Hi-Vis Cleaning Guide: Don't Ruin Your Workwear!

When your workwear is in daily use, keeping it clean is one way to extend its lifespan. But what about high-visibility garments? Can hi-vis be washed without ruining it?

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of keeping reflective workwear in good condition, and show you how to clean hi-vis clothing.

Why is it important to clean hi-vis workwear?

Hi-vis garments are rated according to both reflectivity and luminosity, so the bright fabric needs to retain its vibrancy across a specific surface area.

For example, to be rated Class 3 under the EN 20471 standard, the item requires a minimum of 0.80 m2 of background material and 0.20 m2 of retro-reflective material. That’s why the size of a garment can affect its hi-vis classification - workwear in smaller sizes naturally has a smaller surface area.

Similarly, wearing a Class 3 item when it’s dirty could actually reduce its rating to Class 2, as dirt or stains can reduce the amount of surface area that’s properly vibrant.

Meanwhile, waterproof hi-vis can also start letting in water if you don’t clean it properly.

Wash ratings

If you’re new to the world of hi-vis, you may not be aware that these garments usually have a "wash rating". This indicates the number of times they can be washed at the recommended settings without falling out of compliance (such as the fabric losing its vibrancy).

The label will say something like “Certified for 10 / 25 / 50 washes” - with 50 washes equating to nearly a year of use before the garment needs retiring.

How to clean your hi-vis clothing

Here’s how to get hi-vis work clothes clean.

Above all, you must follow the instructions on the label and the manufacturer’s data sheet. The guidance will depend on the type of garment - for instance, EN 20471 clothing will need different care than normal workwear.

Brand specifications

It's worth noting that different brands have different stipulations for how to clean their hi-vis workwear. For example, Blaklader Workwear recommends washing its clothing outside out, whereas other brands sometimes specify inside out.

Here are some examples of washing instructions from our workwear suppliers:

General instructions

As a rule of thumb, most manufacturers will tell you to use a gentle wash at around 30°C. Don’t use fabric softener, as it can affect the reflective tape. You shouldn’t use bleach either.

Make sure you close any zips, Velcro fastenings, or press studs to prevent them causing damage to the reflective tape - but you can leave buttons unbuttoned.

Just like washing regular clothing, it’s best to wash similar colours together (don’t mix yellow and orange hi-vis, for example). Mixing EN 20471-certified and non-certified garments seems to be universally discouraged.

Don’t tumble dry your garments unless the label expressly says you can. Hang them up to dry naturally - and never iron the reflective tape.

Industrial laundering

Industrial laundries, which clean high volumes of laundry on behalf of big organisations like hotels, hospitals, and factories, may use higher water temperatures and higher-strength chemicals in the washing process.

You can wash some hi-vis garments in an industrial laundry, but not others. It’s crucial to check the label carefully because an industrial wash may cause damage to some clothing or at least reduce its life.

Specialist hi-vis

Specialist categories of hi-vis, like fire-retardant and arc flash protective clothing, may need different treatment. Again, always check the instructions and ask the manufacturer if you’re not sure. The same goes for waterproof and stretch garments.

Snickers Workwear points out that regular washing is good for flame-retardant clothing, as it ensures that any dirt or flammable particles don’t compromise the fabric’s protective properties.

When to replace hi-vis clothing

As we mentioned earlier, hi-vis workwear should last for at least the number of washes specified in its wash rating (as long as you follow the instructions, of course!) But eventually you will see signs of wear and tear. Washing is an ideal time to inspect your clothing - here’s what to look out for:

Tape peeling off
Damaged tape
Fading colours
Staining

All of these can affect the garment’s performance and classification, and ultimately your compliance with the standards. You should also check for any issues every time you put on or remove the garment.

Depending on the problem, it may be possible to have your certified hi-vis garments repaired - but only with approved materials and fabrics. Ask the manufacturer about this, and also about recycling if the garment has reached the end of its life.

Closing thoughts

Keeping your hi-vis clothing clean is vital for its performance - and your safety. If you follow the washing instructions carefully, you can maintain the vibrancy of your garments and prolong their life. The longer they last, the lower the cost to you (and to the environment).

If you do need to replace older hi-vis clothing, head to our online store or give our friendly sales team a call for advice.