Care & Cleaning PPE 101

1) Follow the Manufacturer’s Cleaning Instructions

Always follow the care tag. Use mild detergent, cold water, and a gentle cycle if machine-washable. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners—they can damage waterproof coatings, insulation loft, and reflective tape. If hand-washing, rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue. Close zippers/Velcro before washing.

2) Inspect Your Jacket Regularly

Catch small issues early. Check seams, cuffs, and high-wear areas; look for peeling or dull reflective strips. Patch minor tears promptly and reinforce loose stitching so the jacket stays protective and compliant.

3) Store Properly During the Off-Season

Clean before storage. Hang in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to prevent fading or brittle fabric. Avoid tight folds that crease insulation—use a wide hanger to keep shape.

4) Handle Reflective Strips with Care

Reflective tape drives visibility. Don’t scrub aggressively; spot clean with a soft cloth. If tape peels or fades, replace or reinforce to maintain high visibility in low-light conditions.

5) Rotate Your Gear

Alternate between two jackets when possible. Rotation reduces wear on a single garment and allows full drying time between shifts, extending overall lifespan.

6) Address Stains & Odors Promptly

Oil, dirt, and chemicals can degrade materials. Spot clean early with mild detergent and a soft brush. For persistent odors, use workwear-safe odor removers—never chlorine bleach or fabric softener.

Quick Wash & Dry Reminders

• Wash inside-out with similar light colors.
• Tumble dry low (remove promptly) or hang-dry to protect tape.
• Do not iron; do not dry clean.

↑ Back to top

Why Odor Happens

Safety shirts see heat, sweat, dirt, and long shifts. Over time, synthetic hi-vis fabrics can trap odor-causing bacteria, making gear smell even after washing. Avoid harsh cleaners and hot water—both can fade fluorescent colors and break down reflective tape. This guide shows odor removal that’s safe for both your shirt and your visibility.

✅ Step 1: Pre-Treat Odor Zones Safely

Focus on high-sweat areas (underarms, collar, upper back).

• 🧴 Make a Mild Pre-Soak: Mix 1 cup white vinegar with 1 gallon cold water.
• 🫧 Soak for 30 Minutes Max: Only soak the problem areas—do not fully submerge reflective parts.
• 🚫 Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Bleach, ammonia, and heavy-duty removers can damage color and retroreflective bands.

✅ Pro Tip: Spot-test any solution on a hidden area first, especially near reflective material.

🌀 Step 2: Wash It the Right Way

Proper washing keeps odor down and visibility up.

• 🌡️ Use Cold Water Only: Heat can degrade tape and cause fading.
• 🧺 Gentle Cycle, Inside-Out: Turning shirts inside-out reduces abrasion on tape.
• 🧴 Mild Detergent (No Fabric Softener): Softeners leave residue that reduces reflectivity.

🧼 Step 3: Natural Odor Removers (Optional Boosters)

Still noticing odor? Try gentle, fabric-safe boosters:

🌬️ Step 4: Drying Without Damage

Skip high heat.

• 🧺 Air Dry When Possible: Hang drying protects color and tape.
• 🌫️ Tumble Dry Low (if needed): Lowest heat, remove promptly.
• ☀️ Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV rays can fade color.

⚠️ Never iron over reflective areas—heat can melt or peel the tape.

🔁 Step 5: Prevent Future Odor

• 👕 Rotate Shirts: Don’t wear the same one daily.
• 🧽 Wash After Each Use: Sweat builds up even if odor isn’t obvious.
• 📦 Store in a Dry Area: Avoid sealed bins or car trunks where moisture lingers.

You don’t need to sacrifice safety to smell clean. With proper care, hi-vis shirts stay bright, reflective, and odor-free—day after day.

Looking for durable safety shirts that hold up to real jobsite use? 👉 Browse our KwikSafety high-visibility shirts here.

↑ Back to top