I tried the search function on this but came up with nothing, so sorry if this has been posted in the past. Basically I'm wondering what the pros/cons are of dry cleaning vs. machine wash of my 3 layer suit.

All I know is that dry cleaning my shirts for work accelerate the wear of the fabric more so than machine wash so I've been machine washing forever. I'm wondering if the solvents used in the dry cleaning process detrimentally affect the nomex fabric?

 

Machine wash normally, turned inside-out so they don't get bashed around. Hang to dry (not in the sun - colors are not very UV resistant). Nomex is nylon and is pretty tough and while I don't think there is any major drawback to drycleaning, the cost isn't necessary.

Kirk

 

I agree with Kirk on this one. However, do use a commercail size machine if possible-the suit will thank you. A dry cleaner can also wash and air dry for you rather than dryclean. Neither process will damage the suit if done properly. If you are really concerned call Simpson or your suit maker for their specific instructions.

 

I do as Kirk said and wash mine in the machine in cold to luke warm water (heat even from water is degrading to Nomex lifespan) inside out then hang it dry in my basement or bathroom for a few days out of direct light.

When I got my first suit long ago, I talked to the people form Stand 21 about having it altered and cleaned and they suggested that periodic dry cleaning was good for the suit as some of the dry cleaning chemicals would help with flame resistance. That suit was also a shiny, slick finish Nomex and more prone to abrasion and wear from laundering than the more common courser texture Nomex.

 

If your suit has a waist strap with velcro on it. connect both ends and put a safety pin thru it to hold. Sometimes if they are allowed to bound around freely, they'll mess up the surrounding fabric on the suit. Just a precaution to keep the suit looking nice.