How to Clean and Maintain Workwear

Follow these steps to sort and pre-treat your workwear prior to washing.

Step 1: Separate your work clothes from the other laundry, creating two loads for light and dark clothing.

Step 2: Check your workwear for stains. Try to identify what the stain is so you'll know the best way to treat it. Also, read the care tag instructions. For example, some materials may caution against using bleach or fabric softeners.

Step 3: Pre-treat stains such as dirt, grass, food and even blood with a stain remover. For tough or set-in stains, try an extra-strength stain remover. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

For grease or oil stains, sprinkle some baking soda and let it sit for 10 minutes. Brush the baking soda off and then add some dish soap, scrubbing it into the stain. Depending on the severity of the stain, let it sit from 20 minutes to several hours. Rinse off the clothing prior to putting it in the wash.

Follow these instructions for clean and stain-free workwear.

Step 1: Turn your clothes inside out to prevent fading, pilling and snagging. Avoid overloading the washer. This will ensure that the detergent can effectively clean your clothes. Overloading can also cause excessive wear to the machine.

Step 2: Add a heavy duty or an oxygenated detergent to the washer. Set the washer for the longest cycle, using the warmest water possible for the fabric type. Remember to read the care tags on the clothing. Some clothes can only be washed in cold water.

Step 3: Air drying is recommended for work wear. If you're pressed for time, set the dryer on the lowest setting. Use with caution since heat can cause stains to set in.

If there are still lingering odors in your workwear, there are a few remedies that you can try.

Step 1: To help neutralize odors, you'll first want to air the clothes out prior to washing them. Weather permitting, place them outside. Keep dark clothes out of direct sunlight to prevent them from fading. You can also use a steamer to neutralize odors.

Step 2: Pre-treat your clothing prior to washing. Place the items in the sink and add 1-part vinegar to 4-parts warm water. Let the clothing soak for up to an hour.

Step 3: There are several different ways that you can wash your clothes to remove stubborn odors.

Option 1: Wash clothes in your regular detergent. During the rinse cycle, add a 1/2 cup of vinegar (for small loads) to 1 cup (for large loads) in the fabric softener compartment. This will neutralize odors.

Option 2: Add 1/2 cup baking soda into the washing machine along with your detergent.

Option 3: Use an oxygenated detergent that's specially formulated to fight odors and stains. Another option is to pair a fabric deodorizer with your favorite detergent. Fabric deodorizers kill odor-causing bacteria and some can even be used with cold water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 4: Air dry your clothing outside. It can also be dried on drying racks inside your home. If you do use the dryer, put it on the lowest setting.

Step 1: Remove the laces. Knock the boots together outdoors or over the trash can to remove as much as dirt and mud as possible. Then use a cloth or a soft brush to remove loose residue. If there’s a lot of mud on the soles, take them outside and rinse them with a hose. Be careful not to get the inside of the boots wet.

Step 2: Use a damp cloth (don't soak it) to wipe down the top and soles of the boots.

Step 3: If the dirt is ingrained and you need a deeper clean, use a mixture of dish soap and warm water. Use a stiff brush (not a wire brush) to scrub them in a circular motion. Then dampen a cloth with water and wipe them down until the soap suds are gone.

Step 4: Let the boots dry in a well-ventilated area. Don't put them in the dryer or direct heat, such as a vent. It can cause the boots to swell and crack.

Step 5: For leather boots, you'll need to condition them. Put leather conditioner on a clean cloth and rub it into the boots. Follow the directions for drying times. Then buff them with a soft brush.

Workwear and work boots take a lot of wear and tear. To ensure they stay clean and last for years to come, remove stains, tackle odors and wash them properly. If you're ready to get started, Lowe's has high-quality workwear and laundry supplies to keep you looking your best. Shop online or visit your local store.