Key Takeaways
- Always follow the care label sewn into your suit first.
- Clean out oil, fuel and grease promptly — they are flammable and reduce protection.
- Never use chlorine bleach or fabric softener on fire-resistant clothing.
- Air-dry away from direct sunlight and store the suit clean, dry and hanging.
Why care matters for fire protection
A race suit is a piece of safety equipment, and how you look after it affects how well it protects you. Dirt, sweat salts, oil and fuel left in the fabric can burn, and some washing products can damage fibres, treatments or embroidery.
The good news is that caring for a race suit is simple once you know the rules. The care label sewn into your suit always comes first — the guidance below is general advice for the fire-resistant suits we make in Nomex® and Proban® FR cotton.
After every race day
- Unzip the suit and hang it up to air out as soon as you get out of the car — never leave it in a kit bag overnight.
- Check for spills of oil, fuel, brake fluid or coolant. These are flammable and must be cleaned out before the next session.
- Spot-clean light marks with a damp cloth and a little mild detergent.
- Look over seams, zips, cuffs and collar for damage.
How to wash a race suit
When the suit needs a full wash:
- Close the zip and any hook-and-loop fasteners, and turn the suit inside out to protect the embroidery.
- Wash it on its own, on a gentle cycle, at the temperature shown on the care label.
- Use a mild liquid detergent and rinse thoroughly so no residue is left in the fabric.
- Never use chlorine bleach. It attacks fire-resistant fibres and treatments.
- Never use fabric softener. Softeners leave a coating on the fabric that can burn and can mask the fabric's flame resistance.
- Hand washing in cool water is a gentle alternative for suits with a lot of embroidery.
Treated fabrics such as Proban® are especially sensitive to the wrong products, so stick to a mild detergent and rinse well. If you are unsure, use a professional cleaner who handles fire-resistant workwear.
Drying and storage
- Air-dry the suit on a wide hanger, away from direct sunlight and heaters. Heat and long exposure to sunlight can fade colours and stress the fabric.
- Avoid tumble drying unless the care label allows it.
- Store the suit clean and completely dry, hanging in a breathable garment bag. Damp storage leads to odour and mildew.
- Keep it away from fuel cans, chemicals and sharp tools in the trailer.
Don't forget the underlayers
Fire-resistant base layers, balaclavas and socks are worn next to the skin and absorb most of the sweat, so wash them after every event using the same rules: mild detergent, no bleach, no softener. Our Nomex® knit underlayers are cut for a close fit — don't wash them hot or they may lose shape. Read more in our guide to fire-resistant base layers, balaclavas and socks.
When to repair or replace your suit
Retire or repair a suit when you see:
- Holes, tears, burns or thin, worn areas — especially at the knees, seat and elbows.
- Seams opening or zips that no longer close properly.
- Contamination that will not wash out, such as fuel or oil that has soaked in.
- A label that is missing or unreadable. Some sanctioning bodies also set rules about how old a suit's certification label may be — check your rulebook.
Never patch a certified suit with ordinary fabric or thread: repairs must use fire-resistant materials so they do not create a weak spot.
Ready for a new suit?
We make SFI 3.2A/1 and SFI 3.2A/5 suits as stock sizes, private label or fully custom. Design yours in Design Your Suit, check the size guide and request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my Nomex race suit in the washing machine?+
Usually yes, on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, inside out and on its own — but always follow the care label in your suit first.
Why can't I use fabric softener on a fire suit?+
Fabric softener leaves a coating on the fibres that can burn and can reduce the fabric's flame resistance. Use a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly instead.
How do I get fuel out of a race suit?+
Clean it out as soon as possible with a full wash using mild detergent and a thorough rinse. If the fuel or oil has soaked in and will not wash out, the suit should be professionally cleaned or replaced.
Have a project in mind?
Talk to our manufacturing team about your racewear — stock, private label or fully custom.