How to Wash a Reflective Jacket
If you’re wondering how to wash a reflective jacket, then you have come to the right place. These garments are not only useful for nighttime safety, but they are also great to wear on weekend excursions. They can even be worn during ice climbing or long-distance hiking. In either case, you should choose an “all-weather” fabric.
Avoid bleach
It’s important to avoid bleach when washing reflective jackets. It might help remove a stubborn stain faster, but it’s damaging to the fabric and will likely fade the reflective properties. In addition, bleach can damage custom-printed logos. Instead, use a mild detergent. You can also hang your reflective gear to dry.
The best way to care for reflective clothing is to follow the care label. Don’t use harsh detergents, fabric softeners, or abrasives. If you absolutely must wash your hi-vis clothing, opt for gentle scrubbing and cold water. Never wash reflective clothing in the same wash as regular clothing.
Avoid wringing after washing
When washing a reflective jacket, make sure to avoid wringing it out. Instead, soak it in a solution that has a pH of at least 7.0. This will loosen the yarns in the fabric and remove excess water. When you rinse it, lay it flat on a dry towel.
When washing a reflective jacket, use a mild detergent without bleach. Avoid wringing or excessive pressure because it can damage the fabric. Machine wash your reflective gear on a gentle cycle, using cold water. Do not wash it in the same machine as other clothes with rough fibers.
Do not use a washing machine with high heat or use any kind of fabric softener. The reflective tape can become damaged when the pH level of the washwater is too high. It should be around 11 or slightly higher, but never over 11. Higher pH levels can cause the reflective tape to break down and make it ineffective.
Avoid putting in the washing machine
To preserve the reflective material on reflective garments, avoid washing them in the washing machine. When you do wash them, use gentle cycles without bleach and a low heat setting. Also, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or wringing them out in a clothes dryer. In addition, line drying is best. This will help keep the reflective tape intact and prevent wrinkles.
If your reflective jacket does get dirty, brush it gently to remove the dirt. Then, you can soak it in cold water with a mild detergent. Always make sure that the detergent does not contain bleach. Do not put your reflective jacket in the washing machine if it’s already stained, as this can damage the reflective material.
Avoid drying in direct sunlight
If possible, avoid drying your reflective jacket in direct sunlight. The UV rays of the sun can damage the reflective films, fading them over time. Instead, line dry it in the shade. This will prevent wrinkles and keep the reflective tape in its proper shape. However, if line drying is not an option, you can also machine dry it. The tag on your reflective jacket should tell you whether it is safe for machine drying.
When drying reflective jackets, choose the lowest temperature, as high temperatures can damage the reflective film. It is also important to remove the jacket from the dryer as soon as the drying cycle is complete. Otherwise, the reflective sheet could permanently crease. The most suitable colours are fluorescent yellow-green, orange-red, and red.
Line dry hi-vis clothing
When choosing a reflective jacket, you need to find one that will fit properly and not restrict your movement. You can choose between a slim fit and a loose fit, and you can also layer different types of reflective fabrics to get the right balance of visibility and warmth. Regardless of the style you choose, you will want a reflective jacket that breathes well and wicks away moisture.
When it comes to washing reflective garments, line drying is the most recommended method. This method is the best way to care for your reflective garments because it won’t wear out the reflective material, or cause the vibrant colors to fade. You can also use a clothes dryer, but it’s important to remove your reflective garment as soon as the drying cycle is finished. When you hang your reflective jacket, you will also prevent it from wrinkles and maintain the shape of the reflective tape.
