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How to Wash FR Clothing Without Ruining It
How to Properly Wash FR Clothing to Maintain Safety & Longevity
Your flame-resistant (FR) clothing is a critical investment in your personal safety on the job site. But improper washing can destroy its protective properties, leaving you vulnerable to thermal hazards. Unlike regular workwear, FR garments require specific care to maintain their integrity.
Using the wrong detergents, water temperature, or drying methods can strip away the flame-resistant finish or damage the self-extinguishing qualities of the fabric’s fibers. This guide will provide a clear, step-by-step process for washing your FR clothing to ensure it continues to protect you for its entire lifespan.
The Absolute “Don’ts” of Washing FR Clothing
Before you begin, here are the things you must NEVER do. These can immediately ruin your FR gear:
- DO NOT use chlorine bleach.
- DO NOT use fabric softeners (liquid or dryer sheets).
- DO NOT use starch.
- DO NOT use detergents containing animal fats.
- DO NOT use hot water (unless the garment label specifically allows it).
These products leave a flammable residue on the fabric, which can ignite and continue to burn, rendering the FR protection useless.
Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Your FR Garments
Follow these simple steps for safe and effective cleaning.
Step 1: Read the Care Label
Always check the manufacturer’s tag first. It will provide the most accurate instructions for that specific garment’s material and construction.
Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains & Turn Inside-Out
For greasy or oily stains, apply a small amount of liquid dish soap or a specialized pre-treatment solution directly to the spot and gently rub it in. Turn the garment inside-out before placing it in the washing machine. This helps protect the fabric’s surface and any high-visibility striping from abrasion.
Step 3: Wash Separately in Cool or Warm Water
Wash your FR clothing in a separate load to prevent transferring stains or flammable contaminants from your regular clothes. Set your machine to a “gentle” or “permanent press” cycle and use cool or lukewarm water (typically below 40°C / 105°F).
Step 4: Use a Mild Detergent
Choose a liquid household detergent like Tide or a similar brand. Avoid any “natural” or “soap-based” detergents that may contain animal fats.
Step 5: Tumble Dry on Low Heat or Hang Dry
The best method is to hang the garment to air dry. If you must use a dryer, tumble dry on the lowest possible heat setting and remove it promptly while it is still slightly damp to prevent over-drying and shrinkage.
Starting with High-Quality, Durable Gear
Proper care is essential, but it starts with having gear that’s built to last. Low-quality FR pants can degrade quickly, even with perfect washing. Investing in durable workwear from trusted brands ensures you get maximum protection and a longer lifespan from your investment.
For workers needing reliable, CAT 2 rated protection that holds up wash after wash, a great choice is the [Bizweld® BZ31 FR Cargo Pants]. Their 100% cotton Bizweld® fabric is engineered for both safety and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions About FR Clothing Care
How often should I wash my FR clothing?
Wash when it’s visibly soiled. A buildup of dirt and oil can reduce the fabric’s thermal performance.
Can I wash my FR clothing at home?
Yes, most FR clothing can be safely washed at home. However, you must strictly follow the manufacturer’s care label. While home laundering is convenient, industrial laundering is recommended if the garments are heavily contaminated with oils, grease, or hazardous chemicals.
What type of detergent should I use to wash my FR clothing?
Use a mild, liquid laundry detergent. Avoid any “natural” soaps or those containing animal fats (tallow), as these can leave a flammable residue on the fibers. Do not use detergents with “extra whitening” or “stain-fighting” additives that include bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
Can I get my FR clothing dry-cleaned?
Most FR garments can be dry-cleaned, but always check the label first. Inform your dry cleaner that the garment is flame-resistant.
What if I wash my FR gear with fabric softener by mistake?
Don’t panic. Re-wash the garment immediately through 2-3 full cycles with the correct detergent to strip away the softener residue.
Why are fabric softeners and dryer sheets forbidden?
Fabric softeners and dryer sheets work by coating the fabric fibers with a thin layer of chemicals (often wax-based) to make them feel soft. This coating is flammable and can “mask” the flame-resistant properties of the garment, essentially turning your safety gear into a fuel source during a fire.
Is it okay to use bleach when washing FR clothing?
No. Never use chlorine bleach or any detergent containing bleach on FR garments. Bleach breaks down the molecular structure of treated FR fabrics and can weaken the fibers of inherent FR fabrics, significantly reducing their protective capabilities over time.
What is the best water temperature for washing FR gear?
Warm water (typically around 140°F or 60°C) is generally ideal. It is effective enough to break down industrial oils and grime without being so hot that it causes excessive shrinkage or damages the FR treatment. Always check the garment’s specific care label for the maximum allowed temperature.
Can I dry my FR clothing in a standard dryer?
Yes, but use a low heat setting. High heat can cause significant shrinkage and may damage the integrity of the fabric. To prevent the garment from becoming stiff or shrinking, it is often best to remove it from the dryer while it is still slightly damp and hang it to finish drying.
Does hard water affect FR clothing?
Yes. Repeated washing in hard water can cause mineral deposits (like calcium and magnesium) to build up on the fabric. These minerals can act as a bridge for heat and flames, potentially compromising the garment’s safety. If you have hard water, consider using a water softener or a detergent specifically formulated for hard water conditions.
How do I remove heavy stains like grease or oil from FR clothing?
For stubborn stains, you can pre-treat the area with a small amount of liquid detergent or a non-bleach stain remover. If the garment is saturated with flammable substances (like gasoline or heavy oil) that do not come out in a standard wash, the garment should be professionally dry-cleaned or retired from service.
Can the “flame resistance” be washed out?
Modern FR clothing is designed to be durable.
Inherent FR fabrics (like Nomex or Kevlar) have protection built into the fiber and cannot be washed out.
Treated FR fabrics (like certain FR cotton blends) are chemically treated to be permanent for the life of the garment, provided they are washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Improper use of bleach or high-heat drying is what typically “ruins” the protection, not the washing itself.
When should I replace my FR clothing?
Inspect your garments regularly. It is time to replace them if:
There are permanent stains from flammable substances.
The fabric is torn, frayed, or has holes that cannot be repaired with FR thread/patches.
The garment has been accidentally washed with bleach or fabric softener multiple times.
The fabric has become thin or “threadbare” from excessive wear.
