Maintenance for workwear
We believe that clothing and footwear are the best investment when they work in many destinations for years. Then we have also been able to ensure that no materials or resources have been used in vain.
Our products are designed to work. As construction workers well know, dirt and wearing cannot be avoided. On this page we have summarized key instructions on how to take care of the clothing and footwear so that their comfortability, appearance, and safety features will last as long as possible.
High visibility workwear
Workwear exposes to sweat, oil, grease and dust every day. Sometimes a piece of PPE is the only protection between a dangerous substance and body. This is why regular washing, correct storing as well as regular inspections are vital for the longevity of the PPE and for the safety of the worker.
Before washing the garment, always check the care label for the right washing program and temperature. Different materials react differently to temperatures and washing programs, which is why using a wrong program may prematurely wear the garment and its safety features.
Lower temperatures are often enough for a regular wash, so keep the temperature below 40 C when the clothing is not too dirty.
Before washing the clothing, empty the pockets, close the zippers, undo buttons and turn the garment inside out in order to retain the performance, comfort and appearance of the garment as long as possible. After washing, air dry the product in room temperature.
Store the clothing in a dry and clean space, where it does not exposure to humidity, chemicals or other harmful substances, or to direct sunlight. This way the fibres of the clothing are able to breathe and the humidity fades.
Lastly, regular checks on the performance of the hi-vis clothing are important to ensure safe working conditions. Mending small tears or replacing missing buttons is more cost-effective than buying a new product, but if the small rips are not mended, they can cause safety risks.
Footwear
Good work shoes are an important equipment, that work in many places, from the work site to a hiking trail.
Caring for foorwear is as important as caring for garments, and thus should be done as frequently. Similarily to clothing, uncleaned dirt can cause tears or rips and reduce the longetivity of the shoes considerably.
After using the shoes, they should be wiped with a clean cloth and aired in an open space. The shoes should be stored in a clean and dry space, away from sunlight. Leather, in particular, is sensitive to sunlight, and might crack if stored in direct sunlight. Wet shoes should be stored in room temperature and in addition to sunlight, storing the shoes on top of a fireplace or in a drying closet can damage the shoes.
Check your shoes regularly for wearing or tearing. Especially seams and the upper should remain undamaged.
Usage of water repellent and leather food is recommended for proloning the lifespan of the footwear. Lastly, in order to protect both your shoes and feet, and to ensure comfortability, change your socks during a lunchbreak if they are sweaty.
Lifespan of the products
The use of a piece of workwear can not be continued when it has been damaged beyond repair or it is soiled in a way that it can not be cleaned. Moreover, in many cases, protective apparels have a maximum lifespan, stated by law.
Tuuma receives used workwear from its customers. We will recycle the clothing, after which they can find a new life in form of clothing, furniture, or even in sound insulation—uncompromising quality.