To wash workwear so it lasts, follow the care label, wash at the right temperature, turn branded and hi-vis garments inside out and skip fabric softener on technical fabrics. Quality workwear is an investment, and with the right care it can look sharp and perform well for years.

Here's how to get the most from your uniforms, safety clothing and footwear.

Start with the care label

It sounds obvious, but washing at the wrong temperature is the fastest way to fade colours, shrink garments and damage technical fabrics. Most polycotton workwear washes well at 40°C, while some healthcare garments need higher temperatures for hygiene, so check both the label and your workplace policy.

A few habits help everything last longer:

• Sort by colour and by how dirty items are, so heavily soiled overalls don't grey the rest of the load.
• Close zips and hook-and-loop fastenings before washing to prevent snagging.
• Pre-treat oil, grease and food stains before a hot wash sets them.
• Don't overload the drum, which leaves detergent residue and causes creasing.

Waterproofs and flame-retardant garments need extra care. Fabric softener can reduce water repellency, and FR garments may come with specific washing instructions from the manufacturer that you should follow closely. Some waterproof jackets and trousers also benefit from occasional reproofing.

How to wash hi-vis clothing

Fluorescent fabric and reflective tape degrade with harsh washing. Turn garments inside out, avoid fabric softener (it coats reflective tape and reduces performance), and never iron directly over the tape.

Many hi-vis garments state a maximum number of wash cycles on the label. Once hi-vis fades, the tape cracks or that limit is reached, it may no longer meet EN ISO 20471, so replace it. Keeping spare hi-vis workwear means nobody is tempted to wear a faded vest while the good one is in the wash. Our hi-vis clothing guide explains how the classes work.

Protecting embroidery and prints

Wash branded garments inside out at lower temperatures, and avoid tumble-drying printed items on high heat, which can crack vinyl designs. Don't iron directly over a print; iron on the reverse or put a cloth between the iron and the design.

Embroidery is hard-wearing, but bleach can discolour the threads and rough handling can snag stitches. Avoid washing branded polos alongside items with exposed hooks or zips.

Looking after boots and rotating your kit

Clean off mud and debris regularly, let wet boots dry naturally away from direct heat, and treat leather with a suitable conditioner. Radiators and heaters can crack leather and weaken the bond between the upper and the sole.

Check soles and toe caps for damage, as worn safety footwear won't protect you when it matters. Replace boots if the tread is worn smooth, the toe cap is exposed or the sole is coming away. Laces, insoles and care products from our footwear accessories range help keep pairs in service, but check that a replacement insole won't affect certification.

Finally, rotate garments. Having enough uniform for a proper rotation reduces wear on individual items and keeps your team looking presentable all week. Two pairs of boots used alternately also get the chance to dry out fully between shifts. Our guide to when to replace workwear and PPE covers the warning signs.

Quick answers

What temperature should I wash workwear at?

Most polycotton workwear washes well at 40°C, but always follow the care label. Healthcare and food industry garments may need higher temperatures, so check your workplace policy too.

Can you use fabric softener on hi-vis?

No. Fabric softener coats reflective tape and reduces its performance, and it can also reduce the water repellency of waterproof garments.

How do you dry wet safety boots?

Let them dry naturally at room temperature, away from radiators and direct heat. Stuffing them with newspaper helps draw out moisture, and taking out the insoles speeds things up.

Well-maintained workwear saves money, stays compliant and keeps your brand looking its best. When it's time for replacements, browse our full workwear range or contact us for advice.