Workwear experts reveal how often construction should clean and replace their workwear following new study findings

Personalised uniform, workwear and PPE suppliers, MyWorkwear are dedicated to providing products that provide safety and confidence among workers. With workwear playing a vital part in how workers conduct their role, as part of their latest study* MyWorkwear has delved into the cleanliness of uniforms worn by UK professionals to determine how often they clean and replace items alongside their general opinions of their workwear.

According to the study, one in six construction workers only replace their workwear once per year!

Considering the findings, MyWorkwear has also offered their expert guidance on how often workwear should be washed and replaced.

Below are the key statistics for those working within the construction sector.

When asked how often they clean items such as trousers, a third (33%) state once per week compared to 7% who state a couple of times per month. Looking at tops such as shirts, 24% wash them once per week, with 5% only washing them a few times per month.

Delving further into items such as overalls, almost a quarter (24%) wash them once per week whereas 10% wash them a few times per month. For items such as jackets and fleeces, 30% wash them once per week compared to 10% who wash them a few times per month.

Questioning workers about their reasons for cleaning their workwear, 10% expressed that their employer requires them to. However, when asked how often they replace their workwear, 15% only replace items once per year whereas 22% replace items once every two months.

Analysing their opinions on their workwear, positively over two-fifths (41%) are happy with their workwear but 23% expressed that they’d like to change the items as they’re too tight fitting and 10% believe the items don’t compliment or suit different heights and body frames.

James Worthington, Co-Owner and Co-Managing Director at MyWorkwear provides his expert guidance to construction workers.

How often, ideally should different items of workwear be washed thoroughly and why?

“It’s dependent on the items and as per the instructions and hygiene requirements of individuals. It’s also dependent on the environment in which the items are being used, for example, those on-site would need to wash items more regularly due to dirt build up compared to those off-site.

“Wash under layers more often than outer layers and replace once stains can no longer be washed out therefore impacting brand image. It’s also important that all branded layers are washed regularly so that branding is always on show regardless of changing weather conditions, for example, if it suddenly starts to rain, a clean branded coat should be available.”

How often, ideally should workwear be replaced with new items and why?

“Sustainability should be kept in mind so higher quality items are suggested to ensure they don’t need to be replaced regularly from wear and tear. Also consider product types for example, wicking products for sweat reduction when working in warmer conditions.

“You should also consider replacing items as and when new branding is required, for example, re-brands or staff moving to different departments with different personalisation required alongside whenever safety is compromised, for example, damage or staining to hi-vis items.”

Other factors construction workers should consider when it comes to their workwear upkeep:

“Always stick to care instructions. Business owners could also provide spare sets of uniforms in case of damage. Also, always wear appropriate garments for the area, for example, insulated and waterproof coats for on-site work and the correct level of PPE.”

For further insight into maintaining workwear, please visit: https://www.myworkwear.co.uk/company/what-is-the-best-way-to-maintain-workwear/.