Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can be an invisible and devastating hazard for many industrial processes that handle sensitive electronic and plastic parts. This is where ESD clothing is your best defence against dangerous static electricity. But it’s not enough to wear them. Proper care and cleaning are necessary to keep them doing their job and lasting.
Consider your ESD garb as a superhero get-up. When it’s dirty or damaged, its powers are reduced. Fortunately, you don’t need a laboratory or super secretive methods to keep your ESD cleanroom uniforms pristine. Here are some simple tips to keep it safe, clean and primed to protect your sensitive gear.
Be Gentle: Follow the Laundry Instructions!
Care Since ESD uniforms are a form of speciality wear, they come with special laundry care. These are not just recommendations — they are essential for maintaining the conductivity of the garment. Look at the label inside your uniform and follow the appropriate washing temperature, drying method and detergent use. The conductive fibres woven into the fabric can be destroyed by severe chemicals and heat, leaving your uniform inoperable.
The Best Friend Mild Detergents
Avoid using abrasive detergents, bleach or fabric softeners when washing ESD gloves. These may induce residuals that impede the capability of the uniform to dissipate static discharge. Choose a gentle, liquid detergent for delicate, such as one formulated for ESD garments. Occasionally, powder detergents don powdery residue, which can wear down fibres.
Wash Them Alone (or With Similar Items)
To avoid ruining the material and cross-contamination, it’s ideal to separate your ESD workwear from ordinary garments when washing them. If you must launder them with something else, select lint-free clothes of similar fabrics. Never clean them with very dirty articles that may leave dirt and stains.
Pass on the Bleach and Toxic Chemicals
Bleach is a huge ESD uniform, no-no. It can break the conductive fibres and ruin the antistatic nature of the garment. Also, don’t use strong stain removers and other aggressive chemicals. If you get a stain, see if you can treat it gently with a mild detergent before washing.
The cooler and dryer, the better
Excessive heat can also damage the conductive components of your ESD garment. Air dry them, if possible, or tumble dry on low heat. – Air dry them out of direct sunlight (direct sunlight can also discolour the fabric and potentially weaken the fibres).
Handle with Clean Hands
Keep your ESD coveralls out of your mouth, even if you are not wearing them. The natural oils on your hands and dirt can be transferred to the fabric and may affect performance. ESD Apparel: Place your dirt-free ESD clothing in a clean, dry environment, free from dust and debris.
Regular Inspection is Crucial
Check your ESD garments regularly for any wear and tear, like rips, tears, loose threads, and wins to the seam. Even slight flaws can be detrimental to the integrity of the uniform. Do not use the garment if you find any damage.
Avoid Alterations
Altering your ESD apparel, such as sewing on extra pockets or adjusting for the perfect fit, may also change the design of the garment and even its ESD protection. Stay with the original style and fit when you select the appropriate size.
Wrapping up
By keeping these simple tips in mind, you can help ensure your ESD workwear is always clean and working correctly and will give you the protection you need for a more extended period to protect those sensitive electronics you work with. This isn’t just about looking pretty — you want to ensure everything is in good working order to reduce the risk of hazards and inefficiency. So, take care of your ESD garments like you would treat any other essential safety equipment, and they will protect your valuable work.
