How to Safely Clean and Maintain Protective Clothing
Protective clothing used by fire departments and emergency medical services is subjected to extreme stresses during operations. To ensure that its protective function, material properties, and comfort are maintained over the long term, the cleaning and drying processes must be precisely tailored to the requirements of the PPE. The following questions will help you understand what matters when it comes to washing machines, wash cycles, decontamination, and gentle drying.
The Consequences of Improper Cleaning of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Proper cleaning and drying preserve the protective function and durability of PPE—ensuring that emergency responders are always on the safe side. Improper cleaning and drying can have fatal consequences:
Reflective strips lose their reflectivity
The visibility of the reflective strips decreases, which compromises safety during use.
The seams are fraying
Frayed seams reduce the durability and lifespan of protective clothing.
Membranes tear
The waterproof and breathable properties of protective clothing are compromised by damaged membranes.
Adhesive joints are coming apart
Seams that are glued rather than sewn may come apart if cleaned improperly.
Limited breathability
If the clothing is not cared for properly—for example, by using an unsuitable detergent—its breathability may be significantly reduced.
Overdrying of gloves
If the drying temperature is too high, gloves may shrink and their linings may become twisted.
Dryer temperature too low for impregnation
If the dryer temperature is not high enough, it can prevent the reactivation of the PSA impregnation.
Reliably decontaminate and dry protective equipment
Firefighters are exposed to significant levels of hazardous substances while on the job. All protective gear—from helmets to boots—must therefore be thoroughly cleaned. Our technology enables reliable decontamination and helps ensure the longevity of the equipment.
Heavily soiled work clothes can be hosed down with water right on site.
Diffusion-tight bags can be used to ensure safe transport. It’s a good idea to pre-sort the items for later cleaning—use differently colored bags to sort the clothing into heavily soiled and soot-contaminated, lightly soiled, and items that have come into contact with bodily fluids, bacteria, and wastewater.
We offer customizable washer-extractors with special programs for cleaning all components of protective clothing, including washable masks and boots. By using professional washing equipment, you can ensure that your protective clothing is cleaned thoroughly and gently.
You can also use the professional washing machine for equipment such as boots, gloves, respirator masks, and linens to thoroughly clean all washable items.
When handling contaminated PPE, wear respiratory protection and gloves to safely load the washing machine.
The gear is designed to dry quickly while being treated gently. In the drying cabinet, the protective clothing dries without movement, ensuring that fabrics, seams, and reflective strips remain intact for longer. High temperatures can also be used to reactivate the waterproofing without damaging the membranes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How is protective clothing for emergency medical services and fire departments defined?
Protective clothing for firefighters and emergency medical services refers to clothing that complies with the EN 469 standard or that meets the requirements specified in the Manufacturing and Testing Specifications for Universal Fire-Resistant Clothing (HuPF).
Why is professional cleaning of protective clothing so important?
It is important to have protective clothing professionally laundered for several reasons.
It is essential that the clothing retain its non-flammable or flame-retardant properties. Proper and gentle cleaning is crucial to this end.
This also includes, for example, making sure that all Velcro fasteners and zippers are closed or covered during cleaning. Otherwise, these components can cause damage to the clothing.
Professional laundering of protective clothing is important not only to protect the clothing itself, but also to protect emergency responders and firefighters. Protective clothing often becomes extremely soiled. Substances containing soot, oil, and grease that have not been properly removed can pose a health risk to firefighters or emergency medical personnel. In the worst case, substances left in the protective clothing can be carcinogenic.
What is the best washing machine for protective clothing?
As a general rule, only fully programmable washing machines with a capacity of at least 14 kg may be used to wash protective clothing. Our high-speed model is ideally suited for this purpose ATOLL Washer-Extractor.
Please also note that the machine capacity should be used at a maximum of 75 % to minimize mechanical stress on the protective clothing.
Why can't protective clothing be washed in household washing machines?
As a general rule, protective clothing should always be washed separately to avoid compromising its performance and to prevent flammable materials from adhering to it from other garments.
Only with a fully programmable washing machine can you control the following key parameters according to your specifications: water level, temperatures, and detergent dispensing via the dosing system.
What is the best washing cycle for protective clothing?
As a general rule, you should follow the cleaning instructions on the label of the protective clothing in question. These instructions are always binding and optimal for the specific protective clothing. The following guidelines are not intended to replace the instructions on the care label; rather, they apply only in general terms.
Only detergents specifically approved for washing protective clothing may be used. Household detergents, fabric softeners, bleach, or regular powdered detergent must not be used. The wash cycle should be run on the gentle cycle. The gentle cycle should be programmed with a ratio of 15 seconds of drum movement to 15 seconds of drum rest. We recommend a liquid-to-fabric ratio of 1:6. A total of three rinse cycles with a liquid-to-fabric ratio of 1:8 should be performed. This ensures that all surfactants and alkali have been removed.