage. If the fabric is showing significant signs of degradation, it may be time to replace the garment.
Using a professional industrial laundering service that specializes in flame-resistant clothing can help mitigate the risks of damaging FR garments. These services are equipped to handle the unique care needs of FR garments, using specialized detergents and washing processes that preserve the protective properties of the clothing.
Customized Washing Programs: Professional laundering services may offer washing programs specifically designed for FR clothing, ensuring that these garments are cleaned without compromising their flame-resistant qualities.
Quality Control: Industrial laundries that specialize in FR garments often have stringent quality control measures in place to ensure that the protective features of the garments are not compromised during the cleaning process.
Proper care and maintenance are critical to ensuring the continued effectiveness of flame-resistant garments. Industrial laundering can have an impact on FR clothing, but by following the right procedures and working with trusted laundry services, you can help extend the life and protective capabilities of your PPE.
At Domex Safety, we understand the importance of preserving the integrity of FR garments. We offer a wide range of high-quality flame-resistant clothing that meets industry standards for safety and durability. Explore our selection today to ensure your workforce is protected with the best in FR gear.
