Nomex® and CoolTouch Nomex® Blends
Yes. As long as washing recommendations are followed and the garments are not soiled with contaminants you would not want to mix with your family wash, they may be combined in loads.
2. Are there any special instructions?
Pre-treat oily, greasy stains with products like "Shout®" or "Spray 'N Wash®". Separate light colors from dark colors as staining can occur. Do not overload the washer. Garments need room to move in the wash for proper cleaning and good wrinkle recovery.
3. What wash cycle and water temperature should I use?
Wash in soft water with less than 4.0 grains of hardness. Hard water contains mineral salts that can form insoluble deposits on the surface of fabrics that can negate the flame resistant characteristics or serve as fuel if garments are exposed to an ignition source. Use the Permanent Press cycle in water temperature up to 140°F. Use any typical home laundry detergent. Do not use "tallow soap" as it can leave a film on the fabric.
4. Can I use chlorine bleach?
No. Chlorine bleach will weaken the fabric and accelerates color loss. Oxygen bleaches may be used if necessary. Oxygen bleach is found in some home laundry detergents such as Tide with Bleach®.
5. What about other laundry aids?
Starch, fabric softeners, and other laundry additives can coat the fiber and mask the flame resistant performance. They may also serve as fuel in case of combustion. Their use is not recommended. NOMEX® has a static dissipative fiber in the blend to reduce nuisance static.
6. What about drying?
Tumble dry on Permanent Press cycle with proper cool down. Do not over dry. This fabric is synthetic and should dry quickly. Remove promptly and hang or fold. Do not line dry in direct sunlight.
7. Can I iron or press these garments?
These are not durable press garments and may wrinkle in laundering. Press with a warm iron on the Permanent Press setting. If creases in pants are desired, pressing will be required.
8. Can these garments be dry cleaned?
Yes. Either petroleum solvent or perchloroethylene can be used. In cases of heavy, oily soil, this may be the preferred approach.
9. How do I repair these garments?
Minor repairs that do not affect the integrity of the garment may be made by either sewing on NOMEX® fabric patches or by darning small holes with NOMEX® thread.
10. Can the FR properties be removed?
No. NOMEX® is inherently flame resistant. This property cannot be degraded or diminished by laundering. However, it is critical to remove greases, oily soils, and other flammable contaminants as they can burn independently and overwhelm the FR properties of the fabric. If home laundering does not provide adequate cleaning, professional care may be required.
The information in this bulletin is based on the results of testing in Bulwark's laboratory and information from the fabric vendor. It is provided for your guidance and knowledge. As of the publication date, this bulletin contains up to date information on care and cleaning. Please visit Bulwark's website at www.bulwark.com for the latest information.