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How to Wash Hi Vis Work Clothes Safely
Your enhanced visibility or hi-vis workwear is crucial for staying safe on the job, whether you’re landscaping in South Carolina, managing a busy warehouse, or working roadside assistance. This is a small guide on how to wash hi vis work clothes safely. Keeping gear like your hi vis shirts, jackets, or vests clean is key to maintaining their brightness. But how you wash them matters just as much.
Improper washing can damage the reflective tape and fade the bright colors, reducing your visibility and shortening the garment’s lifespan. Following these simple steps will help keep your safety apparel effective for longer.
Why Proper Washing Matters for Reflective Clothing:
- Visibility: Dirt and grime dull fluorescent colors and cover reflective tape, making you harder to see.
- Damage Prevention: Hot water, harsh detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners can permanently damage reflective materials and fabrics. Even rough items washed alongside your hi-vis gear can cause abrasion.
- Longevity: Most standard hi-vis gear has a limited number of washes before its visibility degrades. Proper care maximizes the effective life of your investment.
Quick Washing Guide for Hi-Vis & Enhanced Visibility Gear:
- Prepare:
- Shake off loose dirt and debris (do this outside!).
- Empty pockets.
- Turn the garment inside out to protect the reflective tape.
- Shake off loose dirt and debris (do this outside!).
- Wash hi-vis items separately or only with other lightweight, smooth fabrics. Crucially, do NOT wash with rough items like jeans.
- Wash Settings:
- Use COLD WATER only.
- Select a DELICATE cycle.
- Detergent:
- Use a MILD detergent.
- Absolutely NO BLEACH and NO FABRIC SOFTENER. These destroy reflective properties.
- Stains:
- For tough spots like grease, pre-treat gently before washing using a mild, bleach-free stain remover (products like Fels-Naptha soap bars are sometimes used on workwear – test in an inconspicuous area first).
- Do not scrub the reflective tape directly. Blot gently.
Drying Your Hi-Vis Workwear:
- Best: Air Dry / Line Dry. Hang it in the shade if possible, as prolonged direct sunlight can eventually fade bright colors.
- Okay: If you must machine dry, use the LOWEST HEAT or NO HEAT (AIR FLUFF) setting. Remove it immediately when the cycle finishes to prevent heat damage to the tape.
The Liliana Hi Vis Advantage
We take pride in using high-quality base garments and applying durable, sewn-on reflective tape. While all safety gear requires proper care to last, our construction method is built for durability and holds up better to washing when you follow these care guidelines.
Stay Seen, Stay Safe
Taking a few extra minutes to wash your hi-vis workwear correctly ensures it keeps doing its job – making you visible. Proper care protects your gear, maintains its safety features, and saves you money in the long run.
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