How to Care for Your Chefwear: Keep Your UNSER Apparel Looking New

Professional gear deserves professional care

Treat your uniform like the tool it is. A few smart habits will keep your chef coats, aprons, and pants looking sharp and performing through long shifts. Always check the care label first; the guidelines below are designed for UNSER’s poly-cotton stretch blends and trims.

Washing & stain removal: best practices for durabilityClose snaps/zippers, turn garments inside out.

• Empty pockets; secure apron ties.
  
  

• Separate by color; avoid overloading the machine.
  
  

• Before you wash
  

Detergent & cycle

• Use a quality enzyme detergent.
  
  

• Wash cold to warm (not hot) to protect fibers and stretch.
  
  

• Skip fabric softener (it coats fibers and traps oils).
  
  

Targeted stain playbook

• Grease/Oil: Pre-treat with a drop of dish soap; gently work it in, then launder in warm water.
  
  

• Protein (egg, dairy, blood): Cold water first, enzyme pre-treat, then wash.
  
  

• Tannin (coffee, tea, wine): Rinse, pre-treat; use oxygen bleach (color-safe), not chlorine.
  
  

• Tomato/sauce: Flush with cold water from the back of the stain, enzyme pre-treat, wash.
  
  

• Ink/marker: Dab (don’t rub) with isopropyl alcohol on a hidden test spot first; rinse, then launder.
  
  

• Odors: Add ½ cup baking soda to the wash or ¼ cup white vinegar to the rinse.
  
  

Avoid chlorine bleach on colors and stretch fabrics; it weakens fibers and can yellow whites over time.

Drying & ironing: preserve structure and finish

• Drying: Tumble low or line dry. High heat degrades elastane and sets stains.
  
  

• De-wrinkle: Remove promptly; a quick tumble with a damp cloth or a handheld steamer works well.
  
  

• Ironing: Use low–medium heat. Press inside out with a press cloth.
  
  

• Logos & trims: Do not iron directly over reflective logos or heat-transfers; cover or avoid.
  
  

Longevity through care: think like a pro

• Rotate at least two jackets to reduce wear.
  
  

• Spot clean between full washes to extend life.
  
  

• Mend early (loose threads, minor snags) to prevent bigger issues.
  
  

• Protect in wash: Mesh bag for small items; avoid hardware (e.g., aprons with metal clips) rubbing against fabric.
  
  

• Right tools: Keep a stain stick in your locker; a travel steamer at home.
  
  

Sustainability: care well, buy less, waste less

• Wash full loads on cold when possible.
  
  

• Air dry or low heat to cut energy use and fiber stress.
  
  

• Treat stains early to save garments from premature replacement.
  
  

• Choose durable pieces, then maintain them—better for your kit and the planet.
  
  

The right care keeps you ready for service.

Your uniform should work as hard as you do—and look the part. With simple habits, you’ll keep shape, color, and comfort shift after shift.

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