How to Care for Restaurant Industry Uniforms

If you work in the restaurant industry, you know how important it is to make an excellent first impression. That extends to everything from the smile you wear on your face when you greet your patrons to the uniform you wear during your shift.

Whether you’re a chef, a waiter, a hostess, or you play another vital role in helping the establishment run efficiently, you have a responsibility to keep your clothing clean. That means adhering to a few basic tips that will keep your restaurants uniforms spotless and in the best possible condition. After all, your reputation at work depends on it. Here are a few suggestions.

Tackle Stains Promptly

As a chef, you’re exposed to everything from flying particles of food to splattering oil daily. It’s part of the job, which means you’re accustomed to seeing marks and stains all over your uniform at the end of the day. The same applies to cooks, who spend the majority of their time whipping up meals in the kitchen and are constantly exposed to ingredients, heat, and moisture. All of these have the potential to wreak havoc on chef uniforms, which is why it’s so vital to clean these clothes properly and efficiently.

The key to handling those unsightly marks is to act fast. The more promptly you treat a stain or a spill, the less likely it is to leave a permanent mark on that crisp white coat or top. Washing the garment right away will loosen any lingering debris and remove the stain effectively, while also reducing traces of cooking odors that might lend your attire a pungent aroma that clings to the fabric.

Presoak as Needed

If you don’t get a chance to wash the garment right away, make it a point to presoak it before you put it in the washing machine. To do so, fill a large basin with a combination of warm water, a cup of baking soda, and both oxygen-based bleach and detergent. For the latter two products, follow the recommended guidelines regarding how much to pour into each gallon of water. Place your garments in the water and let them soak until you’re ready to wash them. This should help minimize some more stubborn marks that may have had a chance to settle in while you finished your shift. Be sure to separate the white pieces from the colored ones so there’s no chance of discoloration.

Perform Spot Treatments

It’s not always enough to simply wash your uniform and hope for the best. Often, a little bit of elbow grease is required to eliminate the more stubborn spots and stains. Some detergents contain heavy-duty enzymes that are designed to disintegrate stains, but you can also use a stain remover directly on the spot. Massage it gently into the affected area using a brush with a soft bristle. Let it sit for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, then wash the garment as you would normally.

Other Staff Attire

Many of the same rules apply to restaurant front staff and waiter uniform. Although people who work in the front of the house might not be exposed to the same level of food as those in the kitchen, it’s still important to make sure that those clothes are spotless. These are the first people that patrons see when they step through the door, so maintaining a tidy, neat uniform is one of the best ways to make a positive first impression. The same can be said about hotel concierge and front desk staff, who also need pristine front desk hotel uniforms as they greet guests entering the lobby.

The key with many of these work wardrobe options is to make sure that they’re durable and comfortable. Look for fabrics that are less likely to crease and wrinkle during the course of the day—that will ensure that your garment looks as smooth and pressed as it did when you first put it on. Selecting clothes that fit you well is also important, as you’ll avoid dealing with bunched up fabrics that wrinkle while you wear the garment.

The same applies to restaurant management uniforms, as well as the garments that waitstaff wears. They very closely represent the tone and character of the restaurant. Do your best to avoid stains and splatters. If your garment becomes stained, however, act fast to prevent the substance from setting into the fabric and leaving a permanent mark behind.

Avoid rubbing it too vigorously, as this can cause the stain to settle into the fibers. Instead, blot the fabric with a napkin, then apply an isopropyl alcohol wipe directly to the affected area and blot. This should help minimize the stain until you can get home to put it in the washing machine.