HOW TO CARE FOR AND WASH HI-VIS WORKWEAR

Hi-vis workwear needs proper care to maintain its cleanliness, visibility and protective performance. Dirt, sweat, oil and incorrect washing methods can affect the fluorescent fabric and reflective materials over time. Regular, correct cleaning can also help extend the garment's usable life. This guide explains how often to wash hi-vis workwear, the correct washing and drying methods, stain removal, reflective strip care, storage and when it may need replacing.

How Often Should You Wash Hi-Vis Workwear?

Hi-vis workwear should be washed regularly and whenever it becomes visibly dirty or contaminated. Daily-use garments may need washing after each use, while occasionally used clothing can be washed based on its condition.

Heavy dirt, sweat, oil and grease should not be left on the garment for long periods. Keeping the clothing clean helps maintain the appearance and performance of the high-visibility materials.

How to Wash Hi-Vis Workwear Properly

1. Check the Care Label

Always check the care label before washing your hi-vis workwear. It provides the manufacturer's instructions for washing, drying, ironing and other care requirements.

2. Separate Hi-Vis Clothing

Where practical, wash hi-vis garments separately from heavily soiled clothing. This can reduce dirt transfer and makes it easier to follow the garment's specific care requirements.

3. Use the Recommended Detergent

Use a suitable detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid heavy-duty detergents, optical brighteners or other products if the garment manufacturer advises against them.

4. Choose the Correct Washing Temperature

Follow the temperature shown on the care label rather than assuming every hi-vis garment should be washed at the same temperature. Different fabrics and reflective materials can have different washing requirements.

5. Avoid Fabric Softeners and Bleach

Do not use bleach or fabric softener where the manufacturer prohibits them. Some hi-vis garments specifically instruct users not to use either product.

6. Use a Gentle Wash Cycle

Use the recommended wash cycle and avoid unnecessarily harsh agitation. Excessive mechanical action can contribute to wear on the fabric and reflective components.

Can You Wash Hi-Vis Workwear in a Washing Machine?

Yes, most machine-washable hi-vis workwear can be washed in a washing machine. However, always follow the garment's care label for the correct temperature, cycle and detergent.

Some hi-vis garments are designed for a normal 60°C wash, while others specify a gentle 40°C cycle. This is why the manufacturer's instructions should always take priority.

Avoid bleach, fabric softener and unsuitable cleaning products where they are prohibited. Do not use a stronger wash setting simply because the garment is heavily soiled.

How to Dry Hi-Vis Workwear

Air drying is a simple option when permitted by the care instructions. If tumble drying is allowed, use the temperature and drying setting specified on the label.

Avoid excessive heat, particularly around reflective materials. Tumble-drying requirements can vary considerably between garments, so never assume that all hi-vis workwear can be dried at the same temperature.

How to Remove Common Stains From Hi-Vis Workwear

For workwear exposed to hazardous chemicals or specialist contaminants, always follow the manufacturer's decontamination instructions rather than relying on normal household washing.

What Should You Avoid When Washing Hi-Vis Workwear?

Avoid the following when caring for hi-vis clothing:

• Bleach, unless specifically permitted

• Fabric softener where it is prohibited

• Harsh chemicals or unsuitable stain removers

• Excessive heat

• Abrasive scrubbing

• Incorrect washing temperatures

• Ignoring the care-label instructions

These precautions matter because high-visibility performance depends on both the fluorescent background material and retro-reflective components. EN ISO 20471 includes requirements relating to colour, visibility and the performance of reflective materials.

How to Keep Reflective Strips in Good Condition

Protect reflective strips from harsh chemicals, excessive heat and abrasive cleaning. Avoid ironing directly over reflective material unless the manufacturer's instructions specifically allow it.

Regularly inspect reflective strips for peeling, cracking, lifting or other visible damage. If you want to understand why these strips are important for visibility, our guide to How Reflective Tape Works explains how retro-reflective material returns light towards its source.

How to Store Hi-Vis Workwear

Always clean and completely dry hi-vis workwear before storing it. Keep garments in a dry, well-ventilated place and protect them from prolonged direct sunlight.

Avoid storing workwear underneath heavy objects that could compress, crease or damage the fabric and reflective materials.

When Should Hi-Vis Workwear Be Replaced?

Hi-vis workwear should not be replaced simply because it has reached an arbitrary age. The decision should be based on the garment's condition, manufacturer's guidance and any applicable safety-standard requirements.

Consider replacing the garment if you notice:

• Significant fading or loss of fluorescent colour

• Torn or badly damaged fabric

• Peeling, cracked or missing reflective tape

• Permanent stains that affect visibility

• Noticeable loss of visibility

• Damaged fasteners, seams or closures

The Hi-Vis Workwear Regulations applicable to the workplace should also be considered when deciding whether damaged clothing remains suitable for use. Standards such as EN ISO 20471 establish performance requirements for high-visibility clothing, including fluorescent and retro-reflective materials.

For a broader overview of the rules that may apply in different workplaces and regions, readers can also see our guide to Hi-Vis Workwear Legal Requirement.

Hi-Vis Workwear Care Checklist

• Check the care label before washing

• Wash regularly according to use and soiling

• Use a suitable detergent

• Avoid prohibited bleach and fabric softener

• Follow the recommended temperature

• Dry according to the manufacturer's instructions

• Inspect reflective material regularly

• Replace garments when damage affects visibility or performance

If you are new to high-visibility clothing, our Complete Hi Vis Workwear Guide covers the wider aspects of choosing and using hi-vis workwear.

FAQs About Washing Hi-Vis Workwear

Can you put hi-vis workwear in the washing machine?

Yes, if the garment is machine washable. Follow the care label for the correct temperature, cycle and detergent.

What temperature should hi-vis workwear be washed at?

There is no single temperature for all hi-vis workwear. Always use the temperature specified on the garment's care label, as requirements can vary between products.

Can you use fabric softener on hi-vis clothing?

Only if the manufacturer allows it. Some hi-vis garments specifically state that fabric softener should not be used.

Can hi-vis workwear be tumble dried?

Some garments can be tumble dried, while others cannot. Check the care label and follow the specified temperature and drying setting.

Can you wash hi-vis clothing with normal clothes?

It is better to follow the garment's specific washing instructions and avoid washing it with heavily soiled items that could transfer dirt or contaminants.

How do you keep hi-vis clothing bright?

Wash it regularly according to the care instructions and avoid unsuitable detergents, bleach and excessive heat. Maintaining the fluorescent colour is important because it contributes to daytime visibility.

When should hi-vis workwear be replaced?

Replace hi-vis workwear when fading, damage, contamination or deterioration of reflective materials affects its required visibility or performance. Follow the manufacturer's guidance and applicable safety requirements rather than using an arbitrary lifespan.