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How to Wash Denim Chef Uniforms
Author: Chef Works Australia Date Posted:20 September 2021
At BCE we are proud stockists of Chef Works Uniforms. Chef Works are industry leaders in modern chef jackets, chef uniforms and hospitality aprons. They are all about celebrating those that aren't afraid to blaze their own trail. One of the fabrics that has been the vanguard of fashion and function in the Hospitality and Food Service industry in recent years is Denim. But is's not just enough to stand out from the crowd in Denim, you have to know how to care for it too so it keeps performing for you for longer. Here are some tips from the experts:
Chef Works offers a range of denim chef jackets, denim aprons and denim shirts that are professional, sleek, and trendy, while also looking laid back: perfect attire for both restaurants and cafes.
Denim is a cotton twill fabric that can be tricky to take care of, particularly in terms of its tendency to fade. You may own denim pieces yourself, but do you know how to care for them properly?
Follow our simple tips below to keep your denim well-looked after:
1. It's Okay for a Little Fade
First of all: know that a little bit of fading is normal with denim. In fact, many manufacturers spend much time and money for the 'stressed' look. Every denim piece of clothing will fade a little in the wash, so don't panic if this is the case.
2. Water: Hot or Not?
Unlike white jackets, which can be washed in hot water, denim should be machine-washed and cleaned in cold water; otherwise, it can shrink and fade. For food and protein stains, hot water can set the stain, baking it into the fabric, so definitely avoid this.
Failing cold water, white distilled vinegar, club soda and baking soda or corn starch can work wonders on food-based stains. If it's oil or butter, use some diluted dishwashing soap. Cold water will not just help clean food stains but will also wash away white marks caused by deodorant on the fabric.
For bloodstains, blot the affected area as soon as possible with a cold, damp sponge. Be careful not to use too much water, as this will help the stain spread. Then pop on some bleach-free pre-wash stain treatment and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing. Try to soak the jacket or apron in water – a sink (if you can find one!) or metal container and some quality detergent rubbed into the garment should do the trick. Then, pop into the washing machine when you return home.
Ensure you use mild and natural detergents and always steer clear of fabric softener, as it's very hard on denim fibres.
3. Flip Your Jackets and Shirts
Always flip your denim jacket inside out when washing it to avoid tampering with the dyes and to clean the inner areas that need cleaning in the first place. To get as much life out of your denim as possible, you would avoid washing it too much in any other walk of life. That advice isn't suitable for a Chef seeing as spillages are part of an average day, but wearing an apron will undoubtedly help reduce stains on the front of your jacket.
4. Line Dry Denim
To stop the denim from shrinking, always line dry your denim jackets rather than tumble dry or put them on hangers. Dryers can affect the strength of the fabric weave and the shape of the jacket or apron. Hangers can cause indents near your jacket's shoulders or collar, so it's best to hang them on a straight wire.
5. Use a Lint Roller
A lint roller is a useful handheld device that is perfect for catching lint, dust, and dirt from your denim garments. In between washes, use the lint roller as much as you like, to keep your uniform looking clean.
Failing all of this (or if you didn't get to this article in time), and your denim uniform is too far gone, you can always choose a new one from our denim range.
