Extending the Life of Your Workwear: Proper Care, Cleaning, and Maintenance

At Knights, we understand that your workwear is not just an outfit; it’s a crucial part of your day-to-day operations. Proper care, cleaning, and maintenance are vital to extending the life of your workwear, ensuring that it remains functional, safe, and presentable for years to come. Caring for your workwear in the right way, you can protect your investment and enhance the longevity of your garments. Here’s how to care for your workwear effectively:

1. Regular Cleaning to Maintain Performance

Just like any other clothing, workwear collects dirt, sweat, and grime over time, which can lead to wear and reduce its effectiveness. Regular cleaning helps restore the fabric's performance and maintain its protective properties.

• Check the Care Label: Always read the manufacturer's care instructions to understand the specific cleaning requirements for each garment.
• Use Appropriate Detergents: Choose detergents designed for workwear that won’t degrade the fabric or any protective coatings.
• Machine Wash: Use a gentle cycle with cold water, securing all closures to prevent damage, and consider using a mesh laundry bag for extra protection.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stay away from fabric softeners and bleach, which can compromise the integrity of the fabric.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Ensure all soap residue is completely rinsed out, as leftover detergent can hinder the fabric's performance.

2. Proper Drying Techniques

How you dry your workwear is just as critical as how you wash it. Incorrect drying methods can damage the fabric and its protective features.

• Air Dry: Whenever possible, hang your workwear to air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Tumble Dry (If permitted): If the care label allows, using a low heat setting in the tumble dryer can help maintain any water-resistant coatings.

3. Reproofing When Necessary

Over time, protective coatings on workwear can wear off, particularly in high-friction areas. To ensure continued protection, reproofing your workwear is essential.

• Use Specialised Treatments: Apply spray-on or wash-in water repellents designed for workwear to restore protective qualities.
• Heat Activation: If allowed by the care instructions, drying treated garments on a low heat can help activate the protective coatings.

4. Proper Storage

How you store your workwear can significantly affect its longevity. Following proper storage techniques can help prevent unnecessary damage.

• Avoid Creasing: Store your workwear hanging to avoid creases that can damage the fabric.
• Cool and Dry Environment: Keep your workwear in a cool, dry place to prevent mold or mildew growth.
• Store Dry: Always ensure your garments are completely dry before storing to avoid damage.
• Proper Storage: Keep your clothing in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade colours and damage fabrics over time.

5. Regular Inspections for Damage

Frequent inspections can help you catch any issues early before they become serious problems.

• Inspect for Wear: Check seams, zips, and other vulnerable areas for signs of wear and address them promptly.
• Repair Minor Damage: Small tears can often be repaired with specialised kits, extending the life of your workwear.
• Replace When Necessary: If your garments show significant wear, replacing them is crucial to maintaining safety and performance.

6. Avoid Common Mistakes

To further extend the life of your workwear, be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Do Not Iron: Ironing can ruin protective coatings; use a steamer instead, if needed.
• Avoid Dry Cleaning: Most workwear is not suitable for dry cleaning as the chemicals can damage the fabric.
• Avoid High Heat: High heat can melt synthetic fibres,

By implementing these care, cleaning, and maintenance practices, you can significantly extend the life of your workwear, ensuring it remains safe and effective in your workplace. Regular cleaning, proper drying and storage, and timely repairs will keep your workwear in optimal condition, helping you stay comfortable and protected on the job for many years to come. At Knights Corporate Workwear, we believe that investing time in the maintenance of your garments pays off in durability and performance. Take care of your workwear, and it will take care of you.

​ Any questions? Get in touch.