Care and washing of work clothes: everything you need to know

Proper care of workwear is essential to ensure its longevity, appearance, and effectiveness. However, many professionals make mistakes that can damage their work clothes. Here's our guide to common errors to avoid and our solutions for preserving the quality of your workwear.

Who is responsible for the maintenance of personal protective equipment?

The first question to ask is that of responsibility. According to French regulations (Labour Code, article R4323-95), the employer is responsible for providing and maintaining Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) .

In practical terms, this means that if the garment is considered PPE (for example, a high-visibility coverall or a chemical protective gown), the employer is responsible for cleaning it . If the garment is simply work attire without any particular protective function (e.g., a chef's jacket or service trousers), the maintenance may be the employee's responsibility, unless otherwise stipulated by the company or the collective agreement.

Therefore, before you start washing your work clothes, it is important to check whether the maintenance is your responsibility or that of your employer.

Work attire: why is it necessary to maintain it regularly?

Regular maintenance of work clothes is crucial for several reasons:

• Hygiene : eliminate bacteria, food stains, oils or grease.
• Safety : maintain the protective properties of PPE (e.g., fire resistance, visibility).
• Professional image : a clean professional outfit reflects the seriousness and rigor of the company.
• Lifespan : Proper washing of work clothes prolongs their robustness and prevents premature wear.

In summary, neglecting maintenance risks the health, safety and image of the team.

How to interpret the care codes for professional clothing?

Each garment has a care label . These symbols are essential to ensure that professional clothing is washed correctly.

• Basin with number → maximum washing temperature (30°, 40°, 60°, 90°).
• Triangle → permission or prohibition of chlorine/bleach.
• Circle in a square → machine drying allowed or prohibited.
• Iron → ironing temperature (one, two or three points).
• Circle only → professional dry cleaning.

Therefore, following these instructions helps to avoid shrinkage, discoloration or deterioration of the garment.

How to prepare work clothes for washing?

Before washing work clothes , a few precautions are necessary. First, make sure to empty the pockets : pens, tools, or papers can stain or damage the washing machine. Next, close zippers and Velcro fasteners to prevent damage to the fabrics. Separate colors to avoid color transfer. Finally, treat stubborn stains (grease, oil, blood) with a suitable stain remover before washing.

In practice, good preparation simplifies the care of work clothes and guarantees an optimal result.

What cleaning products should be used for work clothes?

The choice of products directly influences the effectiveness of cleaning work clothes :

• Industrial laundry detergents : recommended for professional laundries.
• Conventional laundry detergents : suitable for home washing, but choose those without overly aggressive agents.
• Specific stain removers : for grease, oil or blood stains.
• Fabric softeners : use sparingly, as some reduce the breathability of the fabric.

When caring for your work clothes, avoid using bleach on colored or technical fabrics, as this can damage the fibers.

Top 3 of our tips for effectively caring for your work clothes

1. Always follow the labels : never exceed the recommended temperatures.
2. Opt for long cycles at moderate temperatures : they clean thoroughly without damaging the fibers.
3. Use a laundry bag for delicate or embroidered garments to avoid excessive friction.

Workwear care: top 5 mistakes to avoid

1. Ignoring washing instructions

One of the most common mistakes is not reading or following the washing instructions provided by the manufacturer . Each type of fabric requires specific care. For example, some fabrics may shrink at high temperatures, while others may lose their color.

• Tip : Always take the time to read the care label before washing your clothes. Follow the recommended washing temperatures and drying instructions. Proper care of your work clothes starts with following these guidelines.

2. Using too much detergent

Many people believe that using more detergent will make their clothes cleaner, but this is a misconception. In fact, too much detergent can leave residue on fabrics, making them stiff and irritating to the skin.

• Tip : Follow the dosage recommendations on the detergent packaging. For stubborn stains, pretreat them rather than increasing the amount of detergent. This ensures optimal cleaning without damaging work clothes.

3. Mix the colors

Mixing clothes of different colors can cause color transfer, especially during the first few washes. This can ruin the look of your work outfits.

• Tip: Sort your clothes by color before washing them. Wash white clothes separately from bright and dark colors for optimal care of your work linens.

4. Forgetting to check pockets

Leaving items in your pockets can cause significant damage to your clothes and washing machine. Items like pens, coins, or cards can damage fabrics and cause stains that are difficult to remove.

• Tip : Make it a habit to check all pockets before putting your clothes in the washing machine.

5. Use bleach on all fabrics

Bleach can be very effective at removing stains from white fabrics, but it can also weaken the fibers and cause irreversible discoloration on colored fabrics.

• Tip : Use bleach only on white and durable fabrics. For other fabrics, opt for gentler, more suitable stain removers. This ensures maximum protection for your work clothes.

6. Neglecting proper drying

Drying in the sun or in a high-temperature dryer can damage some fabrics. Clothes may shrink, lose their shape, or fade.

• Tip : Air dry your clothes in the shade or use a tumble dryer on a low heat setting. Always follow the drying instructions on the label to maintain the quality of your workwear.

7. Not ironing properly

Ironing at too high a temperature can burn or damage delicate fabrics. Furthermore, ironing directly over prints or embroidery can damage them.

• Tip : Adjust the iron temperature according to the type of fabric. Use a pressing cloth to protect prints and embroidery, ensuring your work clothes stay neatly in place.

How to extend the lifespan of your work clothes?

Let's return to the second question in our FAQ: why is regular maintenance essential?
Because it's the key to extending the lifespan of a professional outfit .

Our advice:

• Alternate between several outfits to limit daily wear and tear.
• Quickly repair small snags or damaged seams.
• Store the clothes in a dry, well-ventilated place.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, which weakens the fibers.

Therefore, careful maintenance of work clothes allows them to last longer and avoids frequent replacement costs.

How to dry and store work clothes after cleaning?

Drying is a key step in washing workwear . Air drying : ideal for preserving the fibers, especially for cotton garments. Tumble drying : only if the care label allows it. Choose a moderate temperature. Ironing : appropriate according to the care label symbols, but unnecessary for some technical fabrics.

For storage, hang work jackets and blouses to avoid creases. Fold trousers and coveralls carefully, respecting the seams. Store them in a clean, dry place, away from moisture.

Proper care of work clothes is much more than just a matter of aesthetics. It guarantees safety, hygiene, comfort, and the longevity of the garments.
From reading labels to preparing laundry, including choosing washing products and drying tips, every step counts.

In summary, cleaning workwear ( overalls , work clothes ) must be thorough, regular, and tailored to the fabric. Following these rules protects your employees, enhances your company's image, and optimizes your workwear investments.