Things You’ll Need
- Washing Machine
- Detergent Dryer (recommended)
- Iron, towel or cloth (optional, if no dryer available)
- Water Repellent Treatment (for waterproof garments only)
Step 1: PREPARE
- Protective garments must be washed separately to avoid deposits of foreign matter (e.g., cotton fluff or lint) on the outer fabric.
- Before washing, remove detachable metal parts (e.g., spring hooks) and empty pockets. If not, membrane and barrier protection will get damaged.
- Close all Velcro® fasteners and cover them to avoid deposits (cotton lint, fibers) of foreign objects or textile damage.
- Have the outside fabric (and reflective stripes) facing to the outside to obtain optimum cleaning results.
- Follow the load capacity of the washing machine specified in the garment manufacturer’s care instructions. Typically, fill levels should not exceed 2/3 drum volume.
Step 2: WASH
- Follow the garment manufacturer’s washing instructions (usually found on the inner label).
- Use a small amount of detergent with a neutral pH value (= 7.0).
- Don’t use chlorine or bleaching agents as these can destroy the fibers of your garment and, in the case of Hi vis garments, reduce their luminosity.
- Don’t use fabric softener. This can impair the waterproofness, DWR performance and oil-repellent properties. It can also be highly flammable due to its composition.
- Use clear water to rinse the garment properly. Removing all chemical residues from the washing process is important to maintain the longevity of the garment.*
Step 3: DRY
- Before drying, turn the garment right inside out (insulating lining outwards).
- Protective clothing can be spin-dried. Tumble dry on a warm gentle cycle.
- For waterproof garments only: If water doesn’t bead and run off after washing, you’ll need to reapply a durable water repellent (DWR).
Step 4: RE-APPLY DWR (for waterproof garments only)
- Use a DWR product of your choice, available as a pump-spray or a wash-in product.
- After the application, tumble dry your garment for 20 minutes to activate the DWR treatment or iron the dry garment on a gentle setting (ironing symbol with 2 dots, no steam).
- Important: Check your manufacturer’s care instructions about ironing first.
- When ironing, cover the garment with a towel or cloth, especially the reflective strips, to protect them.
- Wash, let it dry and tumble dry it again (Second dry reactivates DWR).
Step 5: Storage & Disposal
- To prevent color fading, protective clothing should not be stored in direct sunlight or where there are other sources of UV light.
- Don’t store wet garments.
- Don’t store your garment in the original packaging for more than 12 months.
- Hang them or remove the non-air permeable packaging.
- Faulty garments should be disposed. For further information, please contact your garment manufacturer.
Special Care
Dry cleaning
Dry cleaning is particularly effective for soiling that is not water-soluble (e.g., oils, grease, and bitumen). Check on your garments manufacturer information if the garment is suitable for dry cleaning.
- Dry cleaning is recommended for badly soiled protective clothing.
- Dry cleaning must only be carried out by a specialist – we recommend cleaning with perchloroethylene (PER) or hydrocarbon.
- Before cleaning, close all Velcro® fasteners and cover them to avoid deposits (e.g., cotton lint, fibers) of foreign objects or textile damage.
- Ensure that no labels are pinned to the clothing as this will damage the membrane.
- Don’t use dry cleaning soap. It‘s recommended to wash with water after dry cleaning for FR protective garments.
- Before using the protective garment again, check that it is completely free of any solvent.
Stain Removal
- Whether it’s mud, oil, or other stains, always follow the clothing manufacturer’s instructions.
- Don’t use stain removers – only detergents.
- Make sure to rinse the garment thoroughly before washing.
Discover Our Manufacturing Partners
Across workwear, defense, fire & safety, and law enforcement industries, GORE-TEX Professional collaborates with leading brands to deliver cutting-edge protection and durability for professionals across the globe.
