How to clean and wash your kitchen uniform?

Washing your chef's or pastry chef's jackets or trousers is often a real headache! To remove all kinds of stains, manufacturers have come up with solutions, not to mention the old-fashioned remedies that still work! Manelli presents all these techniques while reminding you of the rules for washing your chef's clothes and the washing symbols.

What textiles make up a kitchen outfit and how do they influence cleaning?

The care of kitchen attire depends largely on the material it is made of. Each fabric has its advantages, but also its limitations when it comes to cleaning kitchen clothes .

• Cotton remains the most commonly used fiber in traditional chef's jackets. Breathable, comfortable, and absorbent, it's perfect for long days on the job. However, pure cotton can shrink and requires careful washing, ideally at a maximum of 60°C. For stubborn stains, pre-soaking is often recommended.
• Polyester , often blended with cotton, provides durability and makes ironing easier. Polycotton jackets are lighter, dry quickly, and withstand frequent washing better. They are therefore highly valued for laundering kitchen workwear in catering and hospitality.
• Modern technical fabrics , such as stain-resistant or breathable fibers, offer increased comfort and better protection. They make cleaning chef's uniforms easier, as spills often slide off the surface without penetrating deeply.

What temperature should I use to wash my chef's uniform?

There's one essential rule! Respect the temperature indicated on the label. Machine washing at over 60°C can be very useful for removing stains from kitchen clothing. But be sure to check the label carefully. Not all fabrics can withstand what could be called industrial washing (90°C). When in doubt, for maximum effectiveness without risking damage to the garment, wash at a maximum temperature of 60°C.

Carefully follow the meaning of the labels, whether for washing, drying, or which bleaching products are suitable or not. See the washing symbol chart on the manelli.fr website!

How to wash out stains?

Commercial products?

Commercial products, found in supermarkets, are often considered ineffective. However, for light stains , they can prove very useful!

Bleach

For white trousers and jackets, this is one of the most effective techniques. Soak your white clothes overnight in water diluted with bleach. Wash them normally in the washing machine the next day. This technique is effective but has the disadvantage of wearing out the fabric more quickly.

The eco-friendly way

According to all the testimonials, Sommières clay is the miracle, eco-friendly product for removing all kinds of stains, even greasy ones! This 100% natural clay has powerful degreasing and stain-removing properties. And to top it all off, it's available at a low price online. Sprinkle the clay onto the stain and leave it for 2 to 3 hours, then remove the powder and machine wash.

What quick tips can effectively remove common stains (grease, blood, sauces)?

A stain on a jacket or trousers can quickly give a sloppy appearance. Fortunately, a few simple steps allow for quick maintenance of kitchen attire .

• Grease : Immediately sprinkle the stained area with cornstarch, talcum powder, or Fuller's earth. These powders absorb the grease before it sets in. After a few minutes, brush it off and then wash as usual.
• For blood stains : it's best to rinse the stain with cold water (never hot, as this sets the blood in the fibers). Then apply a little Marseille soap and let it sit before washing.
• For colored sauces (tomato, wine, curry) : a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (30%) can work wonders on white fabrics. For dark jackets, opt for a gentle stain remover to avoid watermarks.

Grandma's recipes

All our grandmothers have their tips and tricks for washing stains, here are the main ones.

• Marseille soap : It's one of the most powerful stain removers. Simply rub the stain with a slightly damp bar of soap until a crust forms. Leave it for an hour, then machine wash the garment.
• Baking soda : Particularly useful for greasy stains, halve your laundry detergent dose and add baking soda. This will boost the detergent's effectiveness against grease stains.
• Lemon : It helps whiten clothes, use it as juice or cut into slices in a knotted sock and put that in the washing machine.
• Hydrogen peroxide : To whiten your kitchen clothes, use at least a 30% concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution (available at pharmacies). Regular hydrogen peroxide will have no effect!

As you can see, everyone has their own solution, but you should know that fuller's earth and bleach for white are the most popular choices according to customer feedback!

What tips can help neutralize persistent bad odors?

Even when impeccably washed, kitchen clothes can retain odors of frying, spices, or meat. For thorough care of kitchen garments , it's important to neutralize these odors.

• White vinegar : Add half a glass of white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine. Not only does it deodorize, but it also softens the fibers.
• Baking soda : in addition to laundry detergent, a spoonful of baking soda helps to neutralize persistent cooking odors.
• Air drying : Opt for natural drying, ideally outdoors. Sunlight and fresh air help eliminate stubborn odors better than a tumble dryer.
• Essential oils : a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus in the washing machine drawer will pleasantly scent your clothes without damaging them.

The black chef's jacket?

This is the radical solution that many chefs have adopted today: the black chef's jacket has the obvious advantage of not showing any stains. It makes cleaning easier and often projects an image of elegance!

Manelli offers a selection of black and white chef's jackets and trousers for men and women:

To choose the right chef's uniform, it's essential to look for products that combine comfort, safety, and practicality. Chef jacket : discover the selection criteria to find the jacket that will offer you both protection and freedom of movement in the kitchen, with our guide "How to choose the right chef jacket?" .

For your lower half, chef's trousers are a crucial choice, both for comfort and durability. Discover the elements to consider in our article "How to Choose the Right Chef's Trousers." Don't forget to complete your outfit with a chef's apron , essential for protecting your clothes from splashes. For an informed choice, read our article "How to Choose the Right Chef's Apron." Finally, chef's shoes are indispensable for ensuring safety and comfort throughout the day. Discover our guide to choosing the best chef's shoes in our article "How to Choose the Right Chef's Shoes."