Hi-vis jackets, reflective vests, and other tactical outerwear can save your life in an emergency, but they are far less beneficial if not cleaned properly. Dirt, dust, and grime can wear away the fluorescent color of a hi-vis jacket and damage the microscopic glass beads on retroreflective tape, rendering the garment useless when you need it the most. Keeping your work uniform clean and tidy should always be your top priority, whether you work in the construction sector or the other field that requires high visibility clothing. You’re probably aware of how difficult it can be to clean high-visibility clothing t shirts in the USA, whether it’s a fireman’s jacket or a reflective windbreaker for running at night.
What to Consider When Cleaning Hi-Vis Clothing:
- 1. Temperature: When washing High Visibility Uniforms of Apparel in Click, the washing temperature should be kept high enough to remove dirt or stains effectively but not so high that the clothes are seriously altered.
- 2. PH: Inordinate or prolonged alkalinity can cause reflective tape damage.The PH level of the detergent and washing soap should never exceed 11 because excessive ph value diminishes the fabric threads as well as discolors the reflective tape.
- 3. Multiple washes: The reflective tape can degrade over time due to multiple washing or abrasive wear by the user. The effects are particularly noteworthy on clothing joints such as the knees and elbows. Multiple washes are unavoidable, but the most significant reason is that the colors of the base fabric and the luminance of the reflective tape fade. To extend the life of your hi-vis apparel, try to reduce washing and instead wipe and dust the uniform regularly.
How often should I wash hi-vis garments?
Always check the care label on your new Snickers hi-vis vest or jacket. It specifies how many times a garment can be washed before being discarded. When the color of hi-vis clothing begins to fade, discard it instantly.
. An oil industry employee’s clothing, for example, will quickly become filthy. Because dirt degrades the high-visibility panels on a garment, it puts the worker at risk, so oil industry workers are more likely to require a more consistent washing schedule. However, it is best not to wash a garment excessively, as excessive washing will reduce the lifespan of the garment.
How to Dry HI-VIS Clothing Apparel In USA:
Line-dry your hi-vis clothing if possible to avoid sunlight. The bright colors of the garment may fade if exposed to direct sunlight.
To avoid damaging the heat transfer film or the adhesive that holds the reflective stripes in place, use the lowest heat setting on your dryer, no heat is preferred. Once dry, hang your hi-vis jacket on a hanger until you’re ready to wear it again.
Don’t use harsh chemicals:
There are various chemicals you can use to keep your regular clothes in good condition, but this isn’t always a good idea when it comes to high visibility clothing. Bleach is a popular option for removing stains from clothing, but it can fade or damage high visibility strips, rendering them less effective. To be extra safe, hand wash your high visibility gear with soap and water and avoid using more gentle chemicals like fabric softener and starch, which can remove or dull reflective materials.
Always drip dry your clothes:
It’s tempting to use a dryer to dry your hi-vis clothes after they’ve been washed, but it’s always better to line dry your work wear to avoid accidentally damaging it.
Not only is there a risk of hooks and zips catching on the interior mechanism and ripping your clothes, but you can also melt or fade the reflective elements of your clothes, just like in the washing machine.
Store them carefully:
High-visibility clothing is frequently stored on-site in lockers or changing rooms, but it’s always best to store it in the same way as your other clothes to keep it safe for as long as possible.
Storing your high-visibility gear on-site can expose it to a variety of hazards, including extreme heat, hazardous chemicals, oil and grease, naked flames, and water. By doing so, you run the risk of your clothes rotting, staining, fading, or otherwise becoming damaged, reducing their effectiveness.
Actively maintain your hi-vis clothes:
Maintaining your high visibility clothing is the best way to ensure that it remains safe and effective in the long run.
You should also spot clean your clothes as often as possible to avoid any stains or water damage from becoming baked or burned into the fabric, as these are much more difficult to remove later than they are when they occur. This is especially true of zips or Velcro components, which can fail if not properly secured. When it comes to cleaning hi-vis clothing, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Conclusion:
It’s critical to keep your hi-vis jacket clean and sanitary for your safety and the safety of those around you. While you don’t want to over wash this item, you do want it to be clean enough to be bright and visible at all times. Snickers work wear has a wide selection of high-quality hi-vis clothing that is simple to wash when needed thanks to clear care instructions on each item.
