How is FR clothing cleaned?

Most flame resistant garments can be laundered at home using "normal" detergents and procedures.
Most FR products prohibit the use of chlorine bleach for a variety of reasons. FR garments should be
laundered separately. Fabric softeners used in the dryer (such as "BOUNCE" sheets) are safe for use
with FR clothing. Many FR products can be industrial laundered. Each Workrite garment contains a
label with home laundering instructions, and Workrite can provide industrial laundering instructions
upon request. Laundering instructions vary by FR fabric, so please check labels carefully before
laundering.

6. Guidelines for garments made with fabric with a

flame
Retardant finish
Washing and the flame retardant finish:

 As this is a specialized finish these garments must be washed

separately
 From other blends or finishes.

 To maintain the effectiveness of the finish it is imperative that

no flammable
 Residuals are left on the fabric.

 The fill ratio should not be less than 1:20 to ensure adequate
washing and
 To minimize edge abrasion effects.

 Washing Process:

o ⇒ A two stage wash process is recommended: a pre-

wash at 40°C and a Main wash at 70-75°C.
o ⇒ the alkalinity should be sufficient to remove oily soil
but not excessive So that rinsing will easily remove any
excess.

⇒ Detergents based on soap containing formulations, or

those containing sodium silicate or met silicate, should not
be used when the wash or rinse water hardness level is
greater than 3° Clark (45ppm calcium carbonate). This
minimizes the formation of harmful calcium and magnesium
silicates, which can have a detrimental effect on flame
Retardant fabrics.

⇒ the washing and rinse water should be softened so that no hard

water
Salts or other insoluble compounds can be deposited on to the
fabric.

⇒ if fabrics have been incorrectly laundered, calcium or magnesium

soap
Deposits can often be removed in commercial laundering by use of
an
Acid sour acetic acid rinse, followed by alkaline neutralization.
Bleaching:

The flame retardant finish is damaged by chlorine. If bleaching is

required
An oxygen bleach must be used; regular use of oxygen bleach is
also to be
Avoided.
Care should be taken to exclude the presence of metal ions, which
can
Catalyze strong oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide.

Washing Guidelines for Klopman Protective wear Fabrics Page 12/24

Softeners:
Softeners or other additives should not be used as they can impair
the
Efficiency of the flame retardant finish.