Uniforms for companies and organizations are important. It gives one an impression of organization, competence and professionalism. It also distinguishes them from other people who are not part of their organization. Take the case of policemen, they become more effective in doing their job because they are wearing their police uniforms and people are able to approach them because they are distinct and identifiable from other people. At the same time, the police men are more confident about what they are doing because once they don their work uniforms they know what they need to do.

Wearing uniforms simply because you have to is not enough. Keeping your uniforms and work clothes in its most professional standard creates a positive impression on anybody. Although people in one office might wear the same work uniforms, some may fail to impress their boss or the customers because of a sloppy and unkempt look that will most likely turn-off even colleagues. People will see and perceive you differently if you keep your work uniform above the substandard appearance.

No matter where you work it is clearly important that you keep and maintain your work uniforms and other work clothes in order that it will keep for longer use. A clean work uniform, whether a hotel uniform, nurse uniforms or corporate uniforms, keeps one looking properly groomed and present a more professional look. Taking care of your work uniform is not a difficult responsibility. Although some industries and companies have their own laundry service to ensure proper care of uniforms, some though need to do it on their own. Here are some guidelines when laundering your work clothes or your scrubs, such as Cherokee scrubs or Landau scrubs:

• Rinse work clothes first in cold water to get rid of large amounts of caked on solids or large debris in pre-wash to keep it from circulating throughout the wash.
• Wash your uniforms in hot or warm water to remove any minor stains and kill bacteria.
• Separate any white uniform shirts from any colored uniforms, especially if colors bleed, as it will stain other items in the wash.
• Tumble-dry your work uniforms for at least 30 minutes as it helps destroy micro-organisms. Although some would suggest hang dying uniforms to ensure less wrinkles. If your job does not involve possible contaminants then hang dry if you like, you not only conserve energy but also helps preserve your work clothes.
• Iron your work uniforms. Heat from the iron also helps lower pathogens. Aside from that, uniforms that are wrinkled look less professional and would give the impression of laziness and carelessness. Just make sure of the proper iron temperature setting for your uniform or the fabric of your work clothes.
• If your work uniforms have developed odor, use ¼ - ½ cup of vinegar to eliminate odor.
• Use starch if your work uniforms wrinkle easily.
• Try color brightener or white wash to keep your work clothes looking bright and sharp.

The best way to maintain your uniform will depend on the fabric. Thus, it is best if you know the fabric or blend of your work clothes.
Cotton uniforms: Cold wash by hand or with machine. Hang dry.
Wool uniforms: Dry clean or wash by hand. Hang dry. Never machine wash.
Leather shoes: Brush off dirt when it dries, wipe with damp cloth, oil and polish as needed.

For workwear and industrial uniforms:
Read and follow the care instructions carefully that is stated on your uniform, such as Red Kap uniforms, or the care for the fabric of your uniform.
Laundry Care Instructions for Non Flame Resistant Fabric
For Industrial Wash – Do not recommend water temperature more than 165°
For Light Soil Wash - 140° wash maximum is light soil formulas
For Home Wash - 120° or less in 6 lb. load machine such as used at home.
Dry Clean Only – Professional Dry Cleaning

Laundry Care Instructions for Flame Resistant Fabric
For Industrial Wash – Do not recommend water temperature more than 165ºF
For Light Soil Wash - 140° wash maximum is light soil formulas
For Home Wash - 120° or less in 6 lb. load machine such as used at home.
 
Important Notice:  
Do not use detergents with Bleach.
Do not use detergents that contain Animal Fat.
Do not use Chlorine Bleach
Do not use Fabric Softeners or Dryer Sheets.

High Visibility Flame Resistant Uniforms are most of the time laundered by the company to ensure proper washing off especially when stained with contaminants or toxins. But in case it is home washed make sure that:

• Wash separately in a Normal or Cotton cycle at any water temperature up to a maximum of 140ºF (60ºC). You can use any typical home laundry detergent except those that contain bleach and animal fat.
• Do not use chlorine bleach or liquid nonchlorine bleach. Repeated chlorine bleaching can ruin the FR polymer.
• Turn garments inside out before wash to reduce streaking from abrasion. Fill the washer no more than 2/3 full and use high water level.
• It is important that all soils and other contaminants are completely removed from garments during the wash process. This may require the use of stain removal products or presoaking garments prior to washing. The use of hot water can often make detergents more effective in the removal of soils. If all contaminants cannot be removed in home care, garments should be brought to the dry cleaner.
• The use of conditioned or soft water can help improve removal of contaminants from garments. Hard water precipitates soaps and can result in the build-up of calcium and magnesium salts. These can serve as fuel in the event they are exposed to a source of ignition.
• Starch, fabric softeners, and other laundry additives are not recommended because they can coat fibers and mask Flame Resistance performance, or serve as fuel in case of garment ignition.
• Do not over dry garments. If desired, you may press with an iron on the Permanent Press/Low setting.
  
• Dry cleaning is recommended if garments are heavily soiled with oil or grease, dry cleaning is recommended because this is more effective in removing these type contaminants.

Care for your work uniforms may seem like a lot of effort, but you will realize it is worth the effort once you make the impression on your boss as it shows you take pride in your work.