Every workwear has its own story. He witnesses daily hard work, successes and unexpected challenges. In order for him to tell these stories as long as possible and in the best form, he needs to be cared for with love and reason. In this article, we have prepared basic tips for you.
Observe the symbols shown on the inner label
On the inner label there is a valuable guide to the proper care of the garment - maintenance symbols. This little graphic tells you what the maximum washing temperature is, how high the temperature of the iron can withstand, or whether it is appropriate to use bleach. Ignoring these symbols can lead to damage to the material and reduce the protective properties of the clothing. Also, have you already cut off the inner label? No worries! Below we will remind you what the maintenance symbols are for the individual CXS working collections.
Why avoid the tumble dryer?
You've probably already noticed that all the inside labels say do not tumble dry. The dryer is a tempting shortcut for clothes from the washing machine straight to the closet, but also to the waste. As a result of higher temperatures and mechanical movement in the tumble dryer, fibers, especially elastic ones, can be damaged, which changes the structure of the fabric and the overall appearance of the garment. An alternative is to let the garment air dry, which is a gentler method for both the garment and your wallet.
First wash before first use
It may sound strange, but it is the first wash that removes all the remnants of the manufacturing process from the garment and prepares it for wear. It is a sort of reset that will allow the materials to breathe and adjust to optimal functionality.
Soaking heavily soiled clothes
The result of hard physical labor can understandably be extremely dirty work clothes. In this case, we recommend soaking the garment for a few hours in lukewarm water to which we add a little detergent before washing. This loosens heavy dirt and facilitates subsequent washing. In addition, you also prevent clogging of the washing machine.
Softeners? No, thank you
Fabric softeners generally make the fabric more comfortable to touch. However, their negative effect occurs when they accumulate on the fabric, reducing the absorption capacity of the garment. And that's exactly what we don't want, because one of the functions of work clothes is breathability and absorbency.
Washing gel liquid gold
When choosing between classic washing powder and gel, we definitely choose gel. Due to its structure, washing powder has an abrasive effect, in other words, it gradually scratches parts of the fabric and thus accelerates the wear of clothing.
Elastane needs sensitive care
Elastane is a popular part of the material composition for its elasticity. Thanks to it, clothes do not restrict a greater range of movement. However, if elastane is included in the material, more gentle treatment methods should be chosen, especially when wringing. We recommend choosing a spin cycle with a maximum number of revolutions of 1000 per minute to prevent damage to the elastane fibers.
Close the zippers before washing
An important preventive step is to close all zippers before putting them in the washing machine. When the zipper is on, it maintains its shape and is therefore less prone to damage in the wash, as there is no bending or even breaking of the teeth. This step also protects other clothes in the washing machine from getting scratched, tangled, etc.
Reflective elements are friends with the light, not with the iron
Reflective elements on workwear are essential to workplace safety as they reflect light back to its source, increasing the wearer's visibility in low light conditions. However, it is important to remember that these elements are highly sensitive to temperature. Ironing reflective elements can cause them to melt, deform and eventually lose their ability to reflect light. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid reflective accessories when ironing.
Last but not least, it is crucial to read the instructions for use that come with your work clothes. In the manual you will find other specific advice regarding the specific product and its maintenance. If the instructions also went into the trash, you can find them on our e-shop for each product in the View Product card
Remember that proper care of your work clothes is an investment not only in its lifespan, but also in your daily well-being and safety at the workplace.