Suppose your fire-retardant work clothing is heavily soiled during work. Of course, you don't want to continue working in that for too long. But how do you get this work clothing properly clean without destroying its flame-retardant properties? Can you simply throw fire-resistant work clothing in the cooking wash at home? No, fire-retardant work clothing may be washed at a maximum of 60 degrees. And can you use regular detergent? No, not that either, because most detergents contain bleach and your fire-retardant work clothing will lose its flame-retardant properties after just a few washes.
The Circle of Sinner
Roots, the leading manufacturer of flame-retardant workwear, has looked at all the factors that influence a clean washing result for such 'oil based mud' stains. Because they are all dependent on each other, Roots calls this the Circle of Sinner: if one of the factors in the circle is reduced, one or more other factors must increase to get a closed circle again for a clean washing result. In addition, Roots has also developed its own washing powder for flame-retardant work clothing.
1. Chemistry
The washing result depends on the amount of chemical cleaning agent in the water. Both under- and overdose lead to an undesirable result.
2. Movement
A washing machine drum is moving, but this causes friction and pressure. This is necessary to get the clothes clean, but it can also cause damage. You should therefore always place work clothes zipped up in the drum.
3. Temperature
Warm water stimulates the action of the chemicals. Fire-retardant work clothing should preferably not be washed at higher temperatures. After washing fifty times at 60°C, fire-retardant work clothing really loses its effectiveness!
4. Time
The time required for the entire cleaning process. Time is especially important in combination with chemical action and temperature.
5. Water
The importance of sufficient water to transport the dirt cannot be emphasized enough. If there is insufficient water, much compensation must be sought from the other four factors. For example, a washing machine that is too full leads to poorer washing results because there is not enough water in the drum to transport the dirt.
6. Roots own detergent 'Clean at 60'
Finally, Roots own detergent 'Clean at 60' is the last and sixth factor for cleaner and safe fire-resistant work clothing. 'Clean at 60' is available in both powder and liquid form and can tackle the heaviest contamination at a low temperature; even on oil rigs, ships and platforms.