Different kinds of hi vis clothes will have different washing requirements, so it is important to always check each individual garment’s tag or contact the supplier for customer support. However, there are a few general recommendations that will help you to wash your hi vis gear at home. These are:
1. Always remove dirt and loose debris with a clean, dry cloth before washing, as dirt and debris can become abrasive during the washing process, and may end up wearing away the hi vis and personalised features if not removed first.
2. Always wash colours with like colours in cold water, unless the tag states otherwise.
3. Use a gentle detergent. Avoid any products that contain bleach. Only use detergents and stain removers that are safe for bright colours.
4. Don’t scrub any of the his vis or personalised areas of your clothing, as this could lead to fading, and reduce the lifespan of your workwear. Faded hi vis clothing will also reduce your visibility on site, which could lead to dangerous working conditions for yourself and others.
5. Choose a gentle wash cycle. You should use the same wash cycle that you would use for delicate items and on a cold setting.
6. Always make sure it’s safe to machine dry your hi vis wear. It is advisable to air dry if in doubt. If it is safe to machine dry your garment, use the lowest heat setting. Take care to remove the garment as soon as the cycle is complete and hang it up to air, to ensure the reflective components do not become creased while hot.
7. If you are drying your hi vis wear on the clothesline, ensure your garments are not placed in direct sunlight, as this may fade the colours and reflective features.
