Wash Recycled Polyester Workwear Right: 30-40°C for Safety & Longevity

Recycled polyester work clothes are a great choice for construction, logistics, and outdoor operations work environments—they're tough, can resist wrinkles, and meet sustainability efforts. Yet, to maintain these clothes, selecting the right washing temperature is essential. Overly hot water can ruin, shrink, and discolor clothes, while washing in overly cold water won't work as effectively to remove dirt and sweat. Knowing the safe temperature range for washing recycled polyester work clothes protects their longevity and functionality. In this blog, I'll explain the safe temperature range, the significance of it, and how to wash these clothes the right way.

When caring for work clothes made from recycled polyester, it’s best to wash them at temperatures from 30 to 40 degrees Celsius (or 86 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit).  This keeps the clothes warm enough to remove any dirt, sweat, or mild stains, yet cool enough to keep the recycled polyester cords intact. Shrinking, stiffening, or permanent damage to reflective strips (if the clothes have them) can occur if recycled polyester is washed at high temperatures (over 40 degrees Celsius).  Cold water (below 30 degrees) will also damage the clothes by leaving tough stains (like oil or mud) to set. Work clothes will be in best shape if washed between 30 to 40 degrees Celsius.

The Detrimental Effects of High Temperatures on Recycled Polyester Work Clothes

Working with recycled polyester work clothes can become complicated because washing them at higher-than-recommended temperatures can lead to irreversible damage. Heat causes polyester work clothes to contract, sometimes significantly. Fabrics made of recycled polyester become tight and shrinking work clothes may restrict movement. High temperatures also have the potential to destroy the protective coatings and surface layers, especially the water-resistant and stain-resistant layers, making work clothes even less functional. Work clothes that are polyester and contain printed/embroidered logos are more likely to lose functionality, as heat causes logos to fade and reflective materials to peel. Giving polyester work clothes a wash at 60°C could cause a work shirt to lose 20% of its reflectivity after one wash. High temperatures are damaging to work clothes made of recycled polyester.

Why Using Cold Water for Washing Recycled Polyester Work Clothes is Not Recommended  

You can wash recycled polyester work clothes and not damage the fabric, but that doesn’t mean that they are getting the proper clean. Cold water, which is below 30 degrees Celsius, makes it more difficult to activate mild detergents. Therefore, any sweat, dirt, and even work-placed oils might not get removed completely. This residue will accumulate and make them look dirty and even smell bad. For workers around dust and grease, like warehouses and automotive repair shops, clothes will develop stains that will not come out with any washing. On long-shift clothes, the bacteria that is not killed when washing with cold water becomes a problem. Though it is true that washing with cold water occasionally will not damage the fabric, using cold water all the time will not keep recycled polyester work clothes as clean and fresh as they could be.

Caring for Recycled Polyester Work Clothes: Washing Instructions

Maximize the value of recycled polyester work clothes by washing them between 30°C to 40°C. Begin by sorting clothes according to color. Separate light and dark clothes to avoid dye bleeding. Note that recycled polyester may hold on to some dye unlike new polyester. For tough stains, pre-treat them with a gentle, bleach-free stain remover. Avoid harsh chemical removers as they may damage the material. Wash with gentle, unscented detergent. Skipping fabric softeners will avoid residues that clog the fabric’s breathability, and recycled polyester is naturally soft anyway. For the washing machine, choose a normal or delicate cycle and set the machine to 30°C to 40°C water. Don’t forget to set the machine to a gentle cycle. Exceeding the washing capacity may cause the clothes to not get clean properly and increase pilling. For the first option, hang to air dry, or choose the second option of tumble drying on low heat. To maintain the shape of the work clothes, use low heat or air drying. High heat drying will cause the clothes to shrink.

Ways to Make Recycled Polyester Work Clothes Last Longer  

Proper care to maintain your recycled polyester work clothes includes washing them at the right temperature. Here are more easy tips. Refrain from using bleach or fabric softeners—bleach deteriorates the fibers and softeners cause buildup. Wash the clothes only when they are visibly dirty or smell. Over-washing causes the colors to fade and the fabric to weaken and wear. Clothes with zippers or buttons should be washed with zippers and buttons closed to avoid snags. Recycled polyester work clothes should be stored in cool, dry closets away from direct sunlight. Clothes with colors or logos made of reflective material should be washed inside out to protect those details. When safe temperature washing is combined with these extra habits, the life of recycled polyester work clothes can be increased by more than 50%. This saves money and cuts down on waste.