CategoriesProduct Guide/Safety Footwear May 28, 2026

Safety Workwear – General Care & Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance of safety coveralls—both Flame-Resistant (FR) and Non-FR are essential to ensure their protective qualities remain effective and to extend their lifespan. FR garments, in particular, require specific laundering methods to preserve their self-extinguishing properties and prevent contamination.

FR Coveralls Care & Maintenance

FR garments (e.g., Nomex, treated cotton) are designed to protect against flash fires and arc flashes. Proper care is critical to maintaining their protective properties.

  1. Washing
    Wash Separately:
      • Do not mix with Non-FR garments (prevents lint contamination)
  1. Detergents Wash Separately:
    • Use mild detergents only
    • Do NOT use
      1. Chlorine bleach
      2. Hydrogen peroxide
      3. Fabric softeners
      4. Soap containing animal fats
B 02
  1. Water Temperature
    • Use warm water to effectively remove contaminants
  1. Pre-treatment
    • Treat stains with liquid detergent before washing
  1. Drying
    • Tumble dry on low heat or line dry
    • Avoid over-drying to prevent fabric brittleness
    • Do NOT use starch (can compromise FR properties)

Non-FR Coveralls Care & Maintenance:

  1. Washing
    • May be washed with regular laundry
    • Use standard detergents
  1. Maintenance Focus
    • Maintain seam strength and garment structure
    • Ensure removal of:
      1. Heavy dirt
      2. Oil and grease
      3. Chemical residues
    • Preserve functional features such as high-visibility elements
  1. Inspection Checklist:
    Conduct routine checks for the following:
    • Fabric Integrity
      1. Burns, tears, abrasions, thinning material
    • Seams
      1. Fraying, splitting, or broken stitching
    • Closures
      1. Zippers, snaps, and Velcro functioning properly
    • Reflective Trim (if applicable)
      1. Visibility and reflectivity intact
      2. No peeling or damage
  1. Retirement Guidelines
    Remove garments from service under the following conditions:
    • Damage Beyond Repair:
      1. Torn, burned, or structurally compromised
    • Persistent Contamination:
      1. Especially flammable substances in FR garments
    • Loss of Protective Properties:
      1. FR garments that cannot be properly decontaminated
    • Excessive Wear:
      1. Fabric thinning or degradation affecting performance
  1. Reminders
    Conduct routine checks for the following:
    • FR garments are flame-resistant, not fireproof
    • Contaminants (e.g., oils, chemicals) can negate protective properties
    • Non-FR coveralls must never be used in fire-risk environments
    • Always follow site-specific PPE requirements and safety policies