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Laundering of Flame Resistant Fabrics

Flame resistant fabrics need to be regularly washed and dried in order to remove any dirt and contamination.  The quality of the laundry service is of high importance.  Garments must be laundered according to the manufacturers instructions provided in the care label sewn in to the garment, as incorrect laundering of flame resistant garments can seriously affect their performance and fit.  The garments flame resistant properties will last much longer if correctly laundered and washed.

Washing / Drying Procedure


Pre-treatment - If stains are difficult to remove, they can be treated before putting in to the washing machine with a liquid soap applied directly and gently rubbed.  Heavier and stubborn stains should be pre-treated with a commercial stain removal product at the earliest opportunity and sufficient time allowed for the pre-treatment to penetrate and loosen the stains.

Never use chlorine bleach or washing detergents containing bleach as these may discolour and will reduce the flame resistance properties of the fabric.

Fabric softeners, starches and other laundry activities are not recommended as they can mask the flame resistance performance and may also act as a fuel in the case of combustion.

Washing


Always wash contaminated workwear separately, do not mix with non workwear.  Flame Resistant fabric can usually be washed at high temperatures, however it is the components (i.e. the reflective tape, badging etc.) on a finished garment that dictates the maximum washing temperature that the garment can be washed at.  Always follow the washing temperature on the garment label.  Always wash and dry garments inside out to minimise surface abrasion and help maintain the surface appearance of the fabric.  Zips should be closed during washing.

LOAD SIZE - TO ENSURE A MORE EFFICIENT, CLEANER WASH, AVOID OVERLOADING THE MACHINE SO GARMENTS CAN MOVE FREELY THROUGH THE WASH AND RINSE CYCLES.

Drying


Tumble drying is not usually recommended as the temperature used is often too high and can cause garment shrinkage.  It is vital that cotton or cotton mix garments are not over dried.  Over drying is the main cause of excessive garment shrinkage.  Do not hang in direct sunlight.  This can cause fading.

Industrial Laundering



Portwest have introduced a new Industrial Launderable Workwear Range - Bizflame Ultra.  These products are labelled with a 'PRO' symbol and are suitable for industrial laundering according to ISO 15797.

ISO 15797 is the international standard specifying the industrial washing and finishing procedures that a product can withstand.

All Portwest industrial launderable products marked with the EN ISO 15797 label, are tested according to washing procedure 8, for coloured workwear, that can tolerate tunnel finishing. 

THE FLAME RESISTANT FINISH IS RETAINED FOR THE NORMAL LIFE CYCLE OF THE GARMENT PROVIDED THAT THE CARE INSTRUCTIONS ARE ADHERED TO.