Many work clothes wear out prematurely due to improper washing, lack of stain treatment and not following the manufacturer's care instructions. Small mistakes in everyday life can reduce the garment's performance and hygiene.
A common mistake is to wash work clothes at too low a temperature. Clothes used in healthcare need to be washed at a minimum of 60 degrees to remove infectious agents.
If the temperature is too low, bacteria and odors remain in the fabric. Overdosing detergents is also problematic.
It can leave a residue that irritates the skin and affects the breathability of the fabric. Underdosing instead results in poor cleaning.
The wrong drying method damages the fibers. Tumble drying can shrink garments with mixed materials or destroy reflective details.
Air drying properly preserves shape and color better.
| Common error | Consequence | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature too low | Bacterial growth | Wash at least 60°C |
| Too much detergent | Material wear, skin irritation | Follow dosage instructions |
| Tumble drying of wrong material | Shrinkage, damage | Air dry if necessary |
Not treating stains before washing allows dirt to settle deeper into the fibers. Workwear is often exposed to grease, oil or biological material that requires quick action.
Pre-treatment with mild stain removers or pre-washing facilitates cleaning without damaging the fabric. It is important to avoid strong chemicals such as bleach on colored garments as they break down the material.
People working in industry or healthcare should especially check sleeves, pockets and knees, where dirt accumulates most. Regular checks will keep clothes hygienic and looking good for longer.
Many people ignore the care label, even though it contains crucial information. Each garment has instructions for temperature, drying and ironing that are adapted to the characteristics of the material.
When these instructions are not followed, seams, reflections and protective coatings can be destroyed. For example, some protective clothing requires a specific washing cycle to maintain its flame retardant properties.
A simple way to avoid mistakes is to create a laundry routine where clothes are sorted by material and protection level. This saves time and reduces the risk of mishandling.
Workwear that is used day after day without sufficient rest and control quickly loses its shape and function. The fabric is broken down by sweat, dirt and repeated friction.
Garments should be changed daily or when they become wet or soiled. Employers are often responsible for laundry in health and social care, ensuring the correct level of hygiene.
Regular maintenance also means checking seams, zippers and reflectors. Small repairs extend the lifespan and reduce the need for replacement.
Improper care of workwear affects the safety, hygiene and durability of the working environment. It can lead to increased risk of accidents and reduced protection against dirt and contaminants.
When workwear is not properly washed or maintained, its protective function can be impaired. Worn or improperly cleaned garments can lose their flame-retardant, liquid-repellent or anti-static properties.
This increases the risk of injury, especially in environments where heat, chemicals or electrical equipment are present. If reflective materials fade or come off, visibility is reduced, which can be crucial in traffic or dark working environments.
According to Swedish work environment requirements, workwear must provide adequate protection against the risks involved in the work.
Examples of safety risks due to poor care:
Improper washing, excessive temperature or the use of strong detergents can quickly break down the fibers of workwear. As a result, the fabric loses its shape, color and function.
In the long run, this means higher costs as clothes need to be replaced more often. Employers who do not follow recommended care practices also risk breaching internal guidelines on resource efficiency and sustainability.
Clothes that are washed too infrequently can also accumulate dirt and oil that accelerate wear and tear.
Common mistakes that shorten the lifespan:
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Washing temperature too high | Fibers break down faster |
| Wrong detergent | Protective treatment is destroyed |
| Too infrequent washing | Dirt wears the material |
In activities involving close contact between people, such as health and social care, dirty work clothes can contribute to the spread of bacteria and infectious agents. The Swedish Work Environment Authority's hygiene regulations require clothes to be changed daily or as needed when they become contaminated.
If clothes are taken home to be washed without the right procedures, there is a risk of contaminants spreading to private environments. This is particularly true in occupations where staff handle body fluids, food or waste.
To avoid hygiene problems, organizations should
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Careful care of work clothes reduces the risk of infection and extends the life of the garments. Correct laundry practices, proper storage and regular checks can keep clothes functional and hygienic over time.
Work clothes should be washed separately from private clothes to avoid the transmission of infectious agents. Washing should be done at a sufficiently high temperature, usually 60°C, to remove bacteria and viruses.
If the garments have special materials, the manufacturer's care instructions should be followed carefully. When using detergents, it is important to choose mild but effective detergents that do not break down fibers or affect protective functions.
Avoid fabric softeners as they can impair the breathability of the fabric and reduce its durability. Laundry should be completely dried before being used again.
Damp clothes can become a breeding ground for microorganisms and cause odor or skin irritation. Employers should ensure that laundry is handled in accordance with hygiene requirements and that the laundry meets the relevant standards.
Clothes used in health, care or other hygiene-sensitive environments should be stored separately from personal garments. Storage should be in clean, ventilated cabinets or dedicated areas that reduce the risk of contamination.
A simple system can be used:
| Type of garment | Storage | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Clean work clothes | Labeled cabinets or shelves | Sealed or covered |
| Used clothes | Separate bins or bags | To be transported to laundry quickly |
| Protective clothing | Separate space | Prevents contact with other textiles |
Work clothes should never be taken home for storage or washing. This is to reduce the risk of spreading infection and keep handling under control.
Worn or damaged workwear can compromise both hygiene and safety. That's why it's a good idea to inspect your clothes regularly, ideally every week, to look for broken seams, stains or material that has started to give way.
Minor damage can be repaired immediately if it does not affect protection. In the case of major damage, the garment should be taken out of service and replaced. The employer needs to have procedures in place for repair or replacement - otherwise it is easy to get careless.
Documenting inspections in a simple checklist makes it easier to follow up.
Employers are responsible for ensuring that workwear is used, cared for and handled in a way that maintains safety and health standards. This requires clear procedures and continuous information to staff.
All staff should be provided with practical and clear information on the use and care of workwear. This should be part of the induction for new employees, but also when procedures or rules change.
It is important to understand why proper care is necessary. Incorrect handling can impair protective functions, which in the worst case affects safety.
In addition, unwashed or incorrectly stored garments can spread infection, especially in healthcare settings.
Information should include:
Regular reminders and written guidelines reduce the risk of mistakes.
Every workplace needs documented procedures for the purchase, use and maintenance of workwear. These procedures should be adapted to the risk level and tasks of the activity.
For example, healthcare workers have specific hygiene requirements, while industrial workers may need flame retardant materials. The employer must ensure that the procedures are known, available and updated.
A table can make the division of responsibilities a little clearer:
| Element | Responsible person | Frequency | Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washing of work clothes | Employer (care) / Employee (service) | After each work shift | According to hygiene regulations |
| Check for wear and tear | Supervisor | Every 6 |
Change in case of damage |
| Distribution of new garments | HR or head of unit | According to guideline | Documented |
Clear procedures reduce uncertainty and simplify everyday life for all involved.
The employer must comply with applicable laws, regulations and municipal guidelines for workwear. In health and social care, this is governed, among other things, by the National Board of Health and Welfare's regulations on basic hygiene, where the employer is responsible for washing and changing work clothes.
Regulations from the Swedish Work Environment Authority require the employer to provide clothing that protects against the risks involved in the work.
This may include protection against dirt, chemicals or mechanical impact.
Compliance should be checked through internal audits and collaboration with safety representatives.
If deficiencies are discovered, measures must be documented and followed up.
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The care of workwear depends on the work environment, risk level and hygiene requirements. The choice of material, washing temperature and drying method have a major impact on both service life and safety.
In industrial environments, workwear is exposed to oil, metal shavings and chemicals. Clothes should be washed regularly to prevent dirt from penetrating the fibers and damaging the protection. Washing at 60°C is often necessary to remove grease and particles.
When handling chemicals, it is important to check that the protection does not deteriorate after washing. Manufacturers' labels usually indicate the maximum number of washes. If the garment loses flame retardancy or anti-static properties, it is time to replace it.
Do not tumble dry at high heat - it can damage coatings. Air-drying on a hanger extends the life of the garment and keeps the fit better. For really dirty environments, it's a good idea for employers to offer professional laundry services.
In food production, strict hygiene rules apply. Work clothes should be free of bacteria and foreign particles, so they should be washed daily at a minimum of 60°C and stored separately from personal clothes.
Light colors make it easier to spot dirt. When moving between production zones, clean clothes are used to avoid cross-contamination. The employer is responsible for ensuring that laundry is handled properly.
| Requirements | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Washing frequency | Daily |
| Temperature | At least 60 °C |
| Storage conditions | Separate, dry space |
| Change of garment | In case of visible dirt or damage |
Work clothes should be removed before leaving the workplace - otherwise there is a risk of contamination being carried outside.
On construction sites, clothes get a lot of wear and tear. Garments are exposed to dust, concrete and weather. Fabrics with reinforced seams and durable cotton-polyester blends are more durable - not much to talk about there.
Wash often enough to remove dust and particles - otherwise reflective and high visibility materials may lose their effectiveness. Dirty high-visibility clothing is less visible and is a safety risk.
Reflectors and zippers should be checked after washing. Garments with broken reflectors or pockets should be repaired or replaced.
Avoid drying in direct sunlight, UV light can fade colors and make high visibility garments less visible.
Proper care of workwear reduces the risk of damage and extends its lifespan. Improper washing, drying or storage can quickly destroy both material and protection.
Wash workwear according to the manufacturer's instructions, using the correct temperature and detergent. Too much detergent or too much heat can destroy fibers and protective treatments. Garments soiled with oil, chemicals or blood should be washed separately to avoid contamination.
Many people run the dryer too hot - it shrinks the fabric and destroys reflective details. Clothes with flame retardant or water repellent treatments are best air dried or dried on a low heat. Leaving clothes damp in the tumble dryer can also cause them to smell or mold.
If work clothes are not washed or dried properly, their protective properties against chemicals, flames or moisture may deteriorate. Broken seams and worn reflectors make the garment less safe. Even small changes in the material can affect resistance to hazards at work.
Change when garments are worn out, lose their fit or do not protect properly. In the health and social care sector, daily changes are often the norm, while industrial clothing tends to last longer but needs to be checked regularly. It simply depends on the working environment and how much they are used.
Putting work clothes away damp or dirty leads to bacterial growth and poor material. Clothes should be hung in an airy manner and stored in dry, clean areas. Don't mix protective clothing with personal garments - this can spread dirt or chemical residues.
Signs of damage can be thin patches, holes or broken zippers. Faded reflectors are also worth keeping an eye on.
If seams start to come apart, or if the material feels unusually stiff or brittle, it's time to repair or replace the garment. It's actually easy to miss these things if you're in a hurry.
A quick check before each shift can make a big difference. No one wants to be standing there in torn clothes when it counts.
The information on this page is intended as general guidance only and does not replace manufacturer instructions or applicable regulations. Workwise does not guarantee that the content is accurate, complete, or current and is not liable for decisions or actions taken based on this information. Always follow current standards and manufacturer instructions.
