Proper maintenance is just as crucial as proper wear when it comes to personal protective equipment (PPE). One of the most common questions among safety managers and field workers alike is how to wash flame-resistant clothing without compromising its flame-resistant properties.
Whether you're a B2B buyer managing a fleet of Arc-rated clothing or an end user handling your daily wear, maintaining the flame resistance of your protective clothing is essential for safety, compliance, and garment life. This includes knowing details of washing fire-resistant clothing, reading the care label, and using the best flame-resistant laundry detergent.
Why Proper Care Matters for Flame-Resistant Clothing
Flame-resistant apparel is specifically engineered to self-extinguish when exposed to flame. These flame-resistant fabrics reduce the spread of fire and are designed to protect wearers in hazardous environments such as electrical utilities, oil and gas, and chemical processing.
Improper care, including the use of fabric softeners, dry cleaning solvents, or hot water, can damage flame-resistant fibers, shorten garment life, and increase exposure to chemical contaminants. Consistent and careful care is crucial whether you're learning how to wash flame-resistant clothing for the first time or optimizing washing FR clothing for your team.
How to Wash Flame-Resistant Clothing at Home
If you're laundering FR clothing at home, follow these care rules to avoid compromising resistant properties:
-
Read the Care Label – Follow the care label wash instructions provided by the garment manufacturer.
-
Use Mild Detergents – Avoid chlorine bleach, fabric softeners, and hydrogen peroxide-based detergents. Choose the best laundry detergent for FR clothing or a dedicated FR laundry detergent.
-
Water Temperature – Use cold or warm water (never above 105°F). Excessive heat can affect the chemical treatments used on resistant fabrics.
-
Tumble Dry on Low or Air Dry – Use a cotton cycle or line dry. Avoid high heat when washing fire-resistant clothing.
-
Wash Separately – Keep FR clothing separate from regular clothing, baby clothes, or items contaminated with flammable material or chemical spray.
-
Avoid Dryer Sheets – Anti-static or wrinkle-free dryer sheets often contain additional chemicals that harm flame-resistant qualities.
Are you still wondering if you can wash FR clothing at home? The answer is yes, with the right products and processes. Knowing how to wash FR clothing and how to clean FR gear properly ensures it stays compliant and functional.
Industrial Laundering for FR Garments
In commercial settings, many companies rely on industrial laundering to manage protective fabrics at scale. If you choose this route, ensure the launderer understands:
-
Industrial washing machines with soft water and accurate water level control
-
pH-balanced detergents suitable for flame-resistant laundry detergent applications
-
Sorting protocols to prevent contamination while washing flame-resistant clothing in bulk
-
Frequent inspections to identify tough stains and maintain flame-resistant properties
Whether you're washing FR clothing for a team of utility workers or just need to know how to wash fire-resistant clothing effectively, professional laundering can provide peace of mind.
Common Mistakes That Reduce Flame Resistance
Avoid these common missteps:
-
Using bleach, peroxide, or fabric softeners
-
Washing FR clothing with oil-soaked or contaminated items
-
Using high temperatures in the washing machine or dryer
-
Overusing stain removal products with harsh additives
When learning how to wash FR clothes, always follow care guidelines to preserve the garment's protective qualities and service life.
How Often Should You Wash Flame-Resistant Clothing?
Frequent laundering is essential to keeping clothing clean and compliant. Workers in dirty or oily environments should wash gear after every use. For lighter-duty jobs, follow visual cues or a set schedule. Routine care, whether washing fire-resistant clothing weekly or after every shift helps prevent Contaminant Build-Up.
Does Washing Flame-Resistant Clothing Wear It Out?
Proper laundering using FR laundry detergent will not reduce the flame-resistant qualities of treated or inherently flame-resistant garments. If you're asking, does washing FR clothing make it unsafe? Only improper methods do. Use approved techniques and avoid harsh chemicals to extend garment life.
Can You Use Stain Remover on FR Clothing?
Yes, but use FR-safe stain removal products like Colors Stain Remover and Laundry Additive. Avoid scrubbing or high temperatures that can damage the flame-resistant chemical layer for difficult stains. This is especially important when washing flame-resistant clothing with oil, grease, or dirt buildup.
Recommended Products: RAflectFR Collection
Reflective Apparel’s Flame-Resistant Clothing Collection features industry-leading garments that meet or exceed NFPA 70E, ASTM F1506, and ANSI standards. Our gear is designed to hold up under repeated washing, whether you’re wondering how to wash FR clothing or need flame-resistant laundry detergent recommendations.
Featured FR Products:
510FRGS-LM Fr Vest - 5.8 Oz. ANSI Class 3:
The 510FRGS-LM FR Vest is a lightweight, flame-resistant safety vest designed for high-visibility in hazardous environments. Meeting ANSI Class 3 standards, this 5.8 oz. vest features reflective striping to enhance visibility during both day and night work. Crafted from durable, compliant fabric, it’s perfect for utility workers, construction crews, and industrial safety teams. Stay safe and compliant with this essential FR hi-vis vest.
509FRGS-LM FR Vest - 5.8 oz. ANSI Class 2:
Stay protected on the job with the 509FRGS-LM FR Vest, featuring a 5.8 oz. flame-resistant fabric that meets ANSI Class 2 standards. Designed for day-to-day safety, it provides visibility in low-light conditions while maintaining comfort during long shifts. Ideal for electricians, road crews, and warehouse workers, this vest ensures compliance without compromising mobility. A must-have for jobs requiring reliable FR protection.
205frgs-LM FR Hi-Vis Knit Shirt:
The 205FRGS-LM FR Hi-Vis Knit Shirt offers a blend of comfort and safety, perfect for high-risk work settings. Made from breathable, flame-resistant material, this shirt provides enhanced visibility with reflective striping while maintaining a professional look. Ideal for construction, logistics, and electrical applications, it’s designed to meet rigorous ANSI safety standards. Stay cool and compliant with this reliable FR knit shirt.
Each garment includes care tags outlining how to wash fire-resistant clothing and maintain protective properties across dozens of cycles. Knowing how to wash flame-resistant clothing, from how to clean FR garments at home to how to manage washing fire-resistant clothing in bulk, is essential to safety. Using the best laundry detergent for FR clothing, following the care label, and avoiding improper laundering are key to preserving both comfort and compliance.
Key Insights on Washing FR Clothing
-
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Using bleach or acidic substances can degrade FR fabrics, compromising their protective properties.
-
Steer Clear of Flammable Substances: Products containing accelerants, such as hairspray or kerosene, should never be used with FR garments, as they can leave flammable residues.
-
Use Appropriate Detergents: Invest in high-quality detergents specifically designed for FR clothing to ensure the garments remain effective and safe.
-
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Always refer to the garment's care label and manufacturer instructions to maintain compliance and safety standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Wash Flame-Resistant Clothing With Regular Clothes?
No. Always keep FR clothing separate from regular clothing to avoid cross-contamination.
Do You Need Special Detergent for FR Clothing?
Yes. Use the best laundry detergent for FR clothing, typically a mild, non-softening FR laundry detergent.
Will Flame-Resistant Clothing Shrink in the Wash?
A small amount of shrinkage is possible, especially with cotton garments. Always follow the care label.
Is It Safe to Air Dry Flame-Resistant Gear?
Yes. Air drying is a preferred method to extend garment life.
Are All FR Clothes Washable at Home?
Most are, but always check for laundering instructions. Some may require industrial laundering.
