Taking care of your workwear isn’t just about keeping it clean, it’s about maximising its lifespan, prolonging safety, and reducing replacement costs. We know that workwear is essential for many professions, providing protection and professionalism. Although workwear materials are designed to be tough and durable, we also know that they can be subject to significant wear and tear if not looked after correctly. In this blog post, we will share some essential tips and tricks for extending the lifespan of your workwear and ensuring wearers safety.

 

Choosing Quality Over Quantity

 

When it comes to purchasing new workwear, it is important to not focus solely on the initial cost. Quality and durability are equally vital factors to contemplate. Investing in well-made workwear may seem like a bigger financial commitment upfront, but it’s a decision that pays off in the long run. High-quality workwear can withstand the demands of the job, outlasting lower-quality alternatives that may need replacement after only a short period. Furthermore, good quality materials ensure wearers comfort. If a wearer isn’t comfortable in their workwear, it’s likely they will dispose of it before it has reached its full potential.

 

The Right Fit Matters

 

Following on from wearers comfort, the fit of your workwear also plays a crucial role in its longevity. Employees are less likely to wear workwear that doesn’t fit them properly, and this may lead to them discarding it as worn out sooner than it should be. To ensure a perfect fit for your team, we offer a measuring service for all our customers. A member of our team will come and measure each wearer to ensure that their garments fit comfortably and correctly, reducing the chances of early replacement.

 

Proper Storage

 

Storing your workwear correctly is the first step in preserving its quality. Making sure your garments are put away clean, dry, folded, not overcrowded and away from direct sunlight is a must to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. It is also important to keep workwear away from harmful chemicals that can compromise the fabric’s integrity. This ensures that storage isn’t the reason your clothes are deteriorating and the lifespan is being reduced. Additionally, any damp workwear should be stored separately to avoid contaminating dry workwear.

At Jacksons, we offer lockers which are the ideal place for your staff to store their workwear. They provide a safe, secure environment for your workwear and help keep everything clean and tidy. Each wearer will be assigned to a locker where they can find their clean workwear, and the lockers also have collectors for dirty workwear which we then collect, wash, and return to its assigned locker clean, dry and ready to wear.  

 

Cleaning Care

 

Some businesses choose to manage their laundering in-house. However, strict processes and guidelines must be followed. We would recommend having your workwear professionally cleaned, but if you are going to do it in-house, here are a few tips:

  • Different types of workwear and materials respond differently to various washing treatments and require specific cleaning methods. They can get damaged or lose their protective qualities if not washed correctly so make sure to read and follow the label instructions.
  • To prevent any damage during washing, remove objects from the pockets, and close zippers, buttons and Velcro.
  • If you are wearing high-visibility garments, waterproof coveralls or PPE is it important to regularly wash these items to prevent dirt build-up which can reduce their effectiveness.
  • Make sure to separate your workwear from your personal clothes to prevent any cross-contamination.
  • Make sure you use detergent which is specifically designed for industrial garments and avoid fabric softeners as they can affect safety properties over time.

 

No Compromise on Safety

 

Protective workwear is designed to ensure the health and safety of the wearer in demanding environments. These environments can take a toll on the workwear over time, potentially reducing its effectiveness and adherence to safety regulations. We recommend that you regularly inspect your workwear, including high-visibility garments, flame-resistant (FR) coveralls, safety gloves, and work boots, for any damages. Even minor damage to garments can impact their performance. Broken reflective tape, loose stitching, holes, and a reduction in reflective qualities can all affect the workwear’s effectiveness. Reporting and getting these issues repaired promptly can help prevent any further damage and save the garment from becoming unrepairable.

While it’s essential to look for any damages and report them, it is also crucial not to attempt any repairs yourself. DIY fixes can compromise the safety features of your workwear and lead to non-compliance with health and safety guidelines. At Jacksons, we have an experienced team of seamstresses who can expertly repair your workwear while ensuring that all safety standards are upheld. All repair requests should be addressed before your next delivery, and visual checks at four stages help ensure that any non-requested repairs are carried out as well.

 

By following these maintenance tips, you’re not only caring for your workwear but also maximising your investment. With proper care, your workwear will serve you faithfully through countless workdays, ensuring both your comfort and safety. Say goodbye to premature replacements and hello to an extended workwear lifespan!

 

If you are interested in our services or want to find out more about how we can help you maintain your workwear, please don’t hesitate to call us on 01522 88 77 88 or contact us using our online contact form.

 

Written by Anna Ross, Marketing Administrator – January 2024