Fire Proof Clothing
Through my own research I have found valuable information relating to the proper cleaning of fire proof garments. Some retailers have informed me that to clean the garments just simply put them in the wash. WRONG! although the garments will become clean, what damage if any has been done to the protective element of the garment? After all just because the garment is clean, does not mean it will protect you from a fire.

Fabrics with a flame-retardant finish must not be washed in a natural soap based product such as Lux Flakes, because soap can damage the finish by coating the fibres and rendering the flame retardant finish ineffective. Flameproof material should be washed in a detergent product. Low suds automatic detergents such as Persil or Surf may be used as long as the washing care label instructions are followed. For hand washing, Stergene is also suitable. Items should be thoroughly rinsed after washing. Flame-retardant fabrics and finishes must not be washed above 50°C and we would not recommend the use of a fabric conditioner. We would mention that `detergent' is a generic name for anything which reduces the surface tension of water so that it can penetrate soiling, and make it easier to rinse away. However, the term `detergent' is generally used for synthetic detergent products and includes the majority of washing powders and liquids on the market. If a washing product is soap-based, it will be stated on the pack.

Proctor and Gamble (0191 279 2000) the manufacturers of some of the leading laundry detergent brands, recommend the Dreft range. Dreft Automatic is ideal, which will enable you to wash your own garments at home. Dreft Handwash is also suitable for handwashing the smaller items.

Alternatively you can have your protective garments dry cleaned, but it is imperative you check as to whether the service you are offered is suitable for Fireproof or Fire Retardant clothing.
The FIA homologation of the garments include testing to ISO 6330: 1984, Textiles – Domestic washing and drying procedures for textile testing;

ISO 6330 Method 2A 75 cycles @ 60°C wash and tumble dry @ 50°C
ISO 6330 Method 2A 15 cycles @ 40°C wash and @ 38°C tumble dry

Taken from FIA article 8856-2000

APPENDIX I

INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS FOR USERS

• Protective clothing is not able to protect against all the possible hazards which might be encountered in automobile racing. The clothing specified in this standard has to provide protection against heat and flame whilst having the minimum effect on driver comfort. Users shall ensure that garments are not too tight, as this reduces the level of protection, and that they are comfortable to wear under the actual conditions of use.

• All the clothing recommended in Appendix L (Chapter III, article 2) to the FIA International Sporting Code should be used in order to obtain maximum protection. Wearers are warned of the particular vulnerability of neck, wrists and ankles. The neck, wrists and ankles shall always be covered by at least two articles of protective clothing.
• Embroidery sewn directly onto the overall shall be stitched onto the outermost layer only, for better heat insulation.

• Backing material of badges shall be flameproof and in conformity with the standard ISO 15025 in order to avoid combustion of the badge which would affect the efficiency of the overalls.

• Thread used for affixing the badge to the overalls shall be flameproof and in conformity with the standard ISO 15025.

• It is also recommended that embroidery thread on badges or on the outermost layer of the garment be flameproof and in conformity with the standard ISO 15025.

• When affixing badges and signs to the overalls, heat-bonding shall not be used and the garment shall not be cut.

NB: any embroidery not complying with these conditions will result in the cancellation of the homologation of the overalls concerned, and its user may be excluded by the scrutineer of the event during which the infringement was noted.

IN CASE OF DOUBT ABOUT THE TYPE OF BADGE TO AFFIX TO THE OVERALLS, IT IS RECOMMENDED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER.