Caring for and washing Arc Flash & FR Clothing

In order for Arc Flash and FR clothing and PPE to function correctly, it requires careful and regular maintenance, so that it keeps all of its protective qualities and works to save you from harm in the event of an electrical explosion.

By taking good care of your PPE, you’re ensuring that it takes good care of you. Maintaining your clothing and PPE is actually pretty straightforward – all it needs is to be regularly checked for damage, and kept clean.

Caring for your clothing and PPE

How often should you replace Arc Flash PPE?

When Arc Flash PPE gets damaged, either holed or torn, it should be immediately replaced. Doing this helps to ensure that the correct safety standards are maintained through eliminating potential entry points in the event of an electrical explosion.

Washing and drying instructions

When it comes to keeping your PPE clean, there are some things that you can do to both protect and prolong the life and shape of the garment(s).

Do not use fabric conditioners (softener). It can coat the garment and compromise inherent Flame Retardant properties.
Do not bleach. This will not affect inherent protection, but can reduce garment quality and appearance.
Do not use detergent containing bleach, optical whiteners or very strong chemicals. We recommend using Non-Bio liquid detergent.
Ensure all fastenings, zips etc are closed prior to washing.
Wash STRATA® garments separately from other items of clothing.
Wash STRATA® garments by type, i.e tops together.
Do not wash light and dark coloured garments together.
Wash at the recommended temperature as advised on STRATA® wash care label.
Wash extremely soiled garments separately.
Grease stained garments should be pre-treated before washing, dry cleaning can be more effective

For more information on our recommended washing instructions click here, alternatively, get in touch with us on live chat, or via email at sales@skanwear.com.

Can FR properties be washed out?

This all depends on the type of garment. All STRATA garments for example have inherent protection that will not wear off and so can be washed numerous times whilst still maintaining their FR protective properties – this is not the case with those garments that are FR treated and not made using inherently protective materials.

Does fabric softener ruin FR Clothes?

Stick with warm water and mild non-bio liquid detergents that don’t contain bleach, optical whiteners, or very strong chemicals. We recommend that fabric conditioner is used sparingly as it weakens the fibre structure, but it won’t affect the FR properties of our Inherent garments. It will deteriorate the properties of treated FR fabrics.

Whilst bleach doesn’t affect how well the garments(s) protect you when exposed to a flame, it can reduce garment quality and appearance. It's always a good idea to check the manufacturer's instructions, just in case there are any additional washing directions. Always tumble dry Arc Flash PPE on a low setting.

So, wash your garments regularly - it’s hygienic too - and following the instructions in the label of your garment and your clothing will offer the same FR and ARC protection from the day you first wear it to the day you retire it, no limited life in a STRATA garment.

Caring for specific types of clothing and PPE

Base Layers

Washing instructions: Follow the washing instructions on the care label inside the garment. Do not use fabric softener as this will affect the moisture-wicking qualities of the fabric negatively. Always close zippers before washing. Garments with prints should be washed inside out to preserve the print longer.

Base Layers with wool content

Wool is naturally soil-repellent and in many cases does not need to be washed nearly as often as you might think. You can use the garment several times before it is washed; just air out the garment and let it rest for a time between uses. It gives the wool fibres time to recover their natural strength and elasticity.

Washing instructions: Once you need to wash your wool-containing base layer, follow washing instructions for the base layer (above) but use detergent designated for wool material (preferably liquid); they have pH and active ingredients suited to wool.

Mid Layers

Washing instructions: Follow the washing instructions on the care label inside the garment. Do not use fabric softener as this will affect the moisture-wicking qualities of the fabric negatively. Always close zippers before washing. It is preferable to dry garments in a drying room or cupboard as tumble dryers may cause greater wear.

Softshells

Washing instructions: Follow the washing instructions on the care label inside the garment. Do not use fabric softener. Always close zippers and any velcro straps before washing. It is preferable to dry garments in a drying room or cupboard as tumble dryers may cause greater wear.

Miscellaneous: Softshell products may have knitted or woven surfaces. A woven surface with robust fibres result in a product that is more durable, while knitted products are naturally more sensitive to wear but on the other hand they are more supple. Different fabric weights also result in garments of varying durability.

Waterproof Garments

Miscellaneous: waterproof and windproof garments have a membrane or coating that is added onto a face fabric. The material is completely waterproof, windproof and has good breathability. Drip drying your garment without the addition of heat may impair water-repelling qualities. It is also important to re-waterproof the entire garment, or exposed areas, when the outer surface is being soaked by water already in light rain. A ‘wetted-out’ surface may cause the cold/wet garment to lie flat on your skin – which may be perceived as if the fabric ‘leaks’. Use a re-waterproofing agent that is suitable for ‘breathable’ garments. Only re-waterproof clean garments.

Light, woven shell layers

Washing instructions: Follow the washing instructions on the care label inside the garment. Do not use fabric softener. Always close zippers and any velcro straps before washing. It is preferable to dry the garment in a drying cabinet as tumble dryers may cause greater wear.

Miscellaneous: Garments made from this type of fabrics are only lightly water repellent but not waterproof. They are however light weight and fast drying. The fabric is often a light, thin weave with high tear strength, but that may still be sensitive to sharp twigs etc. You may re-waterproof the entire garment, or exposed areas, when the outer surface is being soaked by water already in light rain. Use a re-waterproofing agent that is suitable for ‘breathable’ garments. Only re-waterproof clean garments.

Down insulation

Washing instructions: Follow the washing instructions on the care label inside the garment. Always close zippers and any velcro straps before washing. It is advantageous to use down detergent (available at your sports equipment retailing outlet) or a small amount of mild liquid detergent (around 1/3 of recommended dosage). Do not use fabric softener. It is beneficial to run an extra rinse cycle after washing. Tumble dry on low heat setting together with tennis balls until the garment is completely dry; this may take several hours. Remove any lumps of down and fluff up the down by hand during and/or after tumble drying. If professionally dry-cleaned, make sure ‘water-wash’ is used (solvent-based dry-cleaning will harm the down) and that the garment is thoroughly dried after wash.

Miscellaneous: Our down garments are made from light, thin weaves with high tear strength, but they may still be sensitive to sharp twigs etc. They are lightly water repellent and can be re-waterproofed. Use a spray-on re-waterproofing agent that is suitable for down garments. Only re-waterproof clean garments. In order to keep the insulating qualities of your down garment in the best possible condition, it is better to air the product instead of washing it too often as the natural oils of the down (which contributes to lofting and natural water repelling capacity) gradually disappear with washing. When the garment is not used it is preferable to store it in its storage bag or by hanging – not in a compression bag. If the down is compressed for a long while its insulating qualities will be impaired. Make sure the garment is thoroughly dry before storage to avoid the risk of mould.

Synthetic insulation

Washing instructions: Follow the washing instructions on the care label inside the garment. Always close zippers and any velcro straps before washing. Tumble dry on low heat together with tennis balls until completely dry. If the filling is a so-called loose-fiber (e.g. Essens Mimic) there may be a certain risk of bunching of the fiber unless the synthetic filling is separated and lofted by hand during/after the drying process. The risk for bunching together of the loose-fiber filling is significantly reduced if the garment is regularly ‘shaken out’.

Miscellaneous: Our synthetic garments are made from light, thin weaves with high tear strength, but they may still be sensitive to sharp twigs etc. These garments are lightly water repellent and can be re-treated with spray-on waterproofing that is suitable for breathable garments. Only re-waterproof clean garments.

Climactic™ Pants

Washing instructions: Follow the washing instructions on the care label inside the garment. Always close zippers and any velcro straps before washing. It is preferable to dry the garment in a drying cabinet as tumble dryers may cause greater wear. Adding heat during drying reactivates the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment on the fabric surface. The same effect can be achieved by ironing the garment on low heat.

Miscellaneous: Different fabric weights result in garments of varying durability. The garments are lightly water repellent but not waterproof. They have short drying times and can be re-waterproofed. Only re-waterproof clean garments.

Shirts

Washing instructions: Follow the washing instructions on the care label inside the garment. Always close zippers before washing. It is preferable to dry the garment in a drying cabinet as tumble dryers may cause greater wear.

Miscellaneous: Quick-drying, non-iron garments.

Accessories

Gloves

Washing instructions: Hand washing recommended; avoid the use of detergent on leather areas. Squeeze the water out of the fingers to the cuff. Gloves should not be wrung. Hang to dry in low heat with the fingers uppermost. Leather exposed to excessive heat may crack. After washing, treat leather or leather areas with a suitable leather-treatment that does not impair breathability.

Head gear

Washing instructions: Follow the washing instructions on the care label inside the garment. Do not use fabric softener. There are many different waterproofing agents and special substances on the market for various products and areas of use. They are designed to extend the utility and lifetime of your garments. Ask your retailer for advice and tips regarding the specific garment you have purchased.

Sleeping Bags

Down Sleeping Bags

Washing instructions: Machine wash at 40^oC. Always close zippers before machine washing. It is preferable to use down detergent (soap based) or a small amount – approx. 1/3 dose – of a mild liquid detergent. Do not use fabric softener. Run 3 to 5 extra rinse cycles after washing. For hand washing we recommend using a bathtub and many rinses. It is preferable to spin dry the product before tumble drying. Tumble dry on low heat setting together with tennis balls until the sleeping bag is completely dry; this may take several hours. Remove any lumps of down and fluff up the down by hand during and/or after tumble drying. Let the product air dry one or two days after tumble drying. If professionally dry-cleaned, make sure ‘water-wash’ is used (solvent-based dry-cleaning will harm the down) and that the sleeping bag is thoroughly dried after wash.

Miscellaneous: Use sleeping bag sheets and a sleeping bag cover to protect the product from dirt. Feed the sleeping bag into the compression bag instead of rolling it. In order to keep the insulating qualities of your down sleeping bag in the best possible condition, it is better to air the product instead of washing it too often as the natural oils of the down (which contributes to lofting and natural water repelling capacity) gradually disappear with washing. When the sleeping bag is not used and for long-term storage, it is preferable to store it in its large storage bag or by hanging – not in a compression bag. If the down is compressed for a long while its insulating qualities will be impaired. Make sure the sleeping bag is thoroughly dry before storage to avoid the risk of mould.

Synthetic sleeping bags

Washing instructions: Machine wash at 40^o C. Always close zippers before machine washing. Use a soap-based detergent or a small amount of mild, liquid detergent. Do not use fabric softener. We recommend tumble drying, together with tennis balls, on low heat or hanging or laid out for around one or two days. The product may also be dry cleaned.

Backpacks and Bags

Washing instructions: We recommend hand washing in lukewarm water using a soap-based detergent. Do not use fabric softener. Loosen all straps, remove any detachable hip belts and wash the backpack in a bathtub or large sink. Rub the backpack carefully with a soft sponge and then rinse thoroughly. Hang the backpack to dry in a well-ventilated space, or outdoors away from direct sunlight.

Miscellaneous: We advise against using a washing machine and tumble dryer as parts of the backpack may come loose or catch and destroy both the appliance and the product. Most products can be re-waterproofed with spray-on waterproofing. Make sure that all of the metal parts of the product are thoroughly dry before storage to avoid corrosion. For long-term storage, keep the backpack in a cool, dry space.

Footwear

Cleaning: It is important to clean Skanwear’ various footwear ranges using a soft sponge under lukewarm running water; dry the footwear off with a rag. For best comfort and foot climate, also clean the inside of the footwear now and then using a soft brush and lukewarm water. Remove the footbed before washing. To speed up drying, fill each boot or shoe with newspaper and let the paper absorb the majority of the moisture before removing it to allow the footwear to finish drying. Regardless of whether you clean the inside or outside, make sure your footwear dries at room temperature, never with the aid of a heater or drying cabinet (excessive heat may for instance cause the leather to crack). Cleaned footwear is best stored at room temperature using a shoe tree. Never store dirty shoes.

Full grain footwear

It is advantageous to treat boots and shoes with shoe wax before first use (remove the laces before treatment). Boots and shoes should be treated regularly with a small amount of shoe wax (do not use oil-based grease) that is worked into the leather by hand or with a soft rag. The wax not only protects against water, but also keeps the leather supple and durable.

Nubuck/Suede footwear

Before first use, treat boots and shoes with waterproofing, including the laces and tongue. After drying, brush Nubuck and suede products with a suede brush to regain that buffed look. A suede brush can also be used for lighter cleaning. Treat the cleaned surfaces of boots and shoes regularly with waterproofing. Some agents are best applied to the surface while it is still a little damp and the leather pores are open so that the waterproofing is able to penetrate in depth (follow the instructions on the packaging). It is advantageous to treat Nubuck and suede boots and shoes with wax for extra protection against moisture and wear; note that this will cause the surface to darken and take on a different appearance – this is perfectly normal.

Textile/Synthetic footwear

Before first use, treat boots and shoes with waterproofing, including the laces and the entire tongue. Treat the cleaned surfaces of boots and shoes regularly with waterproofing intended for synthetic materials.

There are many different waxes and waterproofing agents on the market for different types of footwear and areas of use. Ask your retailer for advice and tips regarding the specific boots or shoes you have purchased.

Tip: Wear pure wool or wool/synthetic socks for the best foot climate. Socks in these materials help your boots and shoes to maintain a good climate for your feet as they wick away sweat much better than cotton. Damp can contribute to chafing, cold feet and in the worst case also athlete's foot.

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