How To Clean a Uniform

From spills and stains to daily wear and tear, uniforms can take a beating. Proper cleaning is crucial, not just for hygiene, but for maintaining the integrity of the fabrics and the professional image of your brand. But just how can you keep your uniform looking its best? Don’t worry, as in this blog, we’ll tell you exactly how

to clean your uniform, ensuring that it remains a sharp and reliable part of your daily wear.

At Murray Uniforms, we know just how important a bespoke uniform can be, and maintaining a professional and smart look is even more important. When your team looks and feels smart, they Work Smarter®. The right uniform makes people happier and increases productivity, backed by our very own Science of Uniform® approach.

Proper and delicate care for your garments will extend its lifespan and ensure you always look your best.

Ready to learn how to wash your uniform? Let’s get into it…

The importance of a clean uniform

A clean uniform isn’t just necessarily about safety and hygiene…  A clean and pristine uniform conveys a sense of professionalism and shows that employees take pride in their appearance at work. Whether it’s retail, hospitality, or corporate workwear, a shabby or dirty uniform can not only ruin your first impression but also tarnish your company’s image. So, if an employee’s uniform is covered in stains and marks, it can have a significant impact on the way that they perform their job.

A clean uniform will:

• • Improve hygiene and health – Clean uniforms reduce the risk of harbouring and spreading germs, which is crucial in industries like healthcare and food service.
  • Enhance professionalism and confidence – A clean, crisp uniform projects a professional image, which helps boost employee confidence and self-esteem.

• Increased comfort – Clean uniforms are simply more comfortable to wear, as they feel fresher and less restrictive. 
• Amplify company image – A spotless uniform contributes to a positive and professional company image, building trust with customers and clients.

At Murray, our Science of Uniform® process is backed up by data. We know that it takes just 3 seconds for someone to judge your capability and competence based on the clothes you wear – do you really want to jeopardise this by having your employees present an unprofessional appearance? If an employee’s uniform is covered in splatters or smears, this can impact the customer’s perception of your business. A dirty uniform can project an image of unprofessionalism and carelessness, as customers associate cleanliness with attention to detail and high standards.

Don’t let customers feel uneasy around your members of staff – learn about the best ways to clean a uniform below.

Best ways to clean a uniform

You know how important it is to maintain and clean a uniform, but how do you actually put this into practice? Depending on the industry, different garments need different levels of cleaning and care. Below, we’ve got some tips and tricks to follow to ensure that your uniform is kept looking spick and span, no matter what sector you work in.

Pre-treat stains

One of the best methods for getting work clothes clean is to pretreat stains before washing them. If you work in a restaurant or kitchen, you might be exposed to a messy environment on a daily basis. The sooner you address a stain, the easier it is to remove. Fresh stains are significantly easier to tackle than those that have been set. Avoid rubbing the stain as this can push it deeper into the fabric. Instead, blot it with a clean cloth or paper towel and add a stain remover solution before putting it in the wash.

Dish soap is particularly effective for breaking down grease, as well as bicarbonate of soda. Sprinkle it directly on top of the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before washing. You can even gently scrub the stain with a soft-bristled brush – a toothbrush will do just the trick.

Follow care label instructions

You should always check the care label on your uniform for specific cleaning instructions. Some uniforms may require special care, such as dry cleaning, while others can be machine-washed normally. Adhering to these instructions will help prolong the life of your uniform and prevent you from replacing it prematurely.

Different fabrics react differently to washing – some shrink in hot water, while others can be damaged by harsh detergents or bleach. Care labels will provide guidelines on appropriate water temperatures, washing cycles, and cleaning agents to prevent damage. Care labels will also offer instructions on drying and ironing to help maintain the garment’s shape and fit. This ensures that your uniform remains comfortable and professional-looking when performing your daily tasks.

Use the right detergent

Using the right detergent when washing workwear is crucial as it can impact the garment’s longevity and its performance. Remember, different fabrics have different needs, and detergents that are too harsh can damage delicate fibres, causing them to weaken and fray. If your uniform is colourful, we’d recommend using a mild detergent without bleach. For white uniforms, opt for a bleach-based detergent to keep it looking crisp and fresh.

Many workwear items, like high-visibility clothing or flame-resistant garments, are made with specialised fabrics, so using the wrong detergent can degrade their protective properties. We’d also recommend avoiding overloading the washing machine as this can result in insufficient cleaning and excessive wear and tear.

Air drying vs tumble drying

Drying your uniform is probably just as important as washing it. If you want to tumble dry your uniform, then try to opt for a high-quality dryer with adjustable heat settings to prevent over-drying. Sturdy cotton workwear, like some types of trousers and shirts, can often be tumble dried on a low heat setting – ensure that you’re using the lowest heat settings possible to minimise any damage to your uniform.

However, for some uniforms, air-drying is the best option to maintain their shape and size. Delicate fabrics like silk, wool, and lace are highly susceptible to damage from the high heat and tumbling action of a tumble dryer. High-visibility materials and flame-resistant fabrics may also require air-drying to maintain their protective qualities – always check the care label, as suggested above.

Iron or steam with care

Most uniforms often require a polished appearance, and ironing and steaming help to remove wrinkles and creases, allowing a crisp and professional appearance. This is crucial for making a positive first impression on clients, customers, and colleagues. Specific fabrics and materials used in uniforms can actually help to reduce creases, removing the need for ironing. Get in touch with us here at Murray to learn more about our uniform research.

When ironing or steaming, use the appropriate temperature setting for the fabric to avoid scorching or burning. Ironing with too much heat can leave permanent marks on your uniforms and you may have to ask for a replacement. Steaming will help to remove light odours from fabrics without the need for frequent washing, helping to prolong the garment’s lifespan.

Proper storage

Once your uniform is all clean and dry, proper storage is essential. Proper storage is just as important as washing, as it can affect your uniform’s quality, appearance, and longevity. Ensure that your uniform is hung or folded neatly in a cool, dry place, and even use garment bags to protect them from dust and potential damage. Storing uniforms folded or hung improperly can lead to stubborn wrinkles and creases that require extra ironing or steaming.

An overcrowded wardrobe or drawers can crush fabrics and clothes, leading to damage and even distortion. If your uniform is still damp when you’re storing it away, this can lead to mould and mildew growth, which can weaken fibres and cause unpleasant odours. Exposure to direct sunlight can also cause colourful uniforms to fade, so storing them in a cool, dark place helps to preserve their vibrancy.

Consider professional cleaning

If you’re really worried about washing a bespoke uniform, or if it is especially delicate and has an intricate design, professional cleaning services can be a lifesaver. If your uniform has a stubborn stain like grease, oil, or blood, and you can’t get it out with your own washing machine, then a professional cleaner may use special techniques to tackle these stains.

In industries with strict hygiene regulations, such as healthcare, professional cleaning can help to comply with these regulations and will enhance safety and cleanliness among employees. Professional cleaners have the knowledge and expertise to handle a wide range of fabrics and stains if you’re feeling unsure.

Here at Murray Uniforms, we create bespoke uniform programmes for our clients including laundry. To ensure safety and compliance we can offer a one-stop-shop for all your workwear and laundry needs. This ensures your colleagues look their best every day.

Additional workwear maintenance tips

At Murray Uniforms, we believe that a uniform is more than just a piece of clothing.  What you wear matters, which is why you should dedicate enough time and effort to looking after your workwear. Some additional maintenance tips include:

1. Using antibacterial wipes to clean waterproof items such as chemical protection gloves. Chemicals that are left unattended on aprons and gloves can be devastating, especially in the catering industry.
2. Protective footwear is key when it comes to your work uniform. Shoes with grippy soles offer more stability when walking, so ensure that you choose footwear appropriate for carrying out your tasks.
3. Replacing thoroughly worn items. While proper cleaning will ensure that your uniform will last longer, it doesn’t mean that it won’t need replacing. Frequent and consistent washing is needed for hygienic reasons, but eventually there will come a time when your uniform will need replacing completely.
4. When you can and if needed, wear protective gear like aprons and gloves to create a barrier between your uniform and dirt and chemicals.
5. Have multiple sets of workwear to allow for rotation. This reduces wear and tear on individual garments and always means that you have a uniform on hand when one set is in the wash or dirty.

Maintain a professional standard with Murray Uniforms

We hope that this guide has provided you with the confidence and knowledge to keep your uniform looking its best. Remember, consistent care is key to extending the life of your uniform and maintaining a sharp and professional appearance. At Murray Uniforms, we know that designing a uniform right in the first place can reduce the amount of care needed and make washing easier for employees. With the right techniques and a little care and compassion, you can ensure that your uniform remains a valuable asset to your wardrobe.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’ve got over 100 years of experience in the uniform industry meaning that we know garment production, durability, and colourfastness inside and out.

We’re here to help you with your uniform journey – book a consultation with our design team today. 

Washing uniform FAQs:

How to clean a white uniform?

Cleaning a white work uniform requires extra attention to detail to maintain its brightness and remove stains effectively. Make sure that you pre-treat stains and wash your whites separately in hot water with detergent and an optional whitening cleaner like baking soda or vinegar. Avoid bleach unless the clothing tag says different. Cuffs and collars are areas prone to fading and dirt, so focus on these areas.

How often should a uniform be washed?

The frequency of washing your work uniform will depend on the industry and nature of the work that you do. Generally, high-risk workwear like a scrubs uniform should be washed daily or at least weekly, while general workwear should be washed after 2-3 wears.

What is the best way to clean your uniform?

Following the tips in this blog will ensure that your uniform is kept fresh and clean. Make sure that you wash it regularly, follow the care label instructions, use a mild detergent, and consider pre-treating stains with a stain remover or dish soap. We’d also recommend using cold water for delicate uniforms to prevent damage.