Avoid care mistakes, maintain safety: Expert knowledge on workwear and PPE
Proper care of workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) is far more than a matter of cleanliness or hygiene – it determines the functionality, safety, and lifespan of the products. Nevertheless, many companies are uncertain about how workwear and PPE should be professionally cleaned and maintained. In today’s expert interview, we speak with Jan-Frederic Sielemann, Head of Marketing at BP® Bierbaum Proenen, about common care mistakes, legal risks, and why professional care is a crucial factor for sustainability and profitability.
Image Wear: Why are the requirements for the care of workwear and PPE different than for conventional work clothing? What risks arise if workwear or PPE is improperly cleaned or maintained?
BP: The requirements for the care of workwear and PPE are significantly higher than for conventional work clothing because certified protective functions are paramount. If PPE or workwear is improperly cared for – for example, through unsuitable detergents, excessively high temperatures, or incorrect washing cycles – essential properties such as flame retardancy, chemical resistance, or reflectivity can be lost; often, even a standard household dryer is enough to cause this. This leads to an increased risk of accidents for the wearer and significant liability risks for the company, as legal requirements may be violated.
What are the most common mistakes in the care of workwear and PPE?
BP: The most common problems arise from incorrect washing programs, unsuitable detergents, or ignoring care labels. Excessively high temperatures or aggressive chemicals can permanently damage reflective strips and flame-retardant finishes. Overloading the machine or using fabric softener also leads to material wear and tear and loss of function. I therefore recommend following the care instructions on the labels and choosing products made with particularly durable, industrial-grade materials.
Image Wear: Why is proper care of workwear and PPE worthwhile?
BP: Proper care significantly extends the lifespan of workwear and PPE – a clear economic and environmental benefit. Longer use reduces procurement costs and lessens the burden on the environment.
Quality plays a crucial role here: High-quality materials and precise workmanship remain the most important building blocks for durability and sustainability. Our recyclable BP® Circular Economy products from the BPlus® and BP® Shirts collections, for example, complement this proven approach to quality with innovative recycling concepts. Because only when the basic quality is right can forward-looking technologies reach their full potential.
Image Wear: What does “suitable for industrial laundry according to ISO 15797” mean?
BP: The “Suitable for industrial laundering according to ISO 15797” label confirms that workwear and PPE can withstand the high mechanical and thermal stresses of industrial washing and drying processes without losing functionality or fit. BP® uses the PRO label to transparently indicate this suitability.
Image Wear: How do I know when protective equipment needs to be replaced?
BP: Protective equipment should be replaced if visible damage such as tears, defects, or material fatigue occurs, or if a loss of function is detected after the number of wash cycles specified by the manufacturer. For high-visibility clothing, for example, laundries test the protective effect by measuring the reflectivity and luminance of reflective strips as well as the color depth of fluorescent materials. This ensures that the PPE continues to meet the required standards.
Image Wear: Thank you very much, Mr. Sielemann, for the interview!
The discussion with BP® Bierbaum Proenen clearly demonstrates that only professional cleaning and maintenance ensure protective functions are maintained, legal requirements are met, and long-term profitability is guaranteed. Companies that position themselves correctly in this area—for example, through industrial maintenance processes according to ISO 15797 or by choosing durable, recyclable products—are investing not only in safety but also in future viability.