ASTM F2757-20

Standard Guide for Home Laundering Care and Maintenance of Flame Resistant or Arc Rated Clothing

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This guide is intended for use by employees of the end user, such as safety personnel or program administrators, who have chosen to implement a home-laundered flame resistant or arc rated clothing program.  
5.2 This guide describes the key components involved in the home care and maintenance of flame resistant or arc rated clothing. The decision to home launder flame resistant or arc rated clothing is part of an overall hazard analysis. It should include the nature of the hazard, the soils, and any chemicals present in the workplace. Conditions may exist that require work apparel to be cleaned at work or professionally due to the risk of contamination of the home or waste water caused by the wearer’s on-the-job exposure.  
5.3 The guide provides the end user assistance to follow laundering methods that will clean the garment and maintain the flame resistant or arc rated characteristics of the clothing during its useful service life. The guide also provides suggestions for increasing the wear life, appearance, and function of the clothing.  
5.4 The guide also provides suggestions as to when flame resistant or arc rated garments should be removed from service.  
5.5 The guide provides direction on proper garment repair, modification, and permanent removal from service.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide provides recommendations for home laundering of clothing that is flame resistant or arc rated. These recommendations address the home laundering process. Home laundering is an effective cleaning process for flame resistant or arc rated garments; follow all label care instructions.  
1.1.1 This guide does not apply to industrial laundering of flame resistant or arc rated clothing. For more information on industrial laundering, follow Guide F1449 or contact your garment supplier.  
1.1.2 This guide does not apply to dry cleaning of flame resistant or arc rated clothing. For more information on dry cleaning, follow label instructions or contact your garment supplier or fabric manufacturer. Dry cleaning indicates cleaning by a professional dry cleaner.  
1.2 The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends leaving clothing soiled with hazardous chemicals at work to be laundered by the employer or, if such clothing is washed at home, to launder separately from the family wash.  
1.3 It is important that potentially flammable contaminants are removed from garments during the wash process. If flammable contaminants are not removed, the flame resistance of the garment may be compromised. Effective cleaning and proper maintenance of the protective characteristics of flame resistant or arc rated clothing should include consideration of cleaning, repair, and replacement.  
1.3.1 To reduce the potential of employees wearing garments contaminated with flammable substances, the end user should analyze the soil conditions to which a wearer may be exposed, along with the effectiveness of the wash procedure. If it is deemed ineffective, effective solutions should be pursued (dry cleaning, industrial laundry, surfactants, disposable FR coveralls, etc.).  
1.4 It is important that the processes and materials used to launder flame resistant garments are compatible with the FR materials to ensure that the FR protection of the garment is not compromised during the laundering process.  
1.5 It is the responsibility of the end user to determine if their laundering method is the appropriate care and maintenance procedure for their application. (See Appendix X1 and X1.1.)  
1.6 This guide does not apply to specialized protective garments such as specialized firefighter turnout gear and proximity firefighter ensembles.  
1.7 This guide also provides recommendations for inspection criteria that are significant to the performance of flame resistant or arc rated clothing.  
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the r...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2020
• ICS: 97.060 - Laundry appliances
• Technical Committee: F23 - Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment
• Drafting Committee: F23.80 - Flame and Thermal

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2757-09(2016) - Standard Guide for Home Laundering Care and Maintenance of Flame, Thermal and Arc Resistant Clothing
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM F1449-20 - Standard Guide for Industrial Laundering Care and Maintenance of Flame Resistant or Arc Rated Clothing
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM D123-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM D123-15b - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM F1449-08(2015) - Standard Guide for Industrial Laundering of Flame, Thermal, and Arc Resistant Clothing
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM F1494-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-12 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2012
• Refers: ASTM D123-12e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2012
• Refers: ASTM F1494-03(2011) - Standard Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2011
• Refers: ASTM D123-09e2 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2009

Overview

ASTM F2757-20: Standard Guide for Home Laundering Care and Maintenance of Flame Resistant or Arc Rated Clothing is a key standard issued by ASTM International. This standard provides essential recommendations for safely and effectively home laundering flame resistant (FR) and arc rated clothing (AR clothing). It is designed especially for end users such as safety personnel or program administrators responsible for the care and maintenance of FR/AR clothing programs in the workplace. Proper care is vital to maintain the protective characteristics and extend the useful service life of these specialized garments.

Key Topics

• Home Laundering Guidance:
  Offers specific recommendations for home laundering processes to ensure that FR/AR clothing retains its protective properties. Emphasis is placed on following garment manufacturer labels and using compatible cleaning agents.

• Contaminant Removal:
  Highlights the importance of thoroughly removing flammable contaminants from garments to prevent the compromise of flame resistance.

• Garment Inspection:
  Outlines criteria for assessing when garments should be removed from service, such as excessive wear, mechanical damage, or contamination.

• Repair and Modification:
  Provides guidance for acceptable repairs and modifications, stressing the need to use equivalent fabrics and components to those used in original manufacturing.

• Limitations of Scope:
  Clarifies that the standard does not cover industrial laundering or dry cleaning, nor does it apply to specialized protective gear such as firefighter turnout gear.

Applications

• Workplace Safety Programs:
  ASTM F2757-20 supports organizations in developing policies and procedures for home laundering FR/AR clothing, critical for industries where employees are exposed to thermal hazards or electrical arcs.

• Employee Guidance:
  Assists employees in understanding how to maintain and inspect their protective apparel at home effectively.

• Hazard Analysis:
  Encourages safety teams to perform hazard analyses to determine if home laundering is appropriate or if industrial laundering is required due to specific soil or contamination risks.

• Garment Manufacturers:
  Provides a reference for garment suppliers to harmonize care label instructions with recognized best practices.

Related Standards

• ASTM F1449 – Guide for Industrial Laundering of Flame, Thermal, and Arc Resistant Clothing
  Covers procedures for industrial cleaning, which is outside the scope of ASTM F2757-20.

• ASTM D123 – Terminology Relating to Textiles
  Provides definitions relevant to textile care and maintenance.

• ASTM F1494 – Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
  Includes terms and definitions critical for understanding protective clothing standards.

• Manufacturer and Government Guidance:
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends handling hazardous chemical contamination by laundering at work or separately at home. Always consult garment suppliers and manufacturers for specific laundering and maintenance instructions.

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM F2757-20 helps ensure ongoing protection for workers exposed to fire and electrical hazards by preserving the flame resistance of clothing through correct laundering and inspection procedures. By reducing the risk of compromised clothing performance, organizations can meet safety regulations and promote a culture of safety. The standard aids in maximizing garment service life, maintaining appearance, and managing maintenance programs cost-effectively.

For optimal results, always follow care label instructions, routinely inspect garments, use recommended cleaning agents, and refer to ASTM F2757-20 as a central resource in your FR/AR clothing care program.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2757 − 20
Standard Guide for
Home Laundering Care and Maintenance of Flame Resistant
or Arc Rated Clothing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2757; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.4 It is important that the processes and materials used to
launder flame resistant garments are compatible with the FR
1.1 This guide provides recommendations for home laun-
materials to ensure that the FR protection of the garment is not
dering of clothing that is flame resistant or arc rated. These
compromised during the laundering process.
recommendations address the home laundering process. Home
1.5 It is the responsibility of the end user to determine if
laundering is an effective cleaning process for flame resistant
or arc rated garments; follow all label care instructions. their laundering method is the appropriate care and mainte-
nance procedure for their application. (See Appendix X1 and
1.1.1 This guide does not apply to industrial laundering of
X1.1.)
flame resistant or arc rated clothing. For more information on
industrial laundering, follow Guide F1449 or contact your
1.6 This guide does not apply to specialized protective
garment supplier.
garments such as specialized firefighter turnout gear and
1.1.2 This guide does not apply to dry cleaning of flame
proximity firefighter ensembles.
resistant or arc rated clothing. For more information on dry
1.7 This guide also provides recommendations for inspec-
cleaning, follow label instructions or contact your garment
tion criteria that are significant to the performance of flame
supplier or fabric manufacturer. Dry cleaning indicates clean-
resistant or arc rated clothing.
ing by a professional dry cleaner.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.2 The National Institute for Occupational Safety and
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Health (NIOSH) recommends leaving clothing soiled with
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
hazardous chemicals at work to be laundered by the employer
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
or, if such clothing is washed at home, to launder separately
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
from the family wash.
1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.3 It is important that potentially flammable contaminants
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
are removed from garments during the wash process. If
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
flammable contaminants are not removed, the flame resistance
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
of the garment may be compromised. Effective cleaning and
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
proper maintenance of the protective characteristics of flame
resistant or arc rated clothing should include consideration of
2. Referenced Documents
cleaning, repair, and replacement.
1.3.1 To reduce the potential of employees wearing gar-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ments contaminated with flammable substances, the end user
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
should analyze the soil conditions to which a wearer may be
F1449 Guide for Industrial Laundering of Flame, Thermal,
exposed, along with the effectiveness of the wash procedure. If
and Arc Resistant Clothing
it is deemed ineffective, effective solutions should be pursued
F1494 Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
(dry cleaning, industrial laundry, surfactants, disposable FR
coveralls, etc.).
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F23 on Personal
Protective Clothing and Equipment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
F23.80 on Flame and Thermal. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved April 1, 2020. Published May 2020. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2009. Last previous version approved in 2016 as F2757 – 09 (2016). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/F2757-20. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2757 − 20
3.1.1 care and maintenance, n—effective cleaning to re- maintenance needs of their garments. The end user is respon-
move soil and maximize useful life of garments while main- sible for understanding the hazards present in the workplace
taining (not removing) protective properties and procedures for and selecting appropriate engineering controls and protective
inspection, repair, and removal from service. equipment and garments to address those hazards and commu-
nicating home laundering instructions to the wearer.
3.1.2 end user, n—the entity or organization whose employ-
6.1.1 If questions remain about care and maintenance of
ees ultimately wear the flame resistant or arc rated clothing and
flame resistant or arc rated clothing, contact the garment
is responsible for care and maintenance of the clothing.
manufacturer or garment supplier for specific care instructions
3.1.3 fabric, n—in textiles, a planar structure consisting of
for the fabrics or garments.
yarns or fibers.
6.2 Belowarerecommendationstoprovideoptimalcareand
3.1.4 garment, n—an article of clothing used to cover the
maintenance of flame resistant or arc rated properties.
body.
6.2.1 Always follow the care label.
3.1.5 soil, n—foreign substances on garments which are not
6.2.2 Use household laundry detergents. Do not use fatty-
part of the garment construction or materials.
based or bar soaps. Liquid detergents are recommended.
3.1.6 wearer, n—the individual who wears flame resistant or
6.2.2.1 Review garment care labels or contact garment
arc rated clothing.
manufacturers for a list of detergents acceptable for use with
their flame resistant and arc rated clothing.
4. Summary of Guide
6.2.3 Donotusechlorinebleach,hydrogenperoxide,starch,
4.1 This guide provides recommendations to effectively
fabric softeners, or detergents with chlorine bleach, hydrogen
care for and maintain flame resistant or arc rated clothing. The
peroxide, or derivatives of chlorine bleach or hydrogen perox-
guidelines include:
ide. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations regarding pre-
4.1.1 A listing of elements to consider when laundering at
treatments.
home.
4.1.2 Recommendations for removing flame resistant or arc NOTE 1—If there are questions about whether a cleaning product
contains these chemicals, refer to the product’s ingredients or contact the
rated clothing from service.
manufacturer.
4.1.3 Recommendations for the repair, modification, and fit
6.2.4 Loosely add clothing to the washing machine. Do not
of flame resistant or arc rated clothing.
overload the machine. Follow the washing machine manufac-
5. Significance and Use
turer’s instructions for acceptable wash load sizes.
5.1 This guide is intended for use by employees of the end 6.2.5 Select a machine cycle that is appropriate for the soil
user, such as safety personnel or program administrators, who level and type of clothing being handled and use the hottest
have chosen to implement a home-laundered flame resistant or water allowed by the clothing care label.
arc rated clothing program.
6.2.6 Use soft water or detergent specifically designed for
hard water.
5.2 Thisguidedescribesthekeycomponentsinvolvedinthe
6.2.7 Clothingsoiledwithcombustibleorflammablechemi-
home care and maintenance of flame resistant or arc rated
cals should be handled carefully and in accordance with
clothing. The decision to home launder flame resistant or arc
pre-established pr
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F2757 − 09 (Reapproved 2016) F2757 − 20
Standard Guide for
Home Laundering Care and Maintenance of Flame, Thermal
and Arc ResistantFlame Resistant or Arc Rated Clothing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2757; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This guide provides recommendations for home laundering of clothing that is flame, thermal, and arc resistant.flame
resistant or arc rated. These recommendations address the home laundering process. Home laundering is an effective cleaning
process for flame resistant or arc rated garments; follow all label care instructions.
1.1.1 This guide does not apply to dry cleaning of flame, thermal, and arc resistantindustrial laundering of flame resistant or arc
rated clothing. For more information on dry cleaning, follow label instructionsindustrial laundering, follow Guide F1449 or contact
your garment supplier or fabric manufacturer.supplier.
1.1.2 This guide does not apply to industrial laundering of flame, thermal, and arc resistantdry cleaning of flame resistant or arc
rated clothing. For more information on industrial laundering,dry cleaning, follow Guidelabel F1449instructions or contact your
garment supplier.supplier or fabric manufacturer. Dry cleaning indicates cleaning by a professional dry cleaner.
1.2 When garments are laundered properly, using the proper detergent, home laundering is an effective cleaning process.The
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends leaving clothing soiled with hazardous chemicals at
work to be laundered by the employer or, if such clothing is washed at home, to launder separately from the family wash.
1.3 It is important that potentially flammable contaminants are removed from garments during the wash process. If flammable
contaminants are not removed, the flame resistance of the garment may be compromised. Effective cleaning and proper
maintenance of the protective characteristics of flame resistant or arc rated clothing should include consideration of cleaning,
repair, and replacement.
1.3.1 To reduce the potential of employees wearing garments contaminated with flammable substances, the end user should
analyze the soil conditions to which a workerwearer may be exposed, along with the effectiveness of the wash procedure. In the
event home laundering If it is deemed ineffective, alternativeeffective solutions should be pursued (dry cleaning, industrial
laundering, laundry, surfactants, disposable FR coveralls, etc.).
1.4 Certain laundry chemicals that may have an adverse effect on fabric flame resistance are identified in this guide and should
not be used.It is important that the processes and materials used to launder flame resistant garments are compatible with the FR
materials to ensure that the FR protection of the garment is not compromised during the laundering process.
1.5 It is the responsibility of the end user to determine if their laundering method is the appropriate care and maintenance
procedure for their application. (See Appendix X1 and X1.1.)
1.6 This guide does not apply to specialized protective garments such as specialized firefighter turnout gear and proximity
firefighter ensembles.
1.7 This guide also provides recommendations for inspection criteria that are significant to the performance of flame, thermal,
and arc resistantflame resistant or arc rated clothing.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F23 on Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F23.80
on Flame and Thermal.
Current edition approved April 1, 2016April 1, 2020. Published April 2016May 2020. Originally approved in 2009. Last previous version published 2009 as
F2757 – 09.approved in 2016 as F2757 – 09 (2016). DOI: 10.1520/F2757-09R16.10.1520/F2757-20.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2757 − 20
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
F1449 Guide for Industrial Laundering Care and Maintenance of Flame Resistant or Arc Rated Clothing
F1494 Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 care and maintenance, n—effective cleaning to remove soil and maximize useful life of garments while maintaining (not
removing) protective properties and procedures for inspection, repair, and removal from service.
3.1.2 end user, n—the entity or organization whose employees ultimately wear the flame, thermal, and arc resistant flame
resistant or arc rated clothing and is responsible for care and maintenance of the clothing.
3.1.3 soil,fabric, n—dirt or other foreign substances which become attached to the surface of protective clothing.in textiles, a
planar structure consisting of yarns or fibers.
3.1.4 wearer, n—the individual who wears flame, thermal or arc resistant clothing and is responsible for care and maintenance
of the clothing.
3.1.4 garment, n—an article of clothing used to cover the body.
3.1.5 fabric,soil, n—in textiles, a planar structure consisting of yarns or fibers.foreign substances on garments which are not part
of the garment construction or materials.
3.1.6 wearer, n—the individual who wears flame resistant or arc rated clothing.
4. Summary of Guide
4.1 This guide provides recommendations to effectively care for and maintain flame, thermal, and arc resistantflame resistant
or arc rated clothing. The guidelines include:
4.1.1 A listing of elements to consider when laundering at home.
4.1.2 Recommendations for removing flame, thermal, and arc resistantflame resistant or arc rated clothing from service.
4.1.3 Recommendations for the repair, modification, and fit of flame, thermal and arc resistantflame resistant or arc rated
clothing.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This guide is intended for use by employees of the end user, such as safety personnel or program administrators, who have
chosen to implement a home laundered flame, thermal home-laundered flame resistant or arc resistantrated clothing program.
5.2 This guide describes the key components involved in the home care and maintenance of flame, thermal, and arc
resistantflame resistant or arc rated clothing. The decision to home launder flame, thermal and arc resistantflame resistant or arc
rated clothing is part of an overall hazard analysis. It should include the nature of the hazard, the soils, and any chemicals present
in the workplace. RequirementsConditions may exist that require work apparel to be cleaned at work or professionally due to the
risk of contamination of the home or waste water caused by the wearer’s on the job on-the-job exposure.
5.3 The guide provides the end user assistance to developfollow laundering methods that will clean the garment and maintain
the flame, thermal, and arc resistantflame resistant or arc rated characteristics of the clothing during its useful service life. The
guide also provides suggestions for increasing the wear life, appearance, and function of the clothing.
5.4 The guide also provides suggestions as to when flame, thermal, and arc resistantflame resistant or arc rated garments should
be removed from service.
5.5 The guide provides direction on proper garment repair, modification, and permanent removal from service.
6. Procedure
6.1 Garment Flame resistant or arc rated garment manufacturers, in consultation with fiber and fabric suppliers, are responsible
for providing information on the performance characteristics and maintenance needs of their garments. The end-user end user is
responsible for understanding the hazards present in the workplace and selecting appropriate engineering controls and protective
equipment and garments to address those hazards and communicating home laundering instructions to the wearer.
6.1.1 If questions remain about care and maintenance of flame, thermal and arc resistantflame resistant or arc rated clothing,
contact the garment manufacturer or garment supplier for specific care instructions for the fabrics or garments.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
F2757 − 20
6.2 Below are recommendations to provide optimal care and maintenance of flame, thermal, and arc resistantflame resistant or
arc rated properties.
6.2.1 Always follow the care label.
6.2.2 Use household laundry detergents. Do not use fatty-based or bar soaps. Liquid detergents are recommended.
6.2.2.1 Review garment care labels or contact garme
...