High-visibility (hi-vis) workwear is a critical component of safety in many industries, from construction and roadworks to warehousing and logistics. Designed to enhance visibility and reduce the risk of accidents, hi-vis clothing relies heavily on its fluorescent colors and reflective materials to perform effectively.
However, time and improper care can dull colors, diminish reflectivity, and compromise safety. That’s why consistent and correct maintenance is essential. This guide outlines how to keep high-visibility garments bright, compliant, and, most importantly, effective throughout their lifecycle.
Why Proper Care is Important
Hi-vis clothing isn’t just another part of the uniform, it’s often the first line of defense against hazards and risk. The luminous fluorescent fabric and retroreflective tape are designed to attract attention during the day and at night under artificial lighting or headlights. When these features degrade, visibility is compromised and so is safety.
Moreover, certain industries have regulatory requirements (such as ANSI/ISEA 107 or EN ISO 20471) that mandate specific levels of visibility. Faded or poorly maintained workwear can render PPE non-compliant, leaving employers open to legal risk and workers exposed to preventable danger.
Regular care helps to:
- Preserve the brightness of fluorescent materials.
- Maintain the integrity and reflectivity of tapes and panels.
- Extend the usable life of garments.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards.
Proper Washing Techniques
Washing is one of the most common causes of premature fading and wear in high-visibility garments. On average, studies show that hi-vis clothing needs to be withdrawn after 20 wash cycles. However, it is possible to clean without compromising performance, if you follow these essential guidelines:
- Always follow the care label: Manufacturers test their garments based on specific conditions. Adhering to their recommendations ensures longevity.
- Use mild detergent: Harsh detergents, especially those containing bleach, fabric softeners, or hydrogen peroxide, can break down fluorescent dyes and damage reflective tape.
- Wash at low temperatures: Generally, warm water (around 30–40°C or 85–105°F) is ideal. Hot water accelerates fading and weakens synthetic fibers.
- Wash garments inside-out: This protects the reflective surfaces and minimizes abrasion during the wash cycle.
- Separate hi-vis clothing: Avoid washing hi-vis with heavily soiled or abrasive items like jeans, work boots, or tools, as these can cause physical wear or transfer stains.
- Avoid overloading: Give garments space to move freely. Overcrowding a washing machine can cause garments to rub harshly against each other, leading to wear and tear.
Stain Removal Tips
Stains can reduce the visibility of high-visibility clothing and also damage the integrity of the fabric if treated improperly. Here’s how to deal with common stains:
- Act quickly: The sooner a stain is treated, the easier it is to remove without resorting to aggressive cleaning agents.
- Spot clean before washing: Use a soft-bristle brush and a mild detergent solution to gently scrub the stained area.
- Avoid bleach and solvents: These substances may remove the stain, but they can also degrade colorfast dyes and reflective materials, leaving the garment non-compliant.
- Use oxygen-based stain removers sparingly: Some color-safe oxygen cleaners are acceptable for tough stains, but always test on a small hidden area first.
- Industrial grime: For oil, grease, or tar, use a dedicated degreaser designed for fabrics, but confirm that it won’t compromise the garment’s hi-vis properties.
Drying Methods
Drying high-visibility clothing improperly can cause shrinkage, fading, and reflective tape damage. Here’s how to do it correctly:
- Air dry when possible: Hanging garments on a line or drying rack in a shaded area helps preserve color and material integrity.
- Avoid direct sunlight: UV rays can fade fluorescent dyes and cause fabric to become brittle over time.
- Use low-heat tumble drying: If machine drying is necessary, opt for the lowest heat setting and remove garments while slightly damp to prevent heat damage.
- Never wring out garments: Twisting hi-vis fabric can distort shape and damage stitching or tape.
- Don’t iron reflective tape: High heat from irons can melt or degrade the reflective areas. If ironing is necessary, use a low setting and avoid taped sections.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Proper care doesn’t stop after washing and drying. Ongoing maintenance ensures continued performance and safety:
- Inspect garments regularly: Look for fading, fraying, missing reflective strips, or tears. Replace any item that no longer meets visibility requirements.
- Store correctly: Keep garments in a clean, dry place out of direct sunlight. Avoid folding them in a way that creases or damages reflective areas.
- Rotate clothing: Having multiple sets of hi-vis clothing and rotating them can reduce wear on any one item and extend total usage life.
- Avoid harsh environments post-shift: Sitting in dirty vehicles, leaning on greasy machinery, or storing clothing improperly after use can cause damage between washes.
- Know the lifespan: Most hi-vis garments have a limited effective life, especially in demanding environments. Keep records and replace as needed. And don’t forget that recycling hi-vis clothing at the end of the lifespan is a great way to keep your footprint down.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
To maximize safety and durability, steer clear of these common errors:
- Using bleach or softeners: These chemicals are often the fastest route to fading and reflectivity loss.
- Ignoring washing instructions: Assuming all garments can be treated the same is a costly mistake. Always read the label.
- Washing too infrequently: Dirt and grime reduce visibility, even if the garment isn’t visibly stained. Regular cleaning is vital, as long as you follow the above guidelines.
- Repairing with the wrong materials: Fixing rips with non-compliant thread, tape, or fabric can reduce visibility or violate safety standards.
- Wearing non-compliant layers: Hi-vis clothing must remain visible during use. Avoid covering it with dark jackets or gear that conceals its bright features.
High-visibility clothing is an investment in safety. With the right care and attention, garments will not only last longer but continue to perform their vital role in keeping workers seen and protected. Whether you’re managing a fleet of custom high-vis uniforms or just your own gear, these care tips help ensure that your hi-vis workwear stays bright, effective, and compliant.
About the Author
Nick Warrick
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with hundreds of clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Nick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.
Sources
American National Standards Institute. (2020, October 7). ANSI/ISEA 107-2020: High-visibility safety apparel. ANSI Blog. https://blog.ansi.org/2020/10/ansi-isea-107-2020-high-visibility-apparel/
International Organization for Standardization. (2013). ISO 20471:2013 – High visibility clothing — Test methods and requirements. https://www.iso.org/standard/42816.html
Innovation in Textiles. (n.d.). New processes for cleaning high-visibility clothing. https://www.innovationintextiles.com/new-processes-for-cleaning-highvisibility-clothing/
Library of Congress. (n.d.). Why does ultraviolet light cause color to fade? Everyday Mysteries. https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/physics/item/why-does-ultraviolet-light-cause-color-to-fade/
American National Standards Institute. (n.d.). High visibility safety apparel (HVSA). ANSI Blog. https://blog.ansi.org/high-visibility-safety-apparel-hvsa/
International Safety Equipment Association. (n.d.). ANSI/ISEA 107-2020: American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel. https://safetyequipment.org/ansi-isea-107-2020/
All Seasons Uniforms. (n.d.-a). Occupational high visibility workwear. https://www.allseasonsuniforms.com/occupation/high-visibility
All Seasons Uniforms. (n.d.-b). Industrial high visibility workwear. https://www.allseasonsuniforms.com/build-a-uniform-workshop/industrial-high-visibility-workwear
All Seasons Uniforms. (n.d.-c). Forever fluorescent – Recycling your hi-vis clothing. https://www.allseasonsuniforms.com/blog/forever-fluorescent-recycling-your-hi-vis-clothing