Washing workwear

To ensure that your workwear lasts as long as possible, we recommend that you follow the washing instructions on the clothes. For the best results, wash your workwear regularly, and don't wait too long.

As well as extending the lifetime of your workwear, you also get a higher level of cleanliness so that your workwear looks more presentable for longer.

Washing symbols

Below is an overview of the different wash symbols you'll find on your workwear, and what they mean. Always follow the instructions on the clothes and make sure you empty all pockets before washing.

Washing instructions for ENGEL Safety and ENGEL Safety+

Special washing instructions apply to our Safety and Safety+ series. It's important to comply with these instructions to ensure that the clothes still meet the applicable requirements for protecting the employee who is wearing them.
Below is a list of special conditions that apply to our safety clothing.

ENGEL Safety

• If the maximum number of washes is not stated, the clothing has been tested and approved after five washes.
• Carefully follow the instructions on the care labels; they describe exactly what the clothes can withstand.
• Wash frequently and carefully to prolong the life of the clothing.
• Heavily soiled clothing should be spot washed using fabric detergent before placing the clothing in the regular wash, e.g. oil and grease.
• Washing detergents containing perborates may affect the colour of the material and the reflectors at high temperatures. We therefore recommend using standard colour fabric detergent.
• Do not use fabric conditioner.
• When ironing or pressing the clothing, do not exceed a temperature of 150 °C.
• The dirt-resistant finish on the clothing can be reactivated by ironing or tumble-drying at a high temperature.
• The clothing must be stored in a dry, dark and well-ventilated room.

ENGEL Safety+

• Only use and wash the products with closed buttons/zipper as described on the care label.
• Sort the garments according to colour and degree of soiling.
• Garments made from multi-functional fabrics must be washed separately from other finishes.
• The wash load should not exceed 70% of machine capacity.
• To reduce the possibility of insoluble soap residues being deposited on the garments, synthetic detergents are recommended.
• We recommend that garments are washed using a two-step washing cycle: Prewash at 40 °C and main wash at up to 60 °C with WOR (a water and oil-repellent product)
• Alkalinity level should be sufficient for a good washing result but not excessive.
• We recommend a minimum of three rinses to eliminate residues.
• Only softened water should be used for washing and rinsing to avoid the formation of calcium and insoluble residues.
• Do not under any circumstances use bleaching agent/chlorine or fabric conditioner as these substances can ruin the fabric’s finish.
• We recommend that the garments’ protective properties are tested before re-use to ensure the full level of protection is maintained.
• Garments should have a moisture retention of 35-40% to ensure that any creases and folds can be removed during tunnel finishing. Drying by means of pressing is also recommended.
• To reactivate the chemical-repellent properties of the fabric (EN 13034:2005), the garments should be either tunnel-finished or overdried at min. 90 °C (see ISO 15797 8A).
• As a rule of thumb, the maximum number of washes should not exceed 50. However, much depends on the degree of soiling and wear on the fabric. The fabric is permanently guaranteed to retain its flame-limiting properties.
• Re-treat after every fifth wash, e.g. with HYDROB FC, to meet EN 13034:2005 requirements.
• If the maximum number of washes is not stated, the clothing has been tested and approved after five washes.
• For further information about fabric content, etc., refer to the care label.