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WESTEX CLEANING & MAINTENANCE GUIDE








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      DESCRIPTION OF WESTEX COTTON AND COTTON BLEND FR FABRICS




      Since 1987, garments made from Westex fabrics have been used by various  multiple launderings normally required of such garments. Westex guarantees the
      industries for superior protection against thermal exposures from molten ferrous  flame resistance of UltraSoft,  UltraSoft AC and Indura fabrics for useful life of such
      metals, flash fire, electrical arc and other hazardous workplace exposures.   garments when proper care procedures are employed.

      The Westex line of flame resistant  fabrics include:    It is important to recognize that the thermal protective properties of any flame
                                                             resistant fabric can be compromised by the presence of contaminants on the fabric
      UltraSoft 88% Cotton/12% High Tenacity Nylon Blends    from which the garment is made. Even though the original fabric is fully flame
                                                             resistant as measured by standard test protocols, flammable contaminants on the

      UltraSoft AC 88% Cotton/12% High Tenacity Nylon Blends  garments can ignite, and will burn until consumed and thereby increase heat
                                                             transfer to the wearer and lead to flame resistance failure.
      Indura 100% Cotton
                                                             The procedures described in this guide have been utilized effectively for removing
      The flame resistance of these fabrics is achieved through a proprietary treatment  industrial soiling and other contaminants from the UltraSoft, UltraSoft AC and
      process. This finish was designed by Westex to anticipate and withstand the most  Indura garments while maximizing use life. Users of Westex fabrics should ensure
      rigorous industrial laundering conditions for proper cleaning of work clothing. A  that the techniques they use achieve similar results,  by performing their own tests
      flame retardant polymer is embedded in the fabric in a fashion that is durable to  and/or working with Westex.


      COMMERCIAL LAUNDERING OF WESTEX GARMENTS


      Detergent and Supplemental Chemicals                   fabrics are not adversely affected by high pH, however, the effect on colorfastness
                                                             of garments should be checked to maintain an acceptable balance between
      WASHING DETERGENT SUPPLIES                             cleanliness and color retention.
      A variety of commercial and industrial detergent formulations are available for
      processing cotton and cotton rich garments and have been used for a number of  SOFTENERS
      years. A list of suppliers of these chemicals is given in Appendix I. In recent years,  We recommend against the use of a supplemental softener except in unique
      detergents designed for use at wash temperatures of 140°F (60°C) or less such as  circumstances that are specifically described to us and that are tested for impact on
      high surfactant, low alkalinity products have gained some popularity, and have no  flame resistance.
      adverse effect on the UltraSoft, UltraSoft AC or Indura fabrics. I t is important to use
      a detergent and wash temperature that is sufficient to thoroughly clean the soiled  STARCH
      clothing, even considering supplemental alkainity and higher wash temperatures  We recommend against the use of starch or other hand builders except in unique
      where appropriate. Use of a detergent with a phosphate builder has proved highly  circumstances that are specifically described to us, and that are tested for impact
      beneficial for laundering Westex flame resistant fabrics. The best results in cleaning   on flame resistance.
      and utilization of detergent supplies are obtained when using softened water.  Detergents and Supplemental Chemicals
      Westex fabrics can be washed at temperatures up to165°F (75°C).
                                                             to Avoid
      ALKALINITY
      Detergents used commercially have pH values ranging from 9–13, and in most  CHLORINE BLEACH
      instances are effective in removing dirt and oil from soiled garments. In instances  Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) must not be used on Westex
      requiring more aggressive soil and oil removal, higher wash temperatures and  garments, either separately or in detergents. Review of various laundry
      supplemental alkalinity should be considered. If softened water is not available,  advisories generally recommends against the use of chlorine bleach for protective
      we recommend against the use of silicate supplemented detergents. Westex   fabrics of any fiber composition.






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