Why Workwear Care Matters

Your branded workwear is more than just a uniform — it’s part of your company’s identity. Clean, well-kept clothing shows professionalism, builds customer trust, and helps your team feel confident on the job.

But even the best embroidery or print can fade or stain if not cared for correctly. With a few simple habits, you can keep your uniforms looking sharp for longer.

1️⃣ Wash Inside Out

Turn garments inside out before washing to protect embroidered logos and printed designs. This reduces friction and helps colours stay bright.

2️⃣ Choose a Gentle Wash Cycle

Most workwear should be washed at 30–40°C.

Avoid high-spin cycles and harsh detergents — they can wear down reflective tape and coated materials.

For muddy or dusty gear, shake or rinse off excess dirt first before machine washing.

3️⃣ Skip the Fabric Softener

Softener might smell nice, but it can block waterproof or breathable coatings and weaken reflective areas. Instead, use a mild detergent and add a little white vinegar to the rinse cycle if you want extra freshness.

🧽 4️⃣ Removing Stains and Tough Marks

Workwear often faces heavy-duty stains — oil, paint, ink, or food spills. Here’s how to tackle the most common types safely:

🛢️ Oil & Grease Stains

• Blot with paper towel (don’t rub).

• Sprinkle baking soda or cornflour to absorb excess oil.

• After 15 minutes, brush off and dab with a little washing-up liquid or degreaser before washing.

• For very stubborn marks, soak overnight in warm water with detergent before a gentle wash.

🏗️ Paint & Adhesives

• For water-based paint, rinse immediately in cold water and pre-treat with washing-up liquid.

• For oil-based paint, gently blot with a small amount of white spirit (test an inside seam first), then wash as normal.

• Never tumble dry until you’re sure the stain has gone — heat will set it permanently.

☕ Coffee, Tea & Food Stains

• Rinse straight away in cold water.

• Pre-treat with a stain remover or a paste of baking soda and water.

• Wash at 40°C using a non-bio detergent.

🖊️ Ink or Marker

• Dab with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitiser on a cloth (don’t pour directly on fabric).

• Blot until ink begins to lift, then rinse and wash as normal.

💧 Cement, Mud & Dirt

• Allow to dry fully before brushing off loose dust.

• Soak for 30 minutes in warm water with detergent before washing.

• Avoid bleach — it can damage fibres and reflective tape.

5️⃣ Air Dry When Possible

Tumble dryers can shrink or damage materials like hi-viz or bonded seams. Hang your workwear to dry naturally — ideally out of direct sunlight — and reshape while damp if needed.

6️⃣ Iron with Care (or Not at All)

Avoid ironing directly over embroidered or printed areas. If necessary, use a cool setting and a pressing cloth.

7️⃣ Rotate and Replace When Needed

Even the toughest workwear wears out eventually. Rotating between multiple sets reduces wear and helps your team maintain a consistent, professional image.

Final Tip – Store It Right

Store clean workwear in a cool, dry place — not in vehicles or damp cupboards. Fold or hang neatly so it’s ready for the next shift.

Need a Refresh?

If your uniforms are beyond saving, we can help!
Hamiltons offers durable, professional workwear packages with embroidery and print included — ideal for trade teams, warehouses, offices and more.

👉 Explore Workwear Packages