Improper care of workwear can create real safety issues, worsen hygiene, and lead to unnecessary expenses for the company. Taking care of the clothing ensures that they retain their protective properties and that the work environment remains at an acceptable level.
Incorrect washing and handling can undermine the functionality of protective clothing in no time. When safety requirements are no longer met, the worker is left without the protection that the clothing is intended to provide – and that is not something to gamble with.
Chemical protective garments can lose their barrier properties if washed at the wrong temperature or with the wrong detergent. Reflective tapes can start to peel off or lose their visibility after a few missteps in the wash.
Critical mistakes that affect safety:
The Work Environment Authority requires that safety clothing maintains its certified properties throughout its usage period. Inadequate care can thus lead to both injuries and regulatory violations – not fun for anyone.
In healthcare, workwear must be changed daily and washed to be free from pathogens. If routines fail, the risk of infection spreading between patients and staff increases.
Bacteria and viruses can actually survive for a long time in textiles if washing is not done correctly. Too low a temperature or careless dosing of detergent can leave dangerous microorganisms behind.
Hygiene requirements for different industries:
Poorly cared for workwear can also irritate the skin or cause allergies. Residues of detergent, dirt, or chemicals are not particularly pleasant to have against the body for an entire workday.
Staff working in areas with infection risk must follow special storage and washing routines – otherwise, cross-contamination between home and workplace can become a reality.
Proper care significantly extends the lifespan of workwear and reduces the need to constantly purchase new items. Companies that take care of their clothing actually save a lot of money.
Quality workwear is an investment. When clothing wears out prematurely due to negligence, it hits the budget hard.
Economic benefits of proper care:
Environmental impact also decreases when workwear is used for as long as it is intended to last. Textile production requires both water and energy – so sustainable use is indeed important.
Zippers and reinforcements are particularly sensitive to negligence. They are expensive to repair or replace, but surprisingly durable if cared for properly.
Many workwear items wear out prematurely due to poor washing practices and lax routines. Small mistakes in everyday life can really affect both protection and lifespan more than one might think.
Incorrect washing temperature is probably the most common mistake. Many choose too low a temperature that does not adequately remove bacteria and dirt. Others use too high a temperature and destroy protective coatings and special materials.
Common temperature mistakes:
Incorrect detergents are also a culprit. Bleach and fabric softeners can ruin water-repellent treatments and reflective materials. Detergents with optical brighteners compromise the properties of high-visibility clothing.
The dryer is often used at too high a temperature. This leads to shrinkage and damages elastic fibers. Air drying in direct sunlight fades colors and weakens the material over time.
Manufacturers' care instructions are actually important for keeping the protective functions of workwear intact. Despite this, many ignore the washing symbols or misinterpret them. This can lead to special treatments and safety features being permanently destroyed.
It is particularly important to follow the advice for:
Storage is also affected by ignored advice. Damp or dirty clothes hung incorrectly can start to mold or smell bad. Sunlight and heat can also damage the material even when the clothes are just hanging around.
Stain treatment is often forgotten, causing dirt to set deep into the fibers. Oil and grease stains from workshops require pre-treatment before washing. Without it, stains spread and become nearly impossible to remove.
Critical stain types that need pre-treatment:
Incorrect stain treatment agents can worsen everything. Strong solvents often damage the membranes and coatings of workwear. Hot water on protein stains is not a good idea – it makes them stick forever.
Irregular washing leads to both hygiene issues and reduced lifespan of the clothing. Workwear that is used daily should be washed after each shift in environments where there is a risk of infection. In other environments, washing every other day may suffice.
Recommended washing intervals:
Sorting laundry is easy to neglect, but it damages sensitive materials. Workwear should be washed separately from personal clothing to avoid cross-contamination. Different material types also need separate washing cycles for the best results.
Overloading washing machines results in poorer outcomes and unnecessarily wears out the clothing. Simply put, it doesn’t get clean, and the garments are not rinsed properly.
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Different materials in workwear require their own care methods to ensure that protection remains intact and lifespan is maximized. Incorrect washing can destroy functional materials, membranes, and certified protective properties for good.
Cotton is popular in workwear, but it has its weaknesses. Shrinkage is a classic problem – cotton garments can shrink 5-10% during the first wash if they are not pre-treated.
The material's ability to absorb means that stains and dirt can penetrate deep into the fibers. Oil stains from machines and tools are particularly difficult to remove without pre-treatment with a degreaser.
Temperature resistance is also a challenge. Cotton can withstand higher temperatures than synthetics, but repeated washing at 60°C or more breaks down the fibers and makes the garment thinner and less durable.
Drying at high heat can also shrink cotton further and make the fabric stiff – not exactly comfortable to wear for an entire workday.
Polyester and similar functional materials actually require a bit more care than one might think. Temperature is a big deal – never wash above 40°C, or you risk melting the fibers and permanently losing the garment's shape.
Fabric softeners are also a big no-no for most functional garments. They clog the pores and ruin breathability, especially in activewear that is supposed to keep you dry.
These materials easily retain odors because bacteria cling to the fibers. A special detergent for sportswear or one with enzymes usually works wonders against sweat odors.
Polyester garments can become static, which is quite annoying – and sometimes even dangerous at work. Antistatic detergent can help if this becomes a problem.
Membrane garments like Gore-Tex must be handled carefully to maintain waterproofness and breathability. The DWR surface (Durable Water Repellent) needs to be refreshed with impregnation after about 5–10 washes.
Wash as infrequently as possible – every time you wash, the membrane wears a little more. If it’s just a stain, you can spot treat instead of washing the entire garment.
Spinning should be done at low speed, or preferably avoided altogether. Hang or lay the garment flat to dry at room temperature, never in a dryer with high heat.
If an accident occurs and you get a hole, always repair with materials compatible with the membrane. Regular tape destroys breathability.
Protective clothing with flame resistance or antistatic properties quickly loses functionality if washed incorrectly. Chlorine bleach, fabric softeners, and optical brighteners are prohibited as they break down the chemical protections.
The washing temperature must never exceed 60°C for flame-resistant garments. Often, industrial washing is required to ensure everything is done correctly.
The garments' certification and functionality need to be checked regularly. Flame-resistant clothing has a limited lifespan – usually 50–100 washes, then it’s time to replace.
Antistatic properties can be measured with simple instruments. If they disappear, the garment is a safety risk and must be replaced immediately.
Different workwear requires different care to maintain their protective and hygienic properties. Reflective materials, flame resistance, and hygiene requirements make washing routines quite specific.
High-visibility clothing with reflective bands must be washed carefully. Too high a temperature or the wrong detergent can render the reflectives useless.
Always wash at a maximum of 40°C and avoid bleach and fabric softeners. Turn the garments inside out before putting them in the machine.
Check the reflectives occasionally – shine a flashlight on them in a dark room. If they are cracked or faded, it’s time to replace them.
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Wash at 40°C | Bleaching |
| Turn the garment inside out | Fabric softeners |
| Air dry | Tumble dryer |
Let the garments air dry. Tumble dryers can quickly damage both the fabric and the reflectives.
Flame-resistant garments should be washed separately, never with regular clothing. Detergent residues from other garments can compromise the protection.
Only phosphorus- and chlorine-free detergents are allowed here. Otherwise, you risk breaking down the protection and making the garment flammable. Always follow the washing label.
Chemical protective clothing often requires special washing. Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully – some garments must be discarded immediately after contact with hazardous substances.
Remember to empty pockets and close zippers and Velcro before washing. Metal objects or chemical residues can damage both the garment and the machine.
Always air dry in a shady place. Sunlight can degrade the protection over time.
In healthcare, the National Board of Health and Welfare's regulations on basic hygiene apply. The employer must ensure that the routines are followed.
Healthcare clothing must be washed at least 60°C to eliminate bacteria and viruses. If the garments have been in contact with infections, even higher temperatures or special treatment may be required.
Short-sleeved tops are a must for proper hand washing. Long sleeves risk spreading infection. The garments should consist of tops and bottoms or be a complete set.
Change clothes daily – this is actually the basic requirement. If the clothing becomes dirty or contaminated during the day, you must change immediately. Keep clean and dirty clothes separate.
Pockets should be kept to a minimum and emptied thoroughly. Personal items can become vectors for infection. Washing should always be done according to the routines of the healthcare environment.
Garments with printed logos or brands need a little extra care. Always turn them inside out before washing to protect the print from wear.
Wash at a lower temperature than the fabric normally withstands if the garment has prints or applications. Heat can cause the print to crack or peel off. Tumble drying is not recommended for printed garments.
Embroidered details and metal applications can easily snag or get damaged. Use a laundry bag or place the garment in a pillowcase.
Close Velcro before washing, otherwise, it will snag everywhere and can damage both your own and others' clothing.
Check the details occasionally for wear. Loose threads or damaged applications will only worsen in the wash.
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Layering only works if the materials and fit are right – and if you care for the garments properly. Otherwise, the technical properties will quickly disappear.
The base layer should fit close to the body, but not so tight that it becomes uncomfortable. Many choose sizes that are too large, creating air pockets that disrupt moisture transport. Cotton is not ideal here – opt for synthetic or wool instead.
The mid-layer provides insulation and should be slightly looser than the base. Fleece and wool sweaters are classics. If it’s too tight, it just hinders air circulation.
The outer layer should protect against weather but still allow steam to escape. Shell jackets and windproof, breathable materials work best. On construction sites, reflective areas and reinforcements are often needed.
The size of each layer is important – too loose or too tight destroys functionality.
Cotton in the base layer is a classic mistake. It absorbs moisture and becomes cold, while synthetics or merino wool transport moisture away.
Plastic-based rainwear without breathability as the outer layer leads to condensation. You become sweaty, and moisture gets trapped. Membranes like Gore-Tex allow moisture to escape while keeping rain out.
| Layer | Recommended Material | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Merino wool, polyester | Cotton, linen |
| Mid | Fleece, down, wool | Cotton, thick sweaters |
| Outer | Membrane fabrics, softshell | Pure plastic, non-breathable materials |
Blended materials can cause clothing to lose functionality. Consider what each layer is actually supposed to do and choose materials accordingly.
Overdressing can quickly lead to overheating and sweating. It’s smart to be able to add or remove layers depending on how warm it is and how much you move.
Ventilation openings in outerwear are actually underrated. Zippers under the arms and along the sides of jackets release heat quickly when needed.
Many forget to open these when the pace increases, which is a shame. It makes a big difference for comfort.
Temperature regulation works best when each layer can be adjusted separately. The base layer should stay in place, while mid and outer layers can be varied as needed.
Moisture management requires that no layer hinders moisture from being transported out. If the mid-layer gets wet, it actually needs to be changed; otherwise, the system won’t work.
Spare clothing is therefore quite essential during longer work shifts.
Proper handling of workwear requires clear routines to keep them separate from personal garments. Effective cleaning methods are also central.
Improper handling can lead to cross-contamination and spread pathogens between different environments – that is not something you want to risk.
Workwear should always be stored and handled separately from personal clothing. This reduces the risk of spreading infection.
Staff change on-site, from personal clothing to workwear.
Storage Rules:
Washing of workwear should be done through the employer according to established hygiene rules. You must not take home used workwear to wash it yourself.
This reduces the risk of pathogens ending up at home and ensures that the clothing is washed properly.
Cross-contamination occurs when dirty workwear comes into contact with clean surfaces or other textiles. Pathogens can quickly spread between work areas if one is careless.
Risk Factors for Cross-Contamination:
You should change workwear immediately if it becomes visibly dirty or comes into contact with something suspicious. Contaminated clothing should go directly into designated containers, without touching anything else.
Protective equipment is always needed when handling dirty garments.
Workwear that has come into contact with bodily fluids requires special cleaning routines. Quick handling is important to prevent pathogens from penetrating the fabric.
The garments should be removed carefully, preferably without shaking them. Gloves and protection are needed throughout the process.
The clothing should go directly into containers marked for infectious material.
Cleaning Process:
Some garments that are particularly dirty may need to be discarded instead of cleaned.
Good storage reduces unnecessary wear. Regular checks and maintenance help the clothing retain their protective properties.
Systematic handling and repair can actually make workwear last much longer.
Clean workwear should be stored dry and airy, preferably away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade and damage the material.
Hang the clothing on hangers or fold them carefully. Damp garments should never be put away – they quickly develop mold and bad odors.
Clothing used outdoors must dry completely before being stored. Clean and dirty clothing should always be kept separate.
The storage area should be clean and free from dust and chemicals. A cabinet or wardrobe with good air circulation is actually quite good for long-term storage.
Workwear needs to be checked every day, preferably before use. Reflective tape, seams, and zippers are common weak points.
Stains and dirt should be removed immediately. It’s easier than one might think for a small stain to become permanent.
| Type of Stain | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Oil Stains | Wipe off, treat with degreaser |
| Blood | Rinse with cold water immediately |
| Chemicals | Rinse immediately according to safety data sheet |
Air out the clothing between uses to improve comfort and prolong their lifespan. Let them air dry thoroughly.
Small holes or loose buttons can often be repaired, and it’s worth the effort. Professional repair is best if you want the protection to remain intact.
When clothing starts to wear out or loses its certified properties, it’s time to replace them. Reflective materials that have become dull or damaged must be replaced immediately.
Seams that have come undone or material that has become thin is a safety risk, even if it’s just a small damage.
Plan replacements based on how often the clothing is used and how tough the environment is. Document when the clothing was put into use – it actually helps to know when it’s time to replace.
Dirty garments wear out faster and provide less protection. Stains should be addressed immediately so that dirt does not set in.
Small holes and damages should be repaired before they grow. A garment with a hole should always be repaired before use to maintain its protective properties.
Regular inspection is truly not overrated. Seams, pockets, and knees are particularly vulnerable.
Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions on the washing label. It’s actually more important than one might think.
Do not wash more than necessary – overwashing wears on the fibers and reduces protection. Work jackets should be washed when they are visibly dirty or smell, often every 2–4 weeks with normal use.
Wool garments are a bit special – they usually only need to be aired, not washed, as wool repels dirt.
Damp or wet workwear stored in cramped spaces quickly develops mold and bacteria. This destroys the fabric's fibers and causes unpleasant odors.
Sunlight and heat from radiators damage synthetic materials and make them brittle. Hang the clothing in well-ventilated areas – it really makes a difference.
Crumpled clothing easily gets permanent creases and the seams wear out. Fold or hang them instead.
How often you replace workwear depends on the job and how dirty it gets. In healthcare, you should change daily, according to the National Board of Health and Welfare's regulations.
In environments with a lot of dirt or infection, daily changes are required. Otherwise, the same garment can be used for several days if stored correctly between shifts.
Garments with damage that affects protection should be replaced immediately, even if they appear intact.
Bleach breaks down the fibers and weakens the fabric. Protective clothing with special treatments loses its properties if exposed to strong chemicals.
Colors fade, the fabric becomes brittle, and reflective details can be permanently destroyed.
Chemicals that remain in the fabric can also cause skin irritations. This is completely unnecessary – use the right detergent from the start.
You should absolutely not remove or cover reflective bands and safety markings. These details are often a requirement according to safety standards – it’s not something to compromise on.
The reinforcements in knees, shoulders, and elbows must also remain. Replacing them with regular fabric? No, that’s not a good move, as they are there to withstand extra wear.
Using hot air or ironing at too high a temperature can destroy special treatments like water repellency or flame resistance. If you must repair something, use materials and methods that do not risk the garment's certification.
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.