Nomex® fiber is currently one of the best heat and flame-resistant materials used for manufacturing firefighter protective gear. It’s very popular with having permanent FR features even after going through multiple washing procedures. But, necessary steps are to be followed to avoid causing significant damage to the material.
Flame-resistant garments, like Nomex, require proper care and maintenance, especially when it’s already exposed to flammable soils and harmful chemicals that can mask or reduce certain FR properties.
Maintenance Tips on Nomex® Garments
The following are a few helpful instructions on how you can maintain your Nomex garments and possibly extend their lifespan.
Try out your brand-new Nomex garment before having it washed. Check it for maximum motion comfort so you won’t have to worry about repairs afterward.
Wash Nomex apparels regularly and thoroughly, whether it’s been exposed to flame or not. Exposure to dirt can cause bacterial buildup on the fabric layers, which can is not hygienic at all. But most importantly, constant wearing might also subject the material to flammable contaminants, which is counterproductive to the primary purpose of the apparel.
Follow the correct methods of laundering Nomex garments, and use the right materials or equipment for the job.
Harsh exposure of Nomex fabrics might require professional washing techniques. You can refer the garment to industrial laundry servicing for optimum washing and clearing of contaminants.
How To Wash Nomex® Garments
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wash Nomex fabrics or any garment integrated with Nomex material.
Prior Tips:
Nomex should be washed separately from other types of garments to prevent the contamination of flammable fiber threads.
Hatch gloves with Nomex construction should be hand-washed and air-dried right after.
Regular household laundry detergents are suitable for washing Nomex garments.
Avoid using bleach chemicals on Nomex garments because they can alter the material’s natural color and strength features.
Don’t use fabric softeners in washing with detergent.
Ensure that flammable chemicals like oil, paint, or grease are completely removed from the fabric. If it can be avoided, all kinds of Nomex apparel should not get in contact with damaging chemicals that might affect its flame-resistant properties.
Washing Process:
Step 1: Sort the Nomex garments according to their color shade. This method can prevent the possibility of tainting garments with other colors. Unlike regular washing methods where clothes with different colors can be thrown together, it’s safer for Nomex fabrics to be washed individually.
Step 2: Treat oily and greasy stains before putting the garments in the wash. You can scrub/brush localized stains by hand to prevent them from causing worse troubles if it gets smudged all over the fabric.
Step 3: When you’ve treated all the stains found, you can throw in the garments to the wash with warm water— at approximately 140°F. Washing the garments at higher temperatures won’t damage the fire-resistant features, but it may cause discoloration on the fabric.
Step 4: Place the required amount of laundry detergent. Home detergents or heavy-duty detergents should do the trick. Make sure that the detergent does not have chlorine or bleach chemicals in it.
Step 5: Rinse well with clean water to remove traces of laundry detergents. Watch out if the water is clear upon rinsing, which indicates that the garment is meticulously clean.
Step 6: After washing, double-check if the garments are entirely free from flammable stains.
Step 7: Leave the garments to dry up in a room with natural air.
Additional instructions:
You can use alternative products for removing harmful stains and chemicals. Perchloroethylene is a non-flammable liquid solvent that can be used for garment degreasing. Petroleum solvents are also effective for removing oils and organic compounds of oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen on dry garments.
Nomex garments should not dry up under direct sunlight. It can be machine-dried at a low-temperature setting, at approximately 140°F and 160°F.
If you’re unable to remove stubborn stains and harmful contaminants from the garments, please consider replacing the apparel.
If unsure of the basic washing procedure, don’t hesitate to contact the product manufacturer for specific clothing instructions.
FAQs on Nomex® Garment Washing & Maintenance
Does Nomex shrink when washed?
High temperatures may cause shrinking on regular clothes, but Nomex fabrics are quite resistant to shrinkage. Possible shrinkage is expected on 65/35 blends.
It’s also important to note that Nomex does not stretch, suggesting that the wearer should apply motion fitting for this type of apparel.
What is the best washer setting applied for Nomex garments?
Nomex garments can be washed with the regular cotton cycle. If you can also check the level of water hardness, make sure that it’s less than 4.0 grains.
Higher levels of hard water can alter the flame-resistant properties of Nomex garments due to the presence of mineral salts, which can create an accumulation in the creases and surfaces of the fabric.
Can I wash Nomex garments at home?
Yes, the washing procedure stated above is achievable at home. Just be watchful with the loading capacity of your washing machine, and remember the color separation method. Industrial washing is also suitable for Nomex garments contaminated with relentless stains and greases.
What products can I use for the pretreatment process?
Laundry stain removers that can be bought in grocery stores are powerful enough to remove oils and greases on Nomex fabrics. Use them for cleaning and pretreatment of the garments.
Can I iron Nomex garments after wash?
You can iron Nomex garments at a very low temperature while the fabric is still damp, and don’t exceed 280°F. If you’re worried about huge deep wrinkles, just leave the apparel hanging loosely and use a fabric steamer for quick straightening techniques.
Let’s Wrap It Up
There you have it! Please be guided with the proper maintenance of Nomex products, especially with the tips and step-by-step instructions on how to wash FR garments efficiently. By doing so, you can prolong the material’s quality and appearance while experiencing its tough fire-resistant benefits.
However, there might be a few more maintenance considerations on various clothing brands. It’s always best to follow manufacturer instructions and safety tips on the proper handling of a specific Nomex apparel.
Check out our Nomex Wildland PPE garments here!
