When it comes to flame resistant clothing, it’s not just about putting on the right gear—it’s about keeping it in top-notch condition. If you’re working in industries where flame resistant clothing is required, like oil and gas, electrical utility work, or welding, chances are your workwear is governed by serious safety standards. These standards—like NFPA 2112, ASTM F1506, and NFPA 70E—ensure that your flame resistant clothing can protect you from flash fires, arc flashes, and other hazards that run the risk of turning you into a statistic.

But, like any working hero, your flame resistant clothing needs proper care to stay effective. And this is where things get interesting: improperly washing or maintaining your flame resistant clothing can ruin its protective properties, turning your high-tech FR armor into little more than a highly flammable fashion statement.

So, how do you keep your flame resistant clothing clean, effective, and ready for to protect? Let’s break down the ins and outs of laundering flame resistant clothing in line with industry standards—all with a bit of practical knowledge thrown in for good measure.

Chapter 1: Why Flame Resistant Clothing Care Matters

Before we dive into the technical details, let’s quickly cover why proper care for flame resistant clothing is essential. After all, if you’re buying top quality technical safety garments that save you from flash fires, shouldn’t they also be able to stand up to soap and water as well? Unlike your favorite pair of jeans, your flame resistant clothing isn’t just about looking good—it’s about staying alive. Whether it’s protecting you from flash fires (NFPA 2112) or arc flashes (NFPA 70E), flame resistant clothing is your last line of defense in hazardous environments.

But even the toughest garments can be compromised by improper care. Think of it this way: you wouldn’t put your expensive smartphone through a dishwasher cycle, would you? Well, treating your flame resistant clothing without considering its specific needs is just as risky.

Flame resistant fabrics are engineered to self-extinguish and resist melting, which is a lifesaver in hazardous situations. However, those life-saving properties can degrade if not cared for properly. Over-washing with the wrong chemicals, using the wrong temperature, or even ironing the wrong way can make your FR clothing less effective.

Chapter 2: A Look at the Standards—NFPA 2112, ASTM F1506, and NFPA 70E

Let’s take a quick look at the standards that govern flame-resistant clothing and the reasons behind them:

NFPA 2112: This standard addresses FR clothing for protection against flash fires. It sets minimum performance requirements for garments to provide thermal protection.

ASTM F1506: This standard applies to FR clothing designed to protect workers from electric arc hazards. It includes testing methods and performance criteria for textiles used in electric utility, industrial, and commercial settings.

NFPA 70E: Focused on electrical safety in the workplace, this standard governs FR clothing used to protect workers from arc flashes, including the appropriate type of clothing for different levels of risk.

All of these standards specify requirements for the performance of flame-resistant fabrics, but they also make it clear that proper laundering is critical. Improper laundering can lead to a breakdown of the garment’s flame resistant properties, rendering it ineffective.

Chapter 3: The Dos and Don’ts of Washing Flame Resistant Clothing

So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to launder your flame resistant clothing without messing up its protective features.

1. Choose the Right Detergent

This might surprise you, but not all detergents are created equal. When washing flame resistant clothing, avoid using soaps and detergents that contain:

• Bleach or chlorine
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Fabric softeners
• Starch or any other additives

These chemicals can degrade the flame resistant properties of the fabric. Instead, opt for a mild, industrial grade detergent that’s designed for flame resistant clothing. If you’re unsure, look for detergents that are free from fabric softeners and bleach. Some manufacturers even offer detergents specifically formulated for flame resistant fabrics.

Pro Tip: If the label says “bleach alternative,” step away and don’t use with for flame resistant clothing. Even though it’s not straight-up bleach, these alternatives can still damage the FR properties of your workwear.

2. Water Temperature Matters

One thing that trips people up when washing flame resistant clothing is the water temperature. The golden rule here is to wash your FR clothing in warm water—usually around 140°F (60°C). Hotter water can break down the fabric’s flame-resistant properties, and cold water won’t do as effective a job of cleaning industrial-strength dirt and grime.

But why warm water?
Warm water helps remove dirt, oils, and contaminants (more on that below), but it doesn’t cause the shrinkage or breakdown that hot water can. Plus, it’s less likely to cause damage to any chemical treatments applied to treated FR fabrics.

3. Skip the Fabric Softeners

Let’s repeat this one for good measure: No. Fabric. Softeners. While your typical laundry day might involve throwing a bounce sheet in the dryer to make your clothes smell fresh and feel soft, that’s a big no-no for flame resistant clothing. Fabric softeners leave a film on the fabric that can not only reduce the garment’s effectiveness but also make it more flammable.

Fabric softeners also affect the fabric’s ability to wick moisture away from your skin. If you’re in a high-heat environment, that moisture-wicking ability can be crucial in helping you stay cool and dry.

Chapter 4: Drying and Ironing: What You Need to Know

Once your flame resistant clothing is washed, it’s time to dry it. But, as with washing, there are some important guidelines to follow here.

1. Tumble Dry on Low

Exposing your FR clothing to high heat can shrink the fabric and damage its protective properties. The key here is to tumble dry on low heat—around 140°F (60°C). While it may take a little longer to dry, this will help preserve the integrity of the flame resistant fabric. High heat can cause shrinkage, which might not seem like a big deal until your sleeves are suddenly a couple of inches too short and the fabric starts to lose its fit and functionality. Here’s a basic but good rule of thumb: if your FR garment shrinks and is no longer covering a part of your body, then it’s no longer fully protecting you!

2. Air Drying Is an Option

If you want to be extra careful, air drying is always a safe bet. It might take a little longer, but it completely removes the risk of heat damage from the dryer. Plus, you’ll save on your energy bill. Bonus!

3. Skip the Ironing or Use Low Heat

You might be tempted to iron your flame resistant clothing to get rid of wrinkles, but proceed with caution. High heat from an iron can cause damage to the flame-resistant fibers. If you absolutely must iron, use the lowest heat setting possible, and don’t use steam. Better yet, take the wrinkled look as a badge of honor—it shows you’ve been working hard.

Chapter 5: Removing Stains and Contaminants

Flame resistant clothing is exposed to some tough environments, and that means it’s likely to get stained with oil, grease, and other substances. Properly removing these contaminants is crucial because oil and grease can actually increase the flammability of the fabric.

1. Pre-Treating Stains

If you’ve got an especially stubborn stain, it’s okay to pre-treat it—but be careful with what you use. Stay away from harsh chemicals or bleach-based products. Instead, opt for a stain remover that’s safe for flame resistant fabrics. Apply it to the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes before washing.

2. Contaminant Build-Up

If your FR clothing is heavily contaminated with oils, grease, or chemicals, simply washing it in water may not be enough to restore its flame-resistant properties. Some manufacturers recommend a dry-cleaning process for garments that have been heavily soiled.

Why? Because contaminants like oil or grease can act as fuel in the event of a fire. Even if the garment is flame resistant, a build-up of flammable substances on the surface can increase the risk. Regularly inspect your FR garments for signs of heavy contamination, and if necessary, take them out of service or consult a professional cleaner with experience handling flame resistant clothing.

Ultimately, if you’re unable to remove the contaminants from your flame resistant clothing, then you’re going to need to get new FR garments. Remember, it’s better to be safe than to be flammable.

Chapter 6: Industrial Laundering vs. Home Laundering

For businesses and workers wondering whether to launder flame resistant clothing at home or send it out to an industrial laundry service, both options are acceptable, but each comes with its own set of considerations.

Home Laundering

If you’re washing your flame resistant clothing at home, follow the guidelines above: mild detergent, warm water, no fabric softener, low-heat drying. Home laundering is fine for day-to-day maintenance, as long as you stick to the recommended procedures.

Industrial Laundering

For some workplaces, industrial laundering may be the better option. Industrial laundry services are equipped to handle large volumes of clothing and may use specialized cleaning agents and processes to properly care for FR garments. They often use higher temperatures and more rigorous cleaning methods to remove tough stains and contaminants.

Pro Tip: If your workplace offers industrial laundering services, take advantage of them. These services can often extend the life of your flame resistant clothing and ensure that it’s being washed according to manufacturer and industry standards.

Chapter 7: Inspecting Your Flame Resistant Clothing

While washing and drying are critical, there’s another step to keep in mind: regular inspection. Flame resistant clothing doesn’t last forever, and wear and tear are inevitable. Make sure to regularly check your garments for:

• Rips or tears: Even small holes can compromise the garment’s effectiveness.
• Excessive wear: If the fabric is thinning, it may no longer provide adequate protection.
• Stains that won’t come out: As we mentioned earlier, stains can pose a risk if they’re flammable.

If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to replace the garment.

Chapter 8: How Long Does Flame Resistant Clothing Last?

There’s no exact expiration date for flame resistant clothing, but with proper care, it should last a good long while. The lifespan of your FR workwear depends on the fabric type, the environment in which it’s worn, and how well it’s maintained. Regularly washed and properly cared-for FR clothing can last anywhere from 1 to 5 years, depending on the conditions.

However, if your clothing is regularly exposed to intense conditions (like arc flashes, chemical exposure, or heavy contamination), it may need to be replaced more frequently.

Conclusion: Caring for Your FR Clothing, The Right Way

Flame resistant clothing is an essential part of safety in many industries, and keeping it in top condition ensures that it will protect you when you need it most. By following proper washing, drying, and care procedures—like those laid out by NFPA 2112, ASTM F1506, and NFPA 70E—you’ll maximize the lifespan of your FR gear and ensure it retains its protective properties.

So next time you’re tempted to toss that grimy FR shirt in the wash with a splash of bleach and a bounce sheet, remember: a little extra care today can make all the difference in a dangerous situation tomorrow. After all, your safety depends on it!

Rasco is proud to be an industry leader in providing top quality, innovative flame resistant clothing. It is our mission to provide the better workwear for all.