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Benchmark FR's Fabric Guide and Washing Guide

Benchmark FR's Fabric Guide and Washing Guide

Benchmark FR® garments will remain flame resistant for the life of the garment provided they are cared for properly. Our wash instructions are quite simple and mostly require that you leave out extra chemicals during the laundering process.

Important:
Arc and flame clothing should be cleaned if they are soiled with contaminants or flammable material. All materials influencing flammability must be washed off the garments. Do not be afraid to wash your arc & flame resistant clothing, frequent washing is recommended to avoid soiling and to maintain peak flame resistant properties. (ASTM F2757)

Typical Benchmark Care Label: 

Benchmark FR Washing Guide

Option A: Home Wash

This is the preferred method for cleaning your flame resistant garments because even the most vigorous home wash will keep your garments looking better than an industrial wash service. Short Version: Machine wash warm, Tumble dry low. Use soft powder or liquid laundry detergent, tumble dry. Do not use Fabric Softeners, Starch, Lye Soap, Open Steam or products containing Hydrogen Peroxide.

Detailed Version:

  • Set washing machine on a cotton cycle.
  • Warm water or normal temperature setting (140 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Home laundry detergent (i.e.: Tide® or All®).
  • Do not use bleach whether separate or contained within the detergent.
  • Do not use hydrogen peroxide either alone or as part of a detergent (i.e.:
  • OxyClean®).
  • Do not use lye based, tallow or home-made soaps.
  • Do not use fabric softeners.
  • Tumble dry low or medium heat, do not over dry.
  • Avoid pressing with open steam.
  • Do not use starch.
  • Do not use excessively hard water, use of a softening agent (i.e.: Calgon®) or water softening systems.

Option B: Dry Cleaning

While all Benchmark FR products can be dry cleaned, it is the favored method for washing insulated outerwear garments such as parka’s and bibs.

  • The dry cleaning solvents should be clean.
  • Solvents systems are safe.
  • Solvent systems charged with water and detergents are safe.

Option C: The Industrial or Commercial Wash

You must notify your laundry service that they are washing a flame resistant product.

Flame resistant garments are designed to react to heat and it is important the laundry service knows to follow the wash instructions which are embroidered into the back of every Benchmark garment.

  • Wash soiled Benchmark flame resistant garments separately.  This avoids cross contamination.
  • We recommend flush, break, carry over and rinse with water not exceeding 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Benchmark FR properties are normally not affected by high wash temperatures
  • however, to avoid excessive shrinkage they should be avoided.
  • Lower temperatures for lightly soiled garments are recommended for increased garment life and maximum color retention.
  • Adequately rinse garments to remove detergents and residues.
  • Garments should have a pH of 7 or slightly alkaline.
  • Do not use caustic based alkaline.
  • Adequate rinsing to achieve dilution and a neutral to slightly alkaline pH should be used.
  • Do not use bleach whether separate or contained within the detergent.
  • Do not use lye based, tallow or home-made soaps.
  • Benchmark FR garments can be dried using typical methods for cotton however, to avoid excess shrinkage, over drying should be avoided.
  • Typical cotton pressing techniques can be used, however avoid finishing and pressing with open steam.