Every morning, before stepping into a refinery, fabrication shop, power plant, pipeline project, or manufacturing facility, thousands of skilled tradesmen pull on the same piece of equipment without giving it much thought: their flame-resistant clothing.
Unlike a hard hat or safety glasses, FR clothing often feels like ordinary apparel. It looks like a work shirt, fits like a work shirt, and is worn every day, making it easy to forget that it serves a much greater purpose. In hazardous work environments, flame-resistant garments are part of a worker’s personal protective equipment (PPE), designed to reduce burn injuries by resisting ignition and self-extinguishing when the ignition source is removed.
Because FR clothing resembles everyday workwear, many workers unintentionally care for it the same way they care for ordinary clothing. They wash it with household laundry, use fabric softeners, overload the washing machine, or expose it to excessive heat in the dryer without realizing these habits may affect the garment’s longevity—or, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, its performance.
The good news is that caring for flame-resistant clothing isn’t difficult. In fact, following a few consistent best practices can help preserve the garment’s fit, appearance, comfort, and service life while ensuring it remains suitable for the demanding environments it was designed to handle.
Whether you’re a pipefitter working refinery turnarounds, a welder spending long hours in a fabrication shop, an electrician exposed to arc-flash hazards, or an oilfield worker facing harsh outdoor conditions, understanding how to properly care for your FR clothing is an investment in both your safety and your wallet.
Why Proper Care Matters
Flame-resistant clothing is engineered to withstand demanding industrial environments, but even the best garments rely on proper care to perform at their best over time.
Every shift subjects your clothing to stress. Sparks from welding operations, grinding dust, grease, hydraulic oil, dirt, mud, sweat, sunlight, and repeated movement all take a toll on fabric. After the workday ends, laundering becomes the first step in preparing that clothing for the next shift.
Proper washing removes contaminants that could shorten the life of the garment or make it uncomfortable to wear. Dirt and grime trapped within fabric fibers can increase abrasion during everyday use. Oils and chemicals left on clothing may also require special handling depending on the contaminant and workplace procedures.
Good maintenance isn’t simply about keeping clothing clean. It’s about protecting your investment while ensuring the garment remains in suitable condition for the hazards it is intended to address.
Read the Care Label Before Doing Anything Else
The most important source of information about caring for any FR garment is the manufacturer’s care label.
Although many laundering principles are similar across brands, construction methods, fabric blends, and finishes can differ. The care label provides instructions specific to that garment, including recommended water temperature, drying methods, ironing guidance, and products to avoid.
Ignoring these instructions can shorten the life of the garment, affect its appearance, or void manufacturer warranties.
Many workers remove care labels because they find them uncomfortable. Before doing so, it’s worth reading the instructions carefully or keeping a record of them for future reference.
Separate FR Clothing from Household Laundry
One of the simplest habits that can improve garment care is washing FR clothing separately from heavily soiled household items.
Workwear often carries dirt, metal particles, grease, and industrial contaminants that you may not want transferred to everyday clothing. Likewise, washing FR garments with items that shed lint or contain residues from fabric softeners may not be ideal.
Whenever practical, dedicate a load specifically to workwear. This allows garments to move more freely during the wash cycle and helps reduce unnecessary abrasion caused by overloading the machine.
Separating work clothing also makes inspection easier, giving you an opportunity to check garments for damage before they are returned to service.
Choosing the Right Detergent
Not every detergent is equally suitable for industrial workwear.
A standard liquid laundry detergent that does not contain unnecessary additives is often a good choice for routine laundering, provided it aligns with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Some products marketed as stain boosters, brighteners, or specialty cleaners may leave residues that are not recommended for certain FR garments. Highly concentrated products should also be used according to the detergent manufacturer’s instructions to avoid excessive residue.
The goal is simple: remove dirt and contaminants effectively without introducing products that the garment manufacturer advises against.
Why Fabric Softener Is Usually Not Recommended
One of the most common mistakes workers make is adding fabric softener because they want their shirts to feel softer.
While fabric softeners may improve the feel of ordinary clothing, many FR garment manufacturers advise against using them because they can leave residues on the fabric. Those residues may affect moisture management, reduce breathability, or otherwise interfere with how the garment performs.
If the care label instructs you not to use fabric softener, follow that guidance. Modern premium FR garments are often designed to provide comfort without relying on additional laundry additives.
Water Temperature Matters
Many workers assume hotter water always cleans better.
While warm water can be effective for removing many types of dirt, using excessively hot water when it is not recommended by the garment manufacturer may contribute to unnecessary shrinkage or increased wear on certain fabrics.
Always follow the recommended washing temperature provided on the care label.
Choosing the appropriate water temperature helps balance effective cleaning with long-term garment care.
Don’t Overload the Washing Machine
Overloading the washer may seem like a good way to save time, but it often produces poorer cleaning results.
When garments are packed too tightly, detergent and water cannot circulate effectively. Clothing rubs against other garments with greater force, increasing abrasion and reducing cleaning efficiency.
Giving workwear adequate room to move allows soil to be removed more effectively while reducing unnecessary stress on seams and fabric.
Turn Garments Inside Out
Many experienced workers develop the habit of turning shirts inside out before washing.
This simple step helps reduce abrasion on the outer surface of the fabric and can help preserve color, embroidery, printed graphics, and overall appearance over repeated wash cycles.
Although the inside of the garment receives more direct contact during laundering, the visible exterior often benefits from reduced wear.
For workers who take pride in maintaining a professional appearance, this small habit can help garments look newer for longer.
Remove Heavy Dirt Before Washing
Industrial work frequently leaves clothing covered in mud, grinding dust, insulation fibers, concrete residue, or dried dirt.
Instead of placing heavily soiled garments directly into the washing machine, shake off loose debris first.
Removing excess dirt reduces abrasion during washing and helps keep the washing machine cleaner over time.
For stubborn soils, follow your employer’s procedures and the garment manufacturer’s recommendations for pretreatment or professional laundering where appropriate.
Don’t Ignore Small Damage
Every time you wash your FR clothing, take a few moments to inspect it carefully.
Look for loose stitching, worn cuffs, damaged pockets, broken snaps, excessive thinning, holes, tears, or signs of contamination.
Small issues are often easier to address before they become larger problems.
Regular inspection is one of the simplest ways to maximize garment life while ensuring clothing remains suitable for continued use.
Drying Your FR Clothing the Right Way
Once your flame-resistant clothing has been properly washed, the next step is drying it correctly. Many workers don’t think twice about throwing work shirts into the dryer with the rest of the laundry, but the drying process deserves just as much attention as washing.
Excessive heat is one of the biggest enemies of any garment. High dryer temperatures can contribute to unnecessary fabric wear, increased shrinkage, fading, and reduced garment life. While many FR garments are dryer-safe, manufacturers often recommend moderate heat settings rather than the hottest cycle available.
Removing garments promptly after the drying cycle finishes also helps reduce wrinkles and unnecessary stress on the fabric. If weather permits, line drying is another excellent option for many FR garments, provided it follows the manufacturer’s care recommendations.
The goal is not simply to get the garment dry as quickly as possible. It is to preserve the fit, appearance, and integrity of the clothing so it continues performing well throughout its service life.
Should You Use Bleach?
One of the most common questions workers ask is whether bleach can be used on flame-resistant clothing.
The answer depends on the garment and the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Chlorine bleach is commonly discouraged for many FR garments because it may damage fabric fibers, discolor materials, or shorten garment life. Even when it doesn’t immediately destroy a garment, repeated exposure can accelerate wear and negatively affect appearance.
If stain removal is necessary, always consult the garment’s care label before using any whitening or stain-removal product. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations is the safest approach.
Remember, removing a stain is never worth shortening the lifespan of protective workwear.
Is Ironing Safe?
Most workers rarely iron industrial workwear, but occasionally shirts become wrinkled after laundering or long-term storage.
If ironing is needed, follow the garment manufacturer’s temperature recommendations. Excessively high iron temperatures may damage certain fabrics or finishes.
Fortunately, many modern FR shirts are designed to resist wrinkles reasonably well when removed promptly from the dryer or properly hung after washing.
Home Washing Versus Industrial Laundering
Many employers allow workers to wash FR clothing at home, while others use professional industrial laundering services.
Each approach has advantages.
Home laundering provides convenience and allows workers to inspect garments after every wash. It also gives individuals more control over how their clothing is handled.
Industrial laundering services, on the other hand, often follow standardized procedures specifically developed for workwear. They may also inspect garments for wear and remove heavily soiled items from service when necessary.
Neither approach is automatically better in every situation. The most appropriate choice depends on employer policies, the work environment, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Oil, Grease, and Heavy Contamination
Industrial work frequently exposes clothing to oils, lubricants, fuels, hydraulic fluids, cutting fluids, and other contaminants.
Whenever garments become heavily contaminated, they should be cleaned as soon as practical following workplace procedures and manufacturer guidance.
Allowing heavy contamination to remain on clothing for extended periods may make cleaning more difficult and can contribute to fabric deterioration.
Some contaminants require specialized cleaning methods beyond normal household laundering. Workers should follow employer safety policies whenever contamination involves hazardous materials.
Proper Storage Between Shifts
Caring for FR clothing doesn’t end when it comes out of the dryer.
Storage plays an important role in maintaining both appearance and longevity.
Whenever possible, store clean garments in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight for extended periods. Hanging shirts rather than leaving them crumpled in a vehicle or locker helps preserve their shape and reduces unnecessary wrinkles.
Many workers develop the habit of tossing work shirts into the back seat of a truck after every shift. While convenient, repeatedly leaving garments in hot vehicles or piled beneath tools and equipment can contribute to unnecessary wear.
Taking just a few extra moments to hang clean workwear properly helps it remain ready for the next workday.
Inspect Every Garment Before Wearing It
Many workers inspect their hard hats, gloves, and safety glasses before beginning work but rarely give the same attention to their clothing.
An FR shirt deserves the same routine inspection.
Before every shift, look for torn seams, excessive wear, broken closures, damaged cuffs, holes, or areas where the fabric has become unusually thin.
If a garment no longer provides the level of protection or functionality expected, it should be repaired if appropriate or replaced according to workplace requirements.
Regular inspections require very little time and help identify problems before they become larger issues.
Repair or Replace?
Small repairs may extend the useful life of some garments when performed correctly and when permitted by workplace policies.
Loose stitching or a missing button may be repairable.
However, garments with large tears, extensive wear, severe contamination, or damage that affects their protective function should generally be removed from service.
If you’re unsure whether a garment remains suitable, consult your employer’s safety requirements or the garment manufacturer.
When it comes to personal protective equipment, caution is always the better choice.
Common Mistakes Workers Make
Many problems with FR clothing aren’t caused by the work itself—they happen in the laundry room.
Some of the most common mistakes include using products that the manufacturer advises against, washing garments in overloaded machines, ignoring care labels, allowing heavily soiled clothing to sit for long periods before washing, drying on unnecessarily high heat, and continuing to wear garments long after they show signs of significant wear.
Fortunately, each of these mistakes is easy to avoid with a little attention and consistency.
Developing good laundering habits helps maximize both garment life and long-term value.
A Small Routine That Pays Big Dividends
Proper garment care isn’t complicated.
It doesn’t require expensive equipment or specialized knowledge.
It simply requires consistency.
Reading the care label, using appropriate laundry products, washing garments correctly, drying them carefully, inspecting them regularly, and storing them properly all contribute to extending the life of your investment.
Over months and years, these simple habits can significantly reduce replacement frequency while helping your clothing remain comfortable and professional-looking.
Final Thoughts
Flame-resistant clothing is much more than another shirt hanging in your closet.
For welders, pipefitters, electricians, refinery operators, ironworkers, millwrights, boilermakers, oilfield workers, and countless other skilled professionals, it is an important piece of personal protective equipment worn every day.
Like any valuable equipment, it performs best when properly maintained.
Taking the time to wash, dry, inspect, and store FR garments correctly helps preserve their appearance, comfort, durability, and service life. More importantly, it helps ensure that your workwear remains ready for the demanding environments it was designed to handle.
Good maintenance is not about making clothing last forever.
Every garment eventually reaches the end of its useful life.
Instead, proper care is about getting the maximum value from your investment while treating your workwear with the same respect you give every other piece of equipment you rely on to do your job safely and professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I wash my FR clothing?
Wash FR clothing whenever it becomes dirty or contaminated. Clean garments are generally more comfortable and help maintain their appearance and service life.
2. Can I wash FR clothing with regular laundry?
It is often better to wash FR clothing separately from heavily soiled household items. Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
3. Is fabric softener recommended?
Many manufacturers advise against using fabric softener because it can leave residues on the fabric. Always check the care label.
4. Can I use bleach?
Follow the garment manufacturer’s instructions. Chlorine bleach is commonly discouraged for many FR garments.
5. Should I air dry or machine dry?
Either may be appropriate depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Avoid unnecessarily high dryer temperatures.
6. What should I inspect before wearing an FR shirt?
Look for tears, worn areas, damaged seams, broken snaps, contamination, or other signs that the garment may no longer be suitable for use.
7. How should I store FR clothing?
Store clean garments in a dry location, preferably hanging to help maintain their shape.
8. Can oil-contaminated FR clothing be washed at home?
Follow your employer’s policies and the garment manufacturer’s recommendations. Some contaminants may require specialized cleaning.
9. Does washing remove the flame-resistant properties?
Proper laundering according to the manufacturer’s instructions is generally intended to maintain the garment throughout its service life. Always follow the care label.
10. When should FR clothing be replaced?
Replace garments that are excessively worn, heavily damaged, contaminated beyond proper cleaning, or otherwise no longer suitable for the hazards they are intended to protect against.
