5 minute read
In the UK, it can cost around £100 to outfit an employee with the workwear they need.
Throw in essential safety equipment and PPE items, and that cost could more than double.
And just a one-time spend. Workwear degrades over time. Depending on the item’s shelf life, some garments may last only three to six months.
To keep your team safe and compliant, you need to invest in new clothing and equipment regularly.
But with the right maintenance and cleaning routine, you can extend workwear life, reduce replacement costs, and keep safety performance high.
Check out our workwear cleaning guide for tips on maintaining uniforms.
Workwear should be washed regularly to remove dirt, grime, grease, and dust.
Follow this pre-wash checklist:
Take care when washing PPE items like hi-vis jackets and hi-vis waistcoats.
Reflective materials have a limited wash life, which is shown on the garment’s care label. Exceeding that number can reduce visibility and protection.
Always follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions when cleaning workwear.
They help you clean clothing effectively while protecting the material’s performance and safety features.
Care instructions will usually tell you:
For hi-vis clothing, the label will also show the number of approved wash cycles. Once reached, it’s time to replace the item.
Workwear clothing and wearable PPE should always be hung up to dry in a warm, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
Allow enough space between garments so air can circulate freely.
If drying at home, keep items indoors and out of harsh sunlight. This willhelp prevent fading, discolouration, or damage to protective coatings.
Damaged workwear can't provide the protection it was designed for and should not be put on. Even minor scuffs can weaken key materials, and small rips can quickly turn into large tears.
Encourage your team to check their workwear before every use. This helps identify issues early so items can be repaired or replaced before they cause a safety risk.
Correct storage protects workwear between uses.
Hang clothing in secure, lockable storage cabinets or workwear PPE lockers. They offer a cool, dark, and dry environment that prevents damage from UV light or damp conditions.
Avoid folding or storing damp garments in bags, as this can cause odours or mould.
Waterproof coatings can be stripped off in the wash.
Use a specialist reproofing detergent or spray to restore the garment’s water resistance. Always check the care label before applying.
Regular cleaning and maintenance will extend workwear life, but no garment lasts forever.
Replace items as soon as you notice signs of wear.
You need to replace workwear if:
For PPE workwear items, look out for:
Replacing worn workwear promptly keeps your team protected and compliant.
SMI’s team has over 40 years of experience in workwear and PPE. We know how important it is to have quality garments that keep your team safe and comfortable.
Our expert team is always on hand for support - online or by phone.
You can also create a MY-SMI® account to order replacement workwear whenever it’s needed. Multiple users can log in to track stock levels and ensure nothing runs low.
The best workwear is workwear suitable for the environment your team will be working in.
For example:
Some workwear should also be designed according to current safety standards.
For example, waterproofs should follow EN 343 safety standards to keep your team adequately dry in wet weather.
It varies!
Workwear laundry cycles will be different depending on the following factors:
Yes! Coveralls can be washed just like any other workwear.
However, as coveralls are typically used for working in more intense conditions, you’ll need to be careful.
You don’t want to accidentally strip off the garment’s protective qualities. Always check the manufacturer’s label for washing instructions.
There are a few ways to care for your work clothes to make them last longer.
This includes:
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