Explanation of washing symbols & washing and maintenance advice

---

Washing and maintenance advice

Washing and maintaining your work clothing correctly is important for durability, functionality and maintenance of comfort. Various safety functions can also be guaranteed. For example, dirty high visibility work clothing reflects less well. Please pay close attention to the following washing and maintenance instructions.

Main wash

Each product has special washing instructions that must be followed. This regulation is adapted to the material and construction of the garment in question. If the label states "wash separately" this must be followed. If necessary the garment can be washed with clothes of the same color. Always take into account a shrinkage percentage of 3% for woven material and up to 5% for wool/knit. Avoid shrinkage by ironing your work clothes after washing. Some garments need to be stretched into shape to maintain their fit. It is important to close zippers, buttons and Velcro when washing clothes. This reduces wear and tear and extends the lifespan of work clothing. Clothing with reflective tape should be washed inside out.

Prewash

Pre-washing is usually not necessary. In case of heavy soiling prewash can be used, but with the same amount of detergent as the main wash. Do not soak work clothes in advance. Undissolved detergent can damage clothes.

Laundry detergent

Use detergent for colored clothes. Do not use detergent that contains bleach. Check that the detergent is suitable for the washing temperature of the garment. Follow the dosing instructions on the packaging. Please note: fabric softeners can damage certain fabrics and functions. For example, the breathability of water-repellent membranes can be affected. We therefore advise against fabric softeners. Do not use fabric softener to prevent damage to the reflection of hi-vis clothing.

To dry

We do not recommend drying in the tumble dryer. After washing it is best to shake out the garment, smooth out the fabric and seams and let the clothing hang or lay flat to dry.

Industrial washing

Industrial washing involves a large-scale, professional washing environment as opposed to household washing. Garments labeled "industrial wash" are suitable for this type of laundry. The ISO 15797 certification covers industrial washing and drying, temperature, detergents and reactive substances that can be used. We recommend a test wash on the intended laundry.

High visibility workwear

Contamination deteriorates the visibility of high-vis workwear. It is therefore important to wash the clothes regularly and follow the washing instructions. Never wash high vis clothing with detergents containing bleach as this will degrade the luminance of the clothing. High visibility clothing should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area. If the clothing needs to be repaired this must be done with fabric and thread that meet the standards for work clothing.

Work boots

Check whether the sole, seams or top are intact. Clean the shoes regularly with a brush, remove any stains with a damp cloth and use shoe polish on the upper leather. Never clean work shoes with substances such as gasoline, acids or solvents. The shoes should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area. Never dry damp work shoes near a heat source such as a stove, radiator or in a drying cupboard. Allow work boots to dry slowly at room temperature in a well-ventilated area.

Gloves

Keep the gloves dry and cool. The gloves must not come into contact with fire. Consult the label of your gloves for proper washing instructions or clean with a dry brush. With most work gloves it is recommended not to wash them.