How to Deal with Common Workwear Issues

Workwear is an essential part of many professionals' daily lives. Whether you’re in construction, healthcare, food service, or any other industry requiring specific attire, your workwear serves as your shield against the rigours and stresses of your job. 

However, workwear is not immune to wear and tear, stains, and other issues that can arise from daily use. As the UK’s favourite provider of laundered workwear, we have comprehensive experience in dealing with this. In today’s post, we will cover how to deal with some of the most common of these issues:

Understanding the Importance of Maintaining Workwear

Before diving into specific issues and solutions, it's crucial to understand why maintaining employee garments is essential. Well-maintained workwear not only ensures a professional appearance but also contributes to safety and hygiene. Torn or stained items can be hazardous, particularly in industries where cleanliness and protection are paramount. Regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your work clothing, ultimately saving costs and promoting a sustainable approach.

Common Workwear Issues and Their Solutions

1. Tears and Rips

Causes:

Tears and rips are inevitable, especially in physically demanding jobs. Sharp objects, abrasive surfaces, and constant movement can all contribute to fabric damage.

Solutions:

• Prevention: Choose durable materials specifically designed for your industry. For example, canvas and polycotton are excellent choices for construction, while polyester blends work well in healthcare.

• Inspection: Regularly inspect your workwear for signs of wear and tear. Catching small issues early can prevent them from becoming larger problems.

• Repair Kits: Keep a repair kit handy, including patches, fabric glue, and a sewing kit. Many tears can be quickly mended on-site.

• Professional Repair: For significant damage, phs Besafe can replace or repair garments to a professional standard.

2. Tough Stains

Causes:

Work environments are rife with staining agents, from grease and oil in automotive shops to ink and chemicals in labs.

Solutions:

• Immediate Action: Address stains as soon as they occur. The longer a stain sits, the harder it becomes to remove.

• Stain-Specific Treatments: Different stains require different treatments. Here’s a quick guide:

Oil and Grease: Apply a degreaser or dish soap directly to the stain before washing.

Ink: Use rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to break down the ink before laundering.

Blood: Rinse with cold water and apply hydrogen peroxide.

Paint: For water-based paint, rinse immediately with warm water. For oil-based paint, use a solvent like turpentine before washing.

• Professional Cleaning: For persistent stains, phs Besafe has equipment and chemicals to effectively remove tough stains and provide industrial laundering to all rental workwear.

3. Fading Colours

Causes:

Frequent washing, exposure to sunlight, and harsh chemicals can cause colours to fade over time.

Solutions:

• Proper Washing: Use mild detergents and wash in cold water to preserve colours.

• Avoid Sunlight: Dry workwear in the shade or indoors to prevent UV damage.

• Colour-Safe Bleach: Opt for colour-safe bleach to maintain vibrancy.

• Dye Refresher: For severely faded garments, consider using fabric dye to refresh the colour.

4. Shrinkage

Causes:

Improper washing and drying techniques can lead to shrinkage, making workwear uncomfortable and ill-fitting.

Solutions:

• Read Labels: Always follow the care instructions on the garment’s label.

• Cold Wash: Wash in cold water to minimise the risk of shrinkage.

• Air Dry: Whenever possible, air dry your workwear. If using a dryer, opt for the lowest heat setting.

5. Odour Retention

Causes:

• Persistent odours can be a problem, especially in industries involving physical exertion or exposure to strong-smelling substances.

Solutions:

• Vinegar and Baking Soda: Add a cup of white vinegar or a half-cup of baking soda to your wash cycle to neutralise odours.

• Proper Drying: Ensure workwear is thoroughly dried to prevent mould and mildew growth.

• Regular Cleaning: Frequent laundering helps prevent the buildup of odour-causing bacteria.

General Maintenance Tips for Workwear

Beyond addressing specific issues, general maintenance practices can significantly enhance the longevity and functionality of your workwear.

1. Rotate Workwear

Having multiple work outfits allows you to rotate them, reducing the frequency of use for each set. This not only extends the lifespan of your garments but also ensures you always have a clean set ready to go.

2. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines

Always adhere to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. These guidelines are tailored to the specific materials and construction of your workwear, ensuring optimal care. phs Besafe will take care of this, carrying out the optimal wash on all garments.

3. Invest in Quality

While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper options, investing in high-quality workwear pays off in the long run. Quality garments are designed to withstand the demands of your job, reducing the likelihood of issues such as tears, stains, and fading.

4. Store Properly

Proper storage is essential to maintaining workwear. Store garments in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Hanging workwear can help maintain its shape and prevent wrinkles.

5. Professional Laundering Services

Industrial laundering services such as those provided by phs Besafe are a must for workwear that requires special care. Our unmatched service uses industrial-grade equipment and techniques to thoroughly clean and maintain workwear, addressing issues like tough stains and odours more effectively than other methods. 

Maintaining workwear is an ongoing process that requires attention to detail and a proactive approach. By addressing common issues such as tears, tough stains, fading, shrinkage, and odour retention, you can ensure your workwear remains functional, safe, and professional-looking. 

Implementing general maintenance tips, such as rotating garments, following care guidelines, investing in quality, and proper storage, will further enhance the longevity and performance of your workwear. 

Or, simply let the leading provider of laundered workwear to handle this, taking all of the extra work off your hands and ensuring your employees have the highest standard of workwear at all times. 

We pride ourselves on highly effective industrial laundry services to let you focus on your staff and not their workwear. We tailor every laundering package to suit your business size and needs.

phs Besafe uses a unique wash process which respects the fabric of the workwear. Our service preserves the waterproof and Hi Vis properties of the garment, extending its life in the process.

Ultimately, well-maintained workwear not only saves costs and promotes sustainability but also ensures that you can perform your job effectively and safely.

To learn more about our services, get in touch now.