Cleaning Nomex Fabric

    The following information is provided as a guideline for cleaning the NOMEX® fabric weather it be shirts, pants coveralls or jackets. Cleaning Nomex fabric should be achieved in 140°F or less temperature using a buffered, non ionic detergent. By using higher temperatures will not damage the fabric quality only lead to color fading. This usually what happens with industrial laundering and creates more wear on a garment than home laundering as the launderers tend to over dry the garments in cleaning Nomex fabric processes.
     Nomex apparel can be both laundered and dry cleaned without any adverse damage to the fiber. Regular washing and drying is usually sufficient except when the garments have been subject to excessive amounts of oil and grease. It is suggested to launder Nomex clothing by themselves or with the same type of fabric so as not to have any flammable substances attach themselves to the garments such as link. You should also not use fabric softener as the elements of this additive is flammable. Dry cleaning procedures are designed to remove oil and grease very efficiently from the nomex fabric. The only stipulation is that the apparel must be completely dried to remove all solvents used in the process.
    The one product that can damage the flame resistant properties when cleaning Nomex fabric is chlorine bleach. This is one substance that should never be used in the cleaning process.
    As far as shrinkage goes the Nomex fabric will shrink very little much like the polyester/cotton blend material. In cleaning the Nomex fabric the drying times are very fast as Nomex does not retain moisture very good.

    Following is a bulletin that is put out by Red Kap Industries that goes into more detail then what I have already outlined above.

RED KAP INDUSTRIES Technical Information Bulletin RK-63

Nomex® Flame Resistant Garments Recommendations for Care and Maintenance

Red Kap aramid flame resistant garments are made from DuPont Nomex® fiber. Nomex fiber is heat resistant and permanently flame resistant. Nomex IIIA® incorporates an anti-static fiber which reduces nuisance static. In static-sensitive environments, proper grounding procedures must be observed.

The garments can be laundered at temperatures up to 140°F with good colorfastness. Processing in hotter formulas may be required to remove soils. It should be noted that even under the best laundering conditions, color retention is generally not as good as industrial polyester/cotton blends. These garments can also be dry cleaned in perchloroethylene or petroleum solvent with no adverse affect on the flame resistant properties.

Important considerations are temperature control in washing and drying and removing flammable soils or chemicals that can overwhelm or mask the FR properties.

INDUSTRIAL LAUNDRY

• Process separately from other types of garments throughout the entire operation to prevent accumulation of lint from flammable fibers and minimize pilling.
• Sort by shade to reduce staining or color transfer which may occur.
• Use low temperature (140°F maximum), low alkalinity surfactant chemistry for water washing. Higher pH products and elevated wash temperatures accelerate color loss.
• Washing at hotter temperatures and higher levels of alkalinity may be necessary to remove soils. This will not damage the fabric or degrade the FR properties but may affect color. Removing flammable soils is more important than color retention.
• Use a multiple add procedure (break and second suds) where soil level requires. Wash formula and load size should be set up to minimize redeposition.
• Do not use chlorine bleach. This will weaken the fabric and accelerate color loss. Use of oxygen bleach is acceptable where necessary.
• Temperature step-downs between baths should not exceed 15°F and cool to 100°F or less before extraction to minimize wrinkling.
• Rinse well and sour properly. Lower pH's will aid in the adhesion of softeners although a build-up of softener will reduce wickability and therefore comfort.
• As this fabric does not retain much moisture, short extraction at low levels should be sufficient. This should also reduce wrinkling.
• Condition at 140 - 160 F stack temperature so that fabric temperature measured in the basket does not exceed 280°F. This fabric will dry rapidly as it does not hold much moisture. Excessive heat will cause color loss. Cool down to 100°F or less and remove promptly from the dryer.
• Shrinkage similar to 65/35 blends can be expected. The fabric will not stretch so allow for ease of motion in fitting wearers.
• Tunnel finishing will improve fabric smoothness but may cause hanger impressions. If creases in pants are desired, pressing will be required. Do not exceed 280°F fabric temperature.

• Wash and dry separately to prevent contamination from flammable lint.
• Pre-treat greasy stains and do not overload the washer to help insure removal of flammable soils.
• Wash in hot water (up to 140°F) using any typical home laundry detergent such as Tide, Cheer, All or Wisk. Do not use soap such as Ivory Snow.
• Do not use chlorine bleach. Do not starch.
• Do not overdry.
• For maximum flame resistance, greases and oils must be thoroughly removed. If home procedures do not accomplish this, commercial laundering or dry cleaning is recommended.

• Either perchloroethylene or petroleum solvent can be used. In cases of heavy oily soil, this may be the preferred approach. With petroleum, it is necessary to ensure that all solvent has been completely dried from the garment. With both solvents, the garments must be free of redeposition of any kind.

The information in this bulletin is based on the results of testing in our laboratory and information from the fiber and fabric vendors. It is provided for your guidance and knowledge. While it represents up to date information regarding care and maintenance of Nomex flame resistant garments, no warranty is expressed or implied.

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