Industrial work uniforms are exposed to all manner of dirt and grime throughout a workday. Keeping them clean is not only essential to their professional appearance and the comfort of employees but integral to their safety. Unfortunately, the stains they acquire in industrial settings are very difficult to remove with traditional methods. Here’s how to clean industrial uniforms.
4 Step Method for Cleaning Industrial Uniforms
Cleaning industrial uniforms can be time-consuming and challenging to do correctly. Here’s a simplified method for cleaning industrial uniforms.
1. Remove any Dirt or Debris from the Uniform
This will help to prevent the dirt and debris from becoming embedded in the fabric and make it more difficult to remove later. Brushing off the dirt and debris will also help to prevent it from being transferred to other parts of the uniform while you are cleaning it. The best way to brush off the dirt and debris is with a soft-bristled brush. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove the dirt and debris from the uniform. If you are using a vacuum cleaner, be sure to hold the vacuum cleaner nozzle close to the surface of the uniform so that you do not damage the fabric.
2. Use a Pre-Treatment on Tough Stains
Pre-treating tough stains with a commercial stain remover are always the best first step. Be sure to follow the directions on the product and allow it to work into the fabric for several minutes before proceeding to the next step. If you don’t have a commercial stain remover, you can make a DIY solution by mixing one part dish soap with three parts hydrogen peroxide. To use this method, simply apply the mixture to the stained area and allow it to sit for several minutes before laundering as usual. You may need to repeat this process a few times for stubborn stains.
3. Launder in Appropriately
If your industrial uniform is machine-washable, you should always launder it the temperature and chemical concentration specific to that uniform. Precision is essential to completely remove dirt, grime, and stains from fabric without damaging the garment. Be sure to use a formulated laundry detergent that is designed for the materials you’re working with. Additionally, some industrial uniforms are not machine-washable, in which case you’ll need to take them to a professional launderer.
4. Hang to Dry
Once your industrial uniform has been laundered, it’s important to hang it up to dry. Machine-drying with commercially-available equipment can damage the fabric, so it’s best to air dry. If you must machine-dry, be sure to use the lowest heat setting and remove the uniform as soon as the cycle is complete. Once the uniform is dry, you can iron it if necessary as a way of keeping uniforms clean.
Or Partner with A Qualified Uniform Rental Service like Oregon Linen
Oregon Linen is a proven, local, and reliable provider of uniforms and uniform rental to businesses in western Oregon. If you’d like to leave the tasks of uniform cleaning and maintenance in the hands of a competent business and free the time and resources it consumes, we’re ready to help.
Contact us, or give us a call at (541) 672-1663 and we’ll see how we can help your business with clean industrial uniforms.