How to Care for High Visibility Jackets & Apparel
People wear safety clothing to work to protect themselves from the risks of the working site. Such as inclement weather or hazardous chemicals. Hi-vis jackets, luminous vests, and other tactical clothing can save your life in an emergency. Those of you who wear high-visibility apparel at work are well aware that stains, rips, and tears are unavoidable. But they are significantly less effective if not properly cleaned. Dirt, dust, and filth can wear away the brilliant hue of a hi-vis jacket. Along with destroying the microscopic glass beads on retroreflective tape, rendering the garment useless when you need it the most.
Therefore, your daily uniforms must be composed of the most durable, dirt- and stain-resistant materials available.
To keep your jacket with reflectors in good shape follow these guidelines.
Why Proper Care Is Essential?
Even though this clothing is designed to be extremely durable, it is nonetheless subject to damage. Taking the proper care and maintenance actions can help guarantee that your safety gear is safe, durable, and ready for anything.
Tips for Caring for High Vis Jackets and Apparel
Here are some of our finest cleaning and maintenance techniques for keeping your high-visibility safety clothing clean and functional for years to come.
Wear the Right Gear for the Right Weather
Different weathers require different fabric materials. Your rain work apparel, for example, is good to perform in the rain and will not damage when exposed to moisture. The same is true for your winter safety equipment. Whereas, cool and breathable clothes are essential for the summer season. That keeps you cool even when you're working and sweating through the warmest days of the year. Contrary to this, if you wear summer attire in the wrong season, you will definitely ruin them.
Machine Wash Your Jacket with Reflectors with Care
You can wash some work apparel in the washing machine but make sure that you have read the care instructions. Remove any loose dirt and debris from the jacket with reflectors with a clean, dry cloth before washing them. Because excess dirt might function as an abrasive during a typical wash cycle. The care directions on the tag of your jacket or shirt will explain any extra cleaning procedures you must take. Additionally, wash your hi-vis clothing in cold water with like colors. Use a light detergent and a delicate cycle on your washing machine.
Washing Gear with Reflective Tape
Care instructions for special fabrics and reflective tapes are critical. This is especially true when it comes to washing your Fire Resistant and/or Arc Flash protective clothing. Pay particular attention to the manufacturer's care instructions. Because inappropriate washing procedures can substantially reduce the garment's protective characteristics. Along with increasing the wearer's risk of danger.
When washing reflective or neon apparel, don’t wash jeans, work clothes, or other rough fabrics, particularly those with hook-and-pile fasteners. Rough materials and fasteners can tear the reflective heat transfer film, making you more visible in low-light circumstances.
Spot Clean Regularly
Working in conditions that necessitate high-visibility jackets and other apparel is quite filthy. So, it's no surprise that your high-visibility jackets are prone to stains. When in doubt, clean your soiled stuff on the spot. As soon as you reach home, use a soft sponge or cleaning cloth and detergent to tackle any stain or spot. Only use stain removers labeled safe for bright colors and free of bleach. Never scrub the color-enhanced textiles on high-visibility clothes because it’ll increase the risk of creating a splotchy or worn appearance. That diminishes reflectivity and puts you in danger of not being seen.
Drying Tips
If possible, line-dry your reflective gear to avoid direct sunlight. Because the vibrant colors of the outfit can fade in direct sunlight. If you can't line dry, check the labels on your item to ensure that it is safe to machine dry. To avoid harming the heat transfer film or the glue that holds the reflective stripes in place, use the lowest heat setting on your dryer. Remove your jacket as soon as the cycle is over to avoid permanently creased reflective tape. Once dry, hang your jacket to maintain it in excellent condition until you're ready to wear it again.
Pay Attention to Your Vests, Jackets, Etc.
We usually keep safety vests, safety jackets, and other hi-vis top layers in our trucks or work bags for backup. However, because they rarely accompany us home, they rarely receive a thorough cleaning. Keep these products in the cleaning rotation as well to guarantee they're always fresh when you need them.
Go for Quality Safety Jackets
Caring for your workwear may make a significant difference in terms of conserving money and keeping you protected. Choose high-quality work clothes from ApparelnBags because their quality apparels tend to last longer. Furthermore, they include characteristics that help them withstand severe environments. ApparelnBags is delighted to provide you with the best attire for your team.
