How to maintain and clean workwear to extend its life

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.

Clean workwear on a regular basis

Workwear should be washed regularly to remove dirt, grime, grease, and dust. 

Follow this pre-wash checklist:

• Empty all pockets.
• Turn clothes inside out.
• Unbutton shirts, sleeves, and collars.

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.

Follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions

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:

• Whether or not it can be ironed.
• The correct washing temperature.
• If the garment can go in a tumble dryer.
• Which detergents or chemicals to avoid.

For hi-vis clothing, the label will also show the number of approved wash cycles. Once reached, it’s time to replace the item.

Dry workwear and wearable PPE carefully

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.

Ask employees to check for damage to their workwear

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.

Store all workwear correctly

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.

Reproof any waterproof workwear

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.

Signs your workwear needs to be replaced

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:

• Clothing no longer fits
• Chemical exposure has damaged the item
• Dirt and grime can no longer be washed out
• Tears, cuts, or rips limit the workwear’s protection 

For PPE workwear items, look out for:

• Cracks, dents, or chips
• Straps that have ripped or snapped
• Fading or discolouration on hi-vis clothing

Replacing worn workwear promptly keeps your team protected and compliant.

Need advice on caring for your workwear?

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.

FAQs

What is the best workwear? 

The best workwear is workwear suitable for the environment your team will be working in.

For example:

• Corporate clothing for office environments and light work
• Jackets & bodywarmers for easy layering in cold conditions
• Tradesmen trousers for durable protection during heavy-duty work

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. 

How often should you wash workwear?

It varies! 

Workwear laundry cycles will be different depending on the following factors:

• Type of workwear
• What jobs the workwear is used for
• Relevant health and safety standards for cleaning & hygiene

Can you wash workwear like coveralls?

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. 

How to care for your clothes to make them last longer?

There are a few ways to care for your work clothes to make them last longer.

This includes:

• Washing regularly
• Inspecting for signs of damage daily
• Making sure garments dry out properly
• Always following care instructions on the label
• Storing them somewhere cool and dry, where they can be hung up