Overalls Care Instructions

Care by Material Type

Each material requires specific care to maintain its unique properties. Follow these guidelines for the most common overalls materials:

Denim

• Wash inside out in cold water to preserve color and reduce fading
• Use mild detergent without bleach or harsh chemicals
• Avoid washing after every wear; spot clean when possible
• Air dry to prevent shrinkage and maintain fit
• For raw denim, wash minimally to develop natural fade patterns

Duck Canvas

• Machine wash in cold water with similar colors
• Use gentle cycle with mild detergent
• For initial wash, add 1/2 cup of vinegar to set color
• Tumble dry on low heat or air dry
• Can be ironed on medium heat if needed

Cotton & Cotton Blends

• Machine wash in cold or warm water
• Separate dark and light colors
• Use color-safe detergent
• Tumble dry on low or air dry to prevent shrinkage
• Remove promptly from dryer to minimize wrinkles

Corduroy

• Turn inside out before washing
• Use cold water and gentle cycle
• Avoid fabric softeners which can flatten the wale
• Shake out immediately after washing to maintain texture
• Air dry or tumble dry on low heat
• Brush gently with a soft clothes brush to restore nap

Special Care for Stretch Fabrics

Many modern overalls contain elastane, spandex, or other stretch fibers for comfort and fit. For these materials:

• Wash in cold water to preserve elasticity
• Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can break down stretch fibers
• Air dry whenever possible, as high heat can damage elastic properties
• If using a dryer, use the lowest heat setting
• Avoid hanging by the straps, which can cause stretching

Washing Guidelines

General Washing Instructions

1. Always check the care label for manufacturer-specific instructions
2. Close all buttons, clasps, and zippers before washing
3. Turn overalls inside out to protect the outer surface and reduce friction
4. Wash similar colors together using appropriate water temperature
5. Use gentle, color-safe detergents without bleach or optical brighteners
6. For heavily soiled work overalls, pre-treat stains before washing

How Often Should You Wash Overalls?

The washing frequency depends on the use case and material:

• Fashion/Casual Overalls: After 3-5 wears, or when visibly soiled
• Work Overalls: After each day of heavy work or when soiled
• Denim Overalls: Every 5-10 wears to maintain character and shape
• Raw Denim: Minimally, usually after months of wear to develop distinct fade patterns

Spot cleaning between washes can extend the time between full washings and help maintain the fabric's integrity.

Understanding Care Symbols

Your overalls' care tag contains important symbols that guide proper cleaning. Here are the most common ones:

Machine wash, normal cycle

Hand wash only

Maximum washing temperature

No bleach / Non-chlorine bleach only

Tumble dry, low heat

Do not tumble dry

Iron, medium temperature

Do not iron

Stain Removal Guide

Overalls, especially work styles, are prone to various stains. Quick action is crucial for effective stain removal. Always test stain treatments on an inconspicuous area first.

Common Stains and Treatments

Specialized Treatments for Work Overalls

Heavy-duty work overalls often encounter stubborn stains that require special attention:

• Grease/Oil Build-up: Pre-soak in a solution of warm water and heavy-duty degreasing detergent for 1-2 hours before washing
• Set-in Stains: Create a paste of oxygen bleach (not chlorine) and water, apply to stains, and let sit overnight before washing
• Metal/Rust Stains: Commercial rust removers formulated for fabrics can be effective for persistent rust stains
• Tar/Asphalt: Freeze with ice to harden, scrape gently, then treat remaining residue with a commercial solvent designed for tar removal

Maintaining Special Features

Hardware Care (Buckles, Buttons, Zippers)

Metal hardware on overalls requires specific maintenance:

• Periodically check all hardware for signs of corrosion or wear
• Clean metal buckles and buttons with a soft, dry cloth after washing
• For rusted hardware, gently clean with a mixture of baking soda and water using an old toothbrush
• Keep zippers functional by cleaning the teeth with a small brush and applying a zipper lubricant (wax or silicone-based) if sticking occurs
• Consider covering metal hardware with painter's tape before washing to prevent scratching other garments

Pocket and Seam Care

Pockets and seams often experience the most wear and tear:

• Empty all pockets completely before washing to prevent distortion
• Check pocket corners and seams regularly for signs of strain or tearing
• Repair small tears or loose threads promptly to prevent further damage
• For work overalls, reinforce high-stress seams and pocket corners with additional stitching as preventative maintenance
• Turn pockets inside out occasionally to clean out accumulated debris

Preserving Colors and Finishes

Maintain the appearance of your overalls with these techniques:

• Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the initial wash to set colors
• For dark colors, use specialty "dark fabric" detergents
• Wash in cold water to prevent fading
• Turn inside out before washing to protect the outer surface
• Avoid direct sunlight when drying colored overalls
• For distressed or specialty finishes, handwashing may be preferable to preserve the look

Drying and Ironing

Proper Drying Techniques

How you dry your overalls significantly impacts their fit, appearance, and longevity:

1. Shake out excess water after washing to remove wrinkles and help the garment retain its shape.
2. Air drying is generally the best option for most overalls. Hang by the waistband, not the straps, to prevent stretching.
3. If using a dryer, use the lowest heat setting appropriate for the fabric. Remove while slightly damp to prevent over-drying and shrinkage.
4. For heavy fabrics like duck canvas or denim, flip the garment inside out halfway through drying for more even results.
5. Once dry, give your overalls a gentle shake and smooth out the fabric with your hands to minimize wrinkles.

Ironing Guidelines

Ironing can help maintain a neat appearance, especially for cotton or cotton-blend overalls:

• Check the care label for specific ironing instructions and temperature recommendations
• Iron overalls inside out to protect the outer surface and any decorative elements
• For denim, iron while slightly damp for best results
• Use a pressing cloth between the iron and fabric for delicate materials or overalls with special finishes
• Pay special attention to the bib, waistband, and pockets
• Avoid ironing directly over hardware, buttons, or zippers

Decreasing Wrinkles Without Ironing

For those who prefer to avoid ironing, try these alternatives:

• Hang overalls in the bathroom during a hot shower to let steam release wrinkles
• Use a fabric spray with a wrinkle-release formula
• Remove from the dryer while slightly damp and pull gently into shape
• For stubborn wrinkles, use a steamer instead of an iron

Storage Recommendations

Proper storage extends the lifespan of your overalls and helps maintain their appearance between wears.

Proper Folding Technique

1. Lay flat with the front facing down on a clean surface.
2. Fold the bib down toward the waistline.
3. Fold in half lengthwise by bringing the right leg over to align with the left leg.
4. Fold from the cuffs upward in thirds or halves, depending on your storage space.
5. Store folded overalls in a drawer or on a shelf, avoiding heavy items on top.

Extending Lifespan & Sustainable Care

Preventative Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps identify and address issues before they worsen:

• Inspect seams, pockets, and stress points regularly for signs of wear
• Repair small tears or loose threads immediately
• Reinforce buttons and hardware at the first sign of loosening
• For work overalls, consider applying fabric protector to repel stains and moisture
• Rotate between multiple pairs if possible to reduce wear on individual garments

When to Repair vs. Replace

Guidelines for determining whether to repair or replace your overalls:

• Minor tears, loose buttons, and small holes are generally repairable
• Consider replacement if the fabric is thinning throughout or showing significant wear
• For work overalls, replace if protection capabilities are compromised
• Learning basic mending techniques can significantly extend garment life
• For sentimental or high-quality overalls, professional repair services may be worthwhile

Upcycling Old Overalls

When overalls are beyond repair, consider these upcycling options:

• Convert to shortalls by cutting and hemming the legs
• Create tote bags using the durable fabric
• Make aprons from the bib and upper portions
• Use fabric for patches on other garments
• Create storage pouches or tool holders from pockets and durable sections