HeaderLAUNDRY INSTRUCTIONS
LAUNDRY INSTRUCTIONS OF FLAME RESISTANT (FR) CLOTHING EXPOSED TO THE COVID-19 VIRUS
As more and more people are being impacted by the COVID-19 virus, the question of how to properly launder FR garments potentially exposed to the virus, has been raised. Adhering to the manufacturer’s laundry instructions is generally enough to render the virus inactive. There is no need to use disinfectants as they could negatively affect the flame-resistant properties of the clothing. The following instructions are in concert with the CDC directions for anyone handling potentially exposed clothing.• The CDC recommends anyone handling potentially exposed FR clothing wear disposable gloves. If gloves are not available, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, after handling. If soap and water is not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• IMPORTANT - DO NOT shake the dirty clothing.
• Launder using commercially available laundry detergents, according to the laundry instructions on the care label in the clothing.
• Use the hottest setting allowed by the garment label. Run a second rinse to help remove any residual materials that may not have been removed during the fIrst rinse.
NOTE: The heat of the water, the agitation in the wash cycle, as well as the chemicals in the detergent work to help render the virus inactive.
• IMPORTANT - DO NOT shake the dirty clothing.
• Launder using commercially available laundry detergents, according to the laundry instructions on the care label in the clothing.
• Use the hottest setting allowed by the garment label. Run a second rinse to help remove any residual materials that may not have been removed during the fIrst rinse.
NOTE: The heat of the water, the agitation in the wash cycle, as well as the chemicals in the detergent work to help render the virus inactive.
• Transfer the clothing to the dryer and DRY COMPLETELY. The additional exposure to heat will further help render the virus inactive.
NOTE: More than needed time in the dryer can cause excessive shrinkage.
• Clean and disinfect hampers or other collection devices that have come in contact with the clothing.
• NOTE: Because these are FR garments, standard FR clothing wash requirements must be followed. Those requirements include:
• Wash separately from other garments
• Wash in soft water
• DO NOT use bleach, starch, fabric softeners or products containing hydrogen peroxide
• Be sure any potentially flammable materials have been removed completely
NOTE: More than needed time in the dryer can cause excessive shrinkage.
• Clean and disinfect hampers or other collection devices that have come in contact with the clothing.
• NOTE: Because these are FR garments, standard FR clothing wash requirements must be followed. Those requirements include:
• Wash separately from other garments
• Wash in soft water
• DO NOT use bleach, starch, fabric softeners or products containing hydrogen peroxide
• Be sure any potentially flammable materials have been removed completely