UK
Personalised uniform, workwear and PPE supplier, 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, almost three in 10 cleaners only replace their workwear once a year. Considering the findings, MyWorkwear is offering expert guidance on how often workwear should be washed and replaced.
Key statistics for cleaners
When asked how often they clean items such as trousers over one third (36%) stated 2-3 times a week whiet 40% wash them once per week. Looking at work t shirts, tops and tunics almost three in 10 (29%) wash them once a week.
For items such as jackets or fleeces, almost two-fifths (37%) wash them once a week. However, 8% only wash them a few times a month and 5% wash them every other month.
When asked how often they replace their workwear, almost three in 10 (29%) stated once a year with 19% stating twice a year. More than one in six (16%) replace items once a month.
Analysing their opinions on their workwear, positively almost over half (58%) are happy with their workwear but 11% expressed that they’d like to change the items as they’re too tight fitting and 15% said they’re too loose. Ten per cent also said that workwear for cleaners doesn’t complement different heights or body frames.
James Worthington, co-owner and co-managing director at MyWorkwear advises on how often, ideally, should different items of workwear be washed thoroughly and why? “It’s dependent on the item 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, industrial cleaners need higher grade protection in comparison to say an office cleaner working with less harsh chemicals. We also suggest that workers look to replace items once stains can no longer be washed out therefore impacting brand image.”
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 replacing items as and when new technology is created, for example, you could consider wicking finishes on polos as these can then be swapped out to increase longevity of under layers to be worn in hotter months. Items can also be replaced as and when new branding is required, for example, re-brands or staff moving to different departments with different personalisation required.”
Additionally, he advises: “Always stick to care instructions. Business owners could also provide spare sets of uniforms in case of spillages.”
For further insight into maintaining workwear,please visit here
