Originally Posted On: https://www.mackboots.com.au/blogs/news/the-right-way-to-wash-your-workwear-jacket-for-longevity-and-durability

The Right Way to Wash Your Workwear Jacket for Longevity and Durability

Your workwear jacket is more than just another piece of clothing. It’s a vital part of your daily uniform, built to protect you from the elements, keep you comfortable, and withstand the rigors of demanding work environments. But no matter how durable your jacket is, improper washing and care can shorten its lifespan, weaken the fabric, and reduce its ability to keep you warm, dry, and safe.

By following the right cleaning techniques, you can maintain your jacket’s performance while keeping it looking sharp for years to come. Here’s everything you need to know about washing, drying, and maintaining your workwear jacket the right way.

1. Check the Care Label First – Why It Matters

Before you even think about tossing your workwear jacket into the washing machine, the first step is always to check the care label. Different jackets are made from different materials. Some are waterproof, some have insulation, and others feature durable softshell fabrics – all of which require specific care. Ignoring these instructions could mean damaging the fabric, weakening protective coatings, or reducing the jacket’s lifespan.

How to Read the Care Label Correctly

• Machine wash or hand wash?Some jackets, especially waterproof ones, need to be washed gently to avoid damaging their protective layers.
• Water temperature:Most workwear jackets perform best when washed in cold or lukewarm water to prevent shrinkage or fading.
• Detergent type:Harsh detergents can strip away waterproofing and damage the fibres. This is perfect for mild, workwear-safe detergents.
• Drying instructions:Some jackets should never be tumble dried, while others require low heat to maintain insulation properties.

Try This: Jackets like the Mack Workwear Alloy Showerproof Jacket come with waterproofing layers that can break down if washed incorrectly. Always check if your jacket requires a waterproof-specific cleaner.

2. Spot Clean Before Washing – A Simple Trick to Extend Lifespan

Not every jacket needs a full wash every time it gets dirty. Spot cleaning is a great way to remove stains and dirt while reducing wear and tear caused by frequent washing.

How to Spot Clean Effectively

1. For dust and light dirt: Use a dry or slightly damp cloth to wipe away surface-level grime.
2. For tougher stains: Mix mild detergent with warm water and gently blot the area using a sponge or soft brush. Avoid excessive scrubbing to prevent damaging the fabric.
3. For grease and oil stains: Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch over the stain, let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb the oil, then brush it off before spot cleaning with detergent.

3. Machine Washing: Do’s and Don’ts – Avoiding Common Mistakes

When a full wash is necessary, it’s important to do it the right way to preserve your jacket’s quality. The wrong wash settings can lead to fading, shrinkage, and damage to waterproof coatings.

Best Practices for Machine Washing

• Use a gentle cycle:This reduces friction and helps prevent excessive wear on the fabric.
• Turn the jacket inside out:This protects the outer layer from fading and keeps any graphics or reflective elements intact.
• Use mild detergent:Harsh chemicals can break down waterproof coatings and weaken fibres.
• Wash with similar fabrics:Avoid mixing your jacket with rough items like jeans, which can cause abrasion.

What to Avoid

• No bleach or fabric softener:These can degrade waterproofing and weaken the jacket’s fibres.
• No overloading the machine:A crowded wash prevents proper cleaning and adds unnecessary stress to the fabric.
• No high-temperature washes: Hot water can shrink fabric, fade colours, and damage insulation.

4. Drying the Right Way – Preventing Shrinkage and Fabric Breakdown

Many workwear jackets are built with high-performance materials that require specific drying methods to prevent shrinkage and maintain durability. Drying your jacket the wrong way—especially using high heat—can weaken fibres, cause insulation to clump, and reduce the jacket’s ability to protect you from the elements.

Best Drying Practices

• Air drying:The safest option. Hang your jacket on a sturdy hanger or lay it flat in a well-ventilated area.
• Low-heat tumble drying:If air drying isn’t an option, use a low-heat setting and add a clean towel to help distribute heat evenly.
• Reshaping: While drying, gently reshape the jacket to prevent stiffness or creasing.

5. Maintaining Waterproof and Insulated Jackets – Special Care Tips

Some work jackets come with waterproofing, windproof layers, or insulation to protect you in extreme weather. These features can wear out if not maintained properly.

Caring for Waterproof Jackets

• Use a waterproof gear cleanerinstead of regular detergent.
• Reapply a durable water repellent (DWR) sprayafter washing to restore water resistance.
• Avoid excessive washing, as each wash can weaken the waterproof layer.

Caring for Insulated Jackets

• Wash sparinglyto prevent insulation from breaking down.
• Use a no-spin or delicate cycleto keep insulation evenly distributed.
• Store properly to avoid compression that can reduce warmth.

6. Storing Your Jacket Properly – Long-Term Care Tips

Proper storage is just as important as proper washing. Throwing your jacket into a crumpled heap or stuffing it into a locker can lead to premature wear, creases, and odours.

Best Storage Practices

• Hang it up:Always store your jacket on a strong, well-shaped hanger to maintain its form.
• Keep it dry:Store in a cool, dry place to prevent mould, mildew, and musty odours.
• Avoid direct sunlight:Prolonged exposure can fade colours and weaken the fabric.

Your workwear jacket is built to last—but only if you take care of it properly. By following these washing, drying, and storage techniques, you’ll extend its lifespan, keep it looking great, and ensure it continues to protect you on the job.

By using gentle washing methods, avoiding harsh detergents, reapplying waterproofing treatments, and storing your jacket properly, you can maximize durability and performance.

Explore Mack Boots’ full collection of workwear jackets and jumpers today!