{"id":20353,"date":"2026-07-22T15:43:20","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T15:43:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lindstromgroup.com\/uk\/?p=20353"},"modified":"2026-07-22T15:43:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T15:43:22","slug":"how-to-clean-hi-vis-workwear-a-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lindstromgroup.com\/uk\/article\/how-to-clean-hi-vis-workwear-a-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How to clean hi-vis workwear: a guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

High-visibility (hi-vis) workwear<\/strong> is an essential element of workplace safety in various industries across the UK, including the automotive and manufacturing sectors, construction, hospitality, retail, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designed to enhance worker visibility in daylight, low-light conditions, and adverse weather, these garments significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Importantly, they must be kept clean to remain effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This comprehensive guide provides instructions on cleaning your hi-vis garments, along with information on how to maintain them to ensure optimal protection and compliance with workplace health and safety regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The importance of cleaning and maintaining hi-vis garments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hi-vis workwear<\/a><\/strong> stands out thanks to vibrant fluorescent materials that transform UV light into visible light and retroreflective strips that reflect light back towards the source. Dirt, grime, oil, and other contaminants can obscure these components, compromising the wearer’s safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stained, discoloured, or faded garments are often taken out of service well before they have reached the end of their practical lifespan. This is especially important to note considering that high performance hi-vis garments designed to meet rigorous safety standards can be a significant financial investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Surveyors<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Preparing to clean hi-vis clothing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Remove loose debris<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before washing, brush off any loose dirt or debris with a dry cloth. Pay careful attention to areas around seams, zips, and pockets where dirt may accumulate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pre-treat stubborn stains<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pre-treat stains with a suitable stain remover. Where appropriate, use products specifically designed for use on workwear or heavily soiled fabrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always follow the product’s instructions and check its suitability for use on your garments. Here are some effective approaches for common stains:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oil and grease<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Baking soda is a simple and effective solution. Sprinkle it liberally on the stain, leave it to absorb for at least 24 hours, then brush away before washing. Alternatively, apply dishwashing liquid as a pre-treatment, as its grease-fighting properties will emulsify the stain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dirt and mud<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Mix a gentle detergent with lukewarm water and gently scrub the affected area with a soft brush before washing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the manufacturer’s washing instructions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Always read the care label on your garment for recommended washing instructions. Note any specified water temperature, detergent types, and suitable washing cycles. Following the instructions will help to ensure the longevity of hi-vis workwear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Washing hi-vis garments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Use mild detergent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Use a mild, non-bio detergent designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid harsh chemicals such as chlorine bleach, which can cause fluorescent materials to fade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cool or warm water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wash hi-vis garments in cool or warm water temperatures, ideally between 30\u00b0C and 40\u00b0C. High temperatures can damage both the fluorescent and retroreflective materials and shorten the garment\u2019s lifespan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wash separately<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wash hi-vis workwear separately from other garments, especially if they are heavily soiled. This helps to prevent dirt and grime from transferring to other items, or being picked up and deposited onto the hi-vis clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Washing<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Drying hi-vis workwear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To best preserve the garment\u2019s integrity, it is recommended to air-dry<\/strong> hi-vis garments, ideally indoors. This helps to prevent fading and potential shrinkage that may occur if using a tumble dryer. Avoid drying in direct sunlight as this can accelerate fading caused by UV exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional tips for hi-vis laundry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n