Methods for Cleaning And Maintaining Fire Suits

The cleaning and maintenance of fire suits directly affect their protective performance and lifespan. Strict adherence to material characteristics and operating procedures is essential to avoid damage caused by improper handling. The following are specific methods and precautions:

I. Cleaning Methods

1. Pre-treatment: After use, remove visible dust, mud, oil, and other contaminants from the surface of the garment. For stubborn stains, gently brush with a soft-bristled brush dipped in neutral soapy water. Do not use hard brushes or sharp tools to scrape, as this may damage the fabric fibers and the waterproof and breathable layer.

2. Cleaning Method: Hand washing or a gentle cycle in an industrial washing machine is preferred. The water temperature should be controlled below 30℃. Use only neutral detergent (such as a dedicated fire suit cleaner). Do not add bleach, oxidizers, or strong acids and alkalis, as these may damage the fire-retardant properties of the fabric and the waterproof and breathable properties of the PTFE membrane.

3. Rinsing and Dehydration: After washing, rinse thoroughly to ensure complete removal of detergent residue, preventing residual components from corroding the fabric. When dehydrating, choose a low speed and do not wring forcefully to prevent deformation of the garment structure, loosening of seams, and separation of fabric layers.

II. Maintenance Points

1. Drying: After washing, lay the fire suit flat or hang it in a cool, ventilated place to air dry naturally. Avoid pulling directly on the shoulder straps, cuffs, etc. Do not expose to direct sunlight or tumble dry at high temperatures (not exceeding 60℃), as this will accelerate fabric aging and embrittlement, reducing flame retardancy and heat insulation properties.

2. Storage: After drying, check the garment for damage and odor. Avoid heavy pressure when folding. Store in a dry, ventilated, cool, dedicated storage cabinet, away from fire, heat sources, chemicals, and sharp objects to prevent corrosion and scratches to the fabric, and to prevent mold growth in damp environments.

3. Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Before and after each use, and after washing, inspect the fabric integrity, seam strength, reflective strip brightness, and sealing performance (such as zippers and Velcro). If fabric damage, seam opening, reflective strip detachment, or waterproof layer failure is found, repair or replace immediately; continued use is strictly prohibited. Conduct regular professional performance testing according to industry standards to ensure that flame retardancy, heat insulation, and waterproofing indicators meet standards.

4. Dedicated Protection: Firefighting suits must be used for their designated purpose only and are strictly prohibited from use in non-firefighting work scenarios. Avoid contamination with unrelated pollutants. Different types of firefighting suits (fire extinguishing protective suits, fire-resistant suits, etc.) must be washed and stored separately and must not be mixed or used interchangeably.