Cleaning Firefighting Gear: Best Practices to Minimize Toxic Exposure
Learn the best practices for cleaning firefighting gear to reduce toxic exposure—essential for all Australians, whether you’re on the frontline, caring for your family, or simply wanting to stay safer at home. Real steps, calm advice, and tips for everyone: urban, rural, renters, crews, and the everyday household.
Ever come home from a long shift or after a backyard burn-off, only to realise your clothes—or your firefighting gear—smell smoky, sticky, or worse? Whether you’re a volunteer, a seasoned career firefighter, or just a parent trying to get rid of bushfire ash from the kid’s footy boots, knowing how to properly clean gear can make all the difference.
Smoke, soot, and chemical residues don’t just make your gear dirty—they can also pose serious health risks over time. For anyone facing Australia’s fire season, toxic exposure isn’t just a risk for firefighters. It’s something every household, workplace, and crew should take seriously—without fear, just with solid, everyday habits.
In this guide, we’ll break down how, why, and when to clean your firefighting gear and clothes. We’ll cover simple, effective routines for home and fireground, bust common myths, and offer clear tips for renters, pet owners, families, and emergency service teams. Plus, you’ll find calm, real-world advice for feeling safer and more confident—every day and during emergencies.
And remember, it’s not just about cleaning—having the right supplies on hand matters. For example, an outdoor first aid kit for emergencies is a must, especially when you’re working with chemicals or dealing with burns or cuts during clean-up.
Why Cleaning Firefighting Gear Is Essential
After every incident—big or small—your gear traps smoke particles, toxins, and sometimes even dangerous chemicals you can’t see or smell. For firefighters, this includes turnout gear, gloves, boots, helmets, and even the bags and cars you use for storage. For families, clothes worn during heavy smoke, bushfire, or burn-offs can hold onto ash and residues, exposing your household long after the event.
Over time, these particles build up and increase your risk of skin issues, asthma, allergies, and more serious long-term health effects. The goal isn’t to panic—it’s to break the chain of exposure, protect your skin, and stop harmful particles from being carried home or shared with loved ones. A simple cleaning routine is one of the most powerful things you can do to look after yourself, your team, and your family.
Getting Ready: Prep Steps Before You Clean
What You’ll Need
- Mild detergent (fragrance-free is best; never use bleach or fabric softener on firefighting gear)
- Dedicated soft brush or sponge
- Separate laundry bags or tubs (never mix contaminated gear with everyday clothes)
- Disposable gloves and mask (protect your skin and lungs from trapped residue)
- Access to fresh air or an outdoor clothesline for drying
Set up a cleaning space—outdoors is best, or in a ventilated laundry/bathroom. For fire crews, dedicated wash bays or extractors are ideal, but if you’re at home, keep the area clean and away from kitchen, living, or sleeping zones.
Pro tip: Always clean your hands and face before handling food, kids, pets, or electronics. The goal is to keep those particles out of your living space.
How to Clean Firefighting Gear: Step by Step
1. Shake Off Ash and Loose Debris
Outside, give your gear a good shake and brush. Knock out as much dry ash, grass, and soot as possible. Avoid breathing it in—wear a mask if it’s visible.
2. Isolate Contaminated Gear
Keep dirty gear away from your car seats, furniture, and clean clothes. Use a separate bag or tub for transport and storage.
3. Pre-Rinse with Cool Water
Hose down or rinse gear with clean, cold water to remove as much surface soot as possible. Hot water can set stains and toxic particles—always start with cold.
4. Wash Carefully, One Piece at a Time
Use a mild, non-perfumed detergent. Gently hand wash or use a front-loader on a delicate cycle. Never overload the machine—large items like jackets or pants should be washed alone or in small loads.
5. Double Rinse
Always run a second rinse cycle to flush away detergent and loosened particles. Leftover soap can hold toxins and irritate skin.
6. Air Dry, Never Tumble Dry
Sunlight is your friend. Hang gear outside in the shade or under a verandah. Never use a dryer or put gear directly in hot sun, as this can damage fabric and seals.
Special Advice for Fire Crews and Volunteers
On the fireground, gear contamination happens fast. Soot, diesel, chemical fire suppressants, and even simple dirt can add up across a single shift. Teams should:
- Rotate spare sets if possible—change out after any heavy exposure or structure fire
- Wipe down gloves, helmets, and boots on-scene with wet wipes or a dedicated rag before getting in vehicles
- Use gear extractors or commercial laundry (if available) after every callout
- Store clean and dirty gear separately at the station and at home
Look after your team by reminding everyone: no contaminated gear in crew rooms, kitchens, or common spaces. Keeping shared areas clean helps protect everyone, including visitors and family.
For Families, Renters, and Everyday Households
After a bushfire, burn-off, or smokey day, everyday clothes can carry particles that irritate skin and lungs. Even kids’ sports kits and pets’ bedding can pick up ash.
The process is similar: shake out, pre-rinse, wash separately with a mild detergent, double rinse, and air dry. Use gloves if you have sensitive skin or allergies. Always clean hands, especially before handling babies, food, or medical equipment.
If you’re in a rental or shared housing, talk with housemates about using a dedicated wash cycle and cleaning out the washing machine afterwards—this helps protect those who may be at higher risk, like kids, elderly, or anyone with asthma.
Pet owners: Brush off pets and wash their bedding separately after smoke events. Small steps like these add up, helping everyone breathe easier.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Don’t wait—clean gear as soon as practical. The longer contaminants stay, the harder they are to remove.
- Never mix dirty gear with regular washing. Toxic particles can linger in your machine and transfer to other items.
- Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or softeners. They can damage fabric, break down protective barriers, and make gear less safe.
- Don’t skip double rinsing. Leftover soap traps dirt and can irritate skin.
- Never tumble dry PPE or firefighting gear—high heat wrecks integrity and protective coatings.
- Don’t store dirty gear in the car or inside the house, even overnight. Outgassing and dust can affect everyone nearby.
If you’re ever unsure, check your gear label or ask your local fire authority for the safest cleaning method.
Special Considerations: Elderly, Disabled, and Sensitive Groups
Some folks are more at risk: young children, elderly, people with asthma or skin conditions, and anyone with a disability. If you’re helping someone else:
- Wear gloves and a mask if you’re handling heavily soiled items
- Wash items separately and run an extra rinse after for safety
- Open windows and ventilate areas during and after cleaning
- Don’t let pets on dirty gear or freshly washed items until they’re completely dry
If someone has trouble breathing or gets a rash after a fire or after cleaning, see a doctor or call for medical advice straight away.
Long-Term Gear Care and Planning
Keeping your gear in top shape isn’t just about washing—it’s about planning ahead. Here’s what works:
- Inspect gear after every use for hidden burns, tears, or damage
- Keep a simple log or checklist of when gear was last washed and inspected (helpful for both home and brigade use)
- Store gear in a clean, dry, well-ventilated spot—never in a sealed bag for long periods
- Replace gear that smells bad or feels stiff or sticky even after cleaning—sometimes, it’s safer to let it go
For fire crews, share these routines and support new volunteers or anyone feeling overwhelmed—there’s always someone who needs a hand.
Where to Find More Info and Support
- Bushfire evacuation checklist: a practical guide for leaving safely
- How to prepare for a bushfire: tips for homes and businesses
- Fire safety for renters: essentials if you’re in shared housing
- Bushfire smoke health advice (health.gov.au)
For advice on specific gear, always check your local fire authority or the manufacturer’s recommendations.
FAQs: Cleaning Gear & Minimizing Toxic Exposure
Q: How soon should I clean my firefighting gear?
Ideally, as soon as practical—right after the shift or incident. The longer soot and chemicals stay, the harder they are to remove and the greater your risk of exposure.
Q: Can I put turnout gear in a regular washing machine?
Only if it’s a front-loader and the load is small. Never mix with other clothes. Always run an empty rinse cycle afterwards to flush out residue.
Q: What if I can’t get the smell out?
Persistent smells can mean particles are still trapped. Try repeating the cleaning steps. If gear still smells after multiple washes, it may be time to replace it for safety.
Q: Is this advice different for families versus fire crews?
The basics are the same—shake, rinse, wash, air dry, keep gear separate. Crews may have extra PPE and use commercial cleaning, but the principles help everyone.
Q: I’m a volunteer—what’s the minimum I should do?
Always shake off, rinse, and separate your gear before heading home. Wash as soon as you can, and don’t leave gear in the car or crew room. If you’re ever unsure, ask your team leader or local station for help.
Take five minutes today to check your cleaning routine or share these tips with your family, your team, or your crew. The more we support each other, the safer everyone becomes.
