How to wash workwear: shirts, trousers and office dresses

Quick answer: workwear lasts when you read the care label, sort by colour and fabric, pre-treat collars and cuffs, wash on a gentle cycle in cool water, don’t spin too hard and hang on a hanger straight after washing.

1. Read the care label and sort

• White and light shirts separately.
• Dark clothes separately, turned inside out to reduce fading.
• Thin fabrics, silk, linen on a gentle cycle or by hand.
• Lined trousers and dresses: check the label; many should only be hand-washed or dry-cleaned.

2. Shirts

1. Undo all buttons, including the collar and cuffs, so the shirt isn’t stretched.
2. Pre-treat collars and cuffs: pour a little detergent onto dirty spots, brush gently with a soft brush and wait a few minutes.
3. Wash on a gentle cycle, cool or moderately warm as the label allows.
4. Spin gently or at low speed to reduce creasing.
5. Hang on a hanger and straighten the collar and cuffs while damp. Ironing while slightly damp is easier.

For yellowed collars and underarms on white shirts, see How to whiten yellowed white shirts at home.

3. Trousers

• Turn inside out, zip up and do up buttons before washing.
• Wash on a gentle cycle, not with towels or linty items.
• Hang by the hem with clips or over a bar along the crease.

4. Work dresses

• Use a mesh laundry bag so dresses don’t twist or snag.
• Lined or embellished dresses: hand-wash or follow the label.
• Dry on a hanger, out of strong sun to prevent fading.

Choosing detergent for workwear

Workwear is worn all day, so it needs to come out clean of sweat, soft and lightly scented without clashing with perfume. URA laundry liquid is described as suited to workwear such as shirts, trousers and office dresses worn all day:

• Multi-layer deep clean: lifts dirt, dust, grease and sweat from fibres and helps stop them settling back.
• Soft fabric, holds its shape: less pilling and fading over many washes.
• A clear floral scent, never harsh. For workwear, the elegant Camellia & Freesia is an easy choice.

For white shirts and uniforms, SPY Super White contains Tinopal to help whites look brighter.