Flame Resistant (FR) and Arc-Rated (AR) clothing plays a critical role in keeping workers safe in high-risk environments. As an industrial laundry partner, your expertise in maintaining these garments ensures their longevity and performance. Proper care and maintenance of FR/AR clothing are essential to uphold their protective properties and satisfy customer expectations. Here are three essential tips to help you keep flame resistant garments in peak condition, so they perform when needed.
1. Follow Manufacturer’s Care Instructions
Every flame resistant fabric has unique care requirements, making it vital to follow the specific instructions provided by the FR fabric manufacturer. Today’s market includes a variety of FR fabrics, such as:
o Inherent FR fabrics
o Durable FR cotton fabrics
o Durable FR cotton blended fabrics
Each of these flame resistant fabrics, and others, comes with its own set of guidelines to ensure proper care and maintenance. REED FR supports industrial laundry partners by supplying detailed care instructions for each fabric type. This allows you to confidently implement appropriate wash formulas tailored to the FR fabrics in service.
It’s also worth noting that the FR fabrics used in REED FR garments come with a performance guarantee from our FR fabric partners. When garments are cared and maintained according to manufacturer specifications and industry standards on care, their flame resistant performance is guaranteed for the useful life of the garment. Consistently adhering to these instructions not only preserves the integrity of the clothing but also ensures compliance with safety standards.
2. Design Wash Formulas by Fabric Type and Soil Conditions
Collaborating with your chemical supplier is critical for designing effective wash formulas that account for all FR fabric types and specific soil conditions. Many industrial laundry partners use customized wash formulas based on:
o FR fabric type: Ensuring the proper chemicals and laundry processes match the FR fabric’s specific needs.
o Soil conditions: Implementing formulas for light soil and heavy soil garments to ensure thorough and effective cleaning.
Implementing tailored wash formulas has two key benefits:
- Improved cleaning quality: Proper wash formulas help remove tough stains and ensures the FR fabrics performance.
- Extended garment life: Optimized washing helps maintain protective qualities and extends the useful life of the garment, reducing replacement costs.
By taking this step, you not only enhance the lifespan of the FR/AR clothing but also improve customer satisfaction by consistently delivering clean, well-maintained garments.
3. Establish Policies & Procedures for Handling, Inspections, Repairs, and Retirement
For guidance developing internal policies, it’s important you do a thorough review of industry standards on care including ASTM F1449-Standard Guide for Industrial Laundering Care and Maintenance of Flame Resistant or Arc Rated Clothing. Developing internal policies for handling flame resistant clothing is crucial for maintaining its performance over time. This includes procedures for:
o Laundering: Follow the FR fabric manufacturer’s instructions on care and work with your chemical supplier to create effective wash formulas.
o Inspections: Regularly inspecting garments to identify damage or wear that could compromise their protective capabilities.
o Repairs: Ensuring repairs are performed using like FR materials & thread.
o Retirement: Retiring garments that are unable to be properly repaired and no longer in good and useable condition.
A comprehensive approach to laundering, inspecting, repairing, and retirement of FR garments will help you and your customers meet industry standards on care while maximizing the value of a managed FR/AR clothing program for your customers.
Conclusion
Proper care and maintenance of FR/AR clothing require a thoughtful, tailored approach. By following manufacturer guidelines, working with your chemical supplier to design wash formulas, and implementing strong internal policies, you ensure that flame-resistant garments remain safe, effective, and long-lasting.
For more information or assistance with care and maintenance strategies, reach out to REED FR. Together, we can ensure the safety and satisfaction of every worker who relies on these critical protective garments.