Be sure to carefully document and bring to your fire department and or employer’s attention any contamination of your protective garment.

Clean your protective garment every 6 months and within 6 hours after contamination. Please see your local, State, and Federal laws and regulations for decontaminating your protective garment. It is important that you abide by these.

Never use a soiled or contaminated protective garment as its protective qualities are reduced when it is not properly cleaned.

If possible, flush your protective equipment with water at the scene after the operations are completed. This will remove some of the contaminants and prevent spreading them.

Protective garments are to be cleaned separately from other garments.

Remove the detachable liner, suspenders, or any other accessories from the outer shell and always launder separately.

All closures have to be fastened. Make sure nylon male hook is covering female loop, hooks and dees are fastened, zippers zipped and snaps closed. A mild liquid detergent or a mild pre-cleaner can be used directly on soiled areas. A soft bristle brush may be used to gently scrub deeply soiled areas.

Follow general good cleaning practices. Set washer on a normal wash cycle and wash garment in warm water. Remember that too much heat causes garments to shrink. Recommended water temperature does not exceed 105°F (40°C).

Heavy scrubbing or spraying with high-velocity water jets, such as a power washer, shall not be used.

The best way to dry your garment is by hanging in a shaded area with good ventilation. Do not hang your garment in direct sunlight as it may significantly degrade any outer shell material. Tumble drying at a low or cool temperature setting is also acceptable.

A protective garment that has come into contact with hazardous substances (including biological, chemical, or radiological ones) must be retired from service and decontaminated.

A contaminated protective garment must be isolated and the contaminant should be identified.