Flame-resistant clothing is one of the most important pieces of personal protective equipment worn by refinery, pipeline, power plant, and industrial workers. But owning quality FR clothing is only part of the equation.
How you care for it matters just as much.
Many workers spend good money on premium FR shirts and pants, only to shorten their lifespan by washing them incorrectly. Harsh detergents, improper drying methods, and certain fabric treatments can reduce comfort, damage the garment, or cause unnecessary wear over time.
Fortunately, caring for FR clothing isn’t complicated. Following a few simple practices can help your workwear last longer while keeping it comfortable for the demanding conditions of industrial job sites.
Why Proper Care Matters
Unlike ordinary work shirts, flame-resistant garments are designed to perform in hazardous work environments where flash fire risks may exist.
While many modern FR fabrics are engineered so their protective properties are built into the fibers, the garment itself still experiences daily wear.
Repeated exposure to dirt, grease, oils, welding sparks, grinding dust, and industrial chemicals can shorten the life of any work shirt.
Proper washing helps remove contaminants while preserving the garment’s durability and appearance.
Read the Manufacturer’s Care Label
Every FR garment includes care instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Those recommendations should always be your first reference because different fabric blends may have different washing requirements.
Before washing, take a few seconds to read the label. Following those instructions helps ensure you’re caring for the garment as intended.
Wash FR Clothing Separately When Possible
Industrial workwear often collects metal particles, grinding dust, oils, grease, and shop debris.
Whenever practical, wash FR clothing separately from heavily soiled shop rags, oily towels, or household laundry.
Separating garments can help reduce unnecessary contamination and minimize wear caused by abrasive materials.
Choose the Right Detergent
A mild liquid detergent is generally the safest choice for routine washing.
Avoid using excessive amounts of detergent, as residue left in the fabric can affect comfort and make garments feel stiff over time.
More detergent doesn’t necessarily mean cleaner clothing.
Using the recommended amount is usually the best approach.
Avoid Fabric Softeners
Many manufacturers recommend avoiding liquid fabric softeners and dryer sheets when laundering FR garments.
These products can leave residues on fabric that may affect breathability and moisture management.
Instead, allow the garment’s fabric technology to perform as designed without unnecessary additives.
Don’t Use Bleach Unless Approved
Chlorine bleach can damage many fabrics and should generally be avoided unless the garment manufacturer specifically states otherwise.
If stain removal is necessary, follow the care instructions provided with the garment rather than experimenting with harsh chemicals.
Wash Heavily Soiled Clothing Promptly
Refinery workers often encounter:
- Grease
- Hydraulic oil
- Cutting fluids
- Dirt
- Carbon dust
- Welding residue
- Pipe dope
- Process grime
Allowing contaminants to remain on clothing for extended periods can make them more difficult to remove and may contribute to premature fabric wear.
Cleaning garments soon after use helps extend their service life.
Dry With Care
Excessive heat can shorten the life of many garments.
Follow the drying instructions provided on the care label.
If machine drying is recommended, avoid using unnecessarily high heat settings.
Overdrying can contribute to shrinking, fading, and additional wear over time.
Inspect Your Clothing Regularly
Washing provides the perfect opportunity to inspect your workwear.
Look for signs such as:
- Torn seams
- Frayed cuffs
- Burn holes
- Broken pearl snaps or buttons
- Excessive fading
- Thin fabric
- Loose stitching
Small problems are often easier to address before they become larger ones.
Know When It’s Time to Replace Your FR Clothing
Even the highest-quality workwear eventually reaches the end of its service life.
Consider replacing garments that show:
- Extensive fabric wear
- Large tears
- Significant burn damage
- Missing closures that cannot be repaired
- Permanent contamination
- Areas where the fabric has become noticeably thin
Reliable workwear is an investment in both comfort and safety.
Quality Clothing Deserves Quality Care
Experienced tradesmen take care of the equipment they rely on every day.
They maintain their welding machines, inspect their harnesses, clean their tools, and replace worn boots before problems develop.
Flame-resistant clothing deserves the same level of attention.
A few extra minutes spent caring for your workwear can help it remain comfortable, professional, and dependable throughout countless refinery turnarounds, shutdowns, and maintenance projects.
Final Thoughts
Your FR clothing works hard every shift. It protects you from workplace hazards, keeps you comfortable through long hours, and stands up to some of the toughest industrial environments in the world.
Taking proper care of it isn’t complicated—but it is important.
By following the manufacturer’s care instructions, using appropriate detergents, avoiding harsh chemicals, and inspecting garments regularly, you can help extend the life of your flame-resistant workwear while maintaining the quality and performance you depend on.
At Næxon, we design FR workwear for the people who keep America’s refineries, pipelines, power plants, and industrial facilities running. With the right care, quality workwear can continue performing shift after shift, project after project.
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NÆXON — BUILT FOR THE HARDEST WORKERS ON EARTH.
