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Firefighter Turnout Gear Cleaning: A Complete Guide

Firefighters work in environments filled with smoke, heat, chemicals, and the byproducts of burning materials. Their protective gear is built to help them do that work. But after the fire is out, contaminants can remain on and within the equipment they wear.

That makes turnout gear cleaning an important part of firefighter health and safety, not simply a matter of keeping equipment looking presentable.

For fire chiefs, health and safety officers, and personal protective equipment (PPE) officers, the challenge is establishing a gear-care program that follows applicable standards, protects equipment, and accounts for the different exposures firefighters encounter.

Routine cleaning is essential. Advanced decontamination may also have a role, depending on the equipment, contamination, available technology, and department’s needs. Understanding how these approaches differ helps departments make better decisions about protecting their people.

Why firefighter turnout gear cleaning matters

A firefighter’s protective equipment can encounter a wide range of hazardous substances during an emergency response. These include chemicals produced by combustion, particulates from smoke, and contaminants released as building materials break down.

Some substances can remain on protective clothing after the incident. Contaminated gear can then transfer material to a firefighter’s skin, other equipment, vehicles, or areas inside the station.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) addressed this concern in guidance published in 2026, explaining how contaminants on firefighter gear can contribute to continued exposure after the emergency itself has ended. The guidance discusses cleaning, handling, bagging, and storing contaminated gear as parts of reducing that exposure. Read NIOSH’s guidance on contaminated firefighter gear.

The broader health concern deserves attention, too. A NIOSH study of nearly 30,000 career firefighters from Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Francisco found 9% more cancer diagnoses and 14% more cancer-related deaths than expected based on U.S. population rates. Those findings describe the study population and do not establish that any single exposure or cleaning method determines an individual’s cancer risk. Read the NIOSH research summary.

Cleaning gear is one part of a broader effort to manage occupational exposure. It does not eliminate every hazard firefighters face, but it addresses a practical question departments can act on: what happens to contaminated equipment after a call?

What counts as firefighter turnout gear?

Turnout gear, sometimes called bunker gear, is the protective clothing firefighters wear during structural firefighting. A typical ensemble includes:

Some departments also manage wildland firefighting clothing, specialized protective equipment, and other gear that encounters hazardous substances during emergency responses.

Not every component can be cleaned in the same way. Materials, construction, manufacturer instructions, and the type of contamination all affect the appropriate process.

That is why a department’s gear-care program should address the full ensemble rather than treating a coat-and-pants wash as the complete answer.

The main approaches to turnout gear cleaning

Departments have several ways to address contaminated PPE. The right approach depends on the equipment, the exposure, and the service being performed.

1. On-scene gross decontamination

Gross decontamination is the initial effort to remove visible contamination after an incident. Depending on the department’s procedures and circumstances, this can include rinsing or brushing debris from gear and taking steps to prevent contamination from spreading.

The objective is to reduce contamination before it travels back to the station, apparatus, or firefighter’s home.

This initial step does not replace thorough cleaning. It is part of a larger process that should continue after the incident.

2. Routine washing

Routine washing removes soil and contamination through an appropriate laundering process. Departments commonly use dedicated gear washers or extractors designed for protective clothing.

The equipment, detergent, cycle, water conditions, and handling procedures matter. Protective garments must be cleaned according to applicable standards and manufacturer instructions, not simply placed in any available washing machine.

Routine washing is an essential part of PPE care. It should remain a core element of a department’s program even when other cleaning technologies are available.

3. Advanced cleaning and decontamination

Advanced cleaning uses specialized processes intended to address contamination beyond what a department’s routine procedures may adequately handle.

One option is liquid carbon dioxide (CO₂) decontamination, which uses pressurized liquid CO₂ as the cleaning medium. Depending on the system and validated process, it can provide an additional approach to treating contaminants associated with firefighting.

Performance varies by process and contaminant. Departments should review relevant testing, equipment qualifications, and service capabilities before selecting a provider.

For a closer look at the distinction, see turnout gear cleaning vs. decontamination and how liquid CO₂ decontamination works.

How should departments clean turnout gear?

A reliable gear-care program starts with written procedures, clear responsibilities, and consistent follow-through. The details should reflect the department’s equipment, exposure profile, available resources, and applicable requirements.

Follow the applicable standard and manufacturer instructions

The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 2025 edition of NFPA 1850, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural and Proximity Firefighting and Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), consolidates the previous NFPA 1851 and NFPA 1852 standards.

It addresses the selection, care, and maintenance of covered protective ensembles and breathing apparatus. Departments should consult the applicable edition, their equipment manufacturers, and qualified PPE personnel when establishing cleaning procedures.

The standard’s requirements depend on the equipment and the specific procedure. A department should not assume that a particular cleaning technology, vendor, or service automatically satisfies every applicable requirement. Review NFPA 1850.

Establish a clear process after every incident

Firefighters should know what to do with contaminated gear before they return to the station. Department procedures should address the initial removal of contamination, safe handling, transportation, cleaning, and storage.

The goal is to avoid carrying unnecessary contamination into vehicles, living areas, or other shared spaces.

Departments should also identify who is responsible for arranging cleaning, documenting service, and returning equipment to use when appropriate.

Use equipment designed for protective clothing

Ordinary household laundry equipment is not a substitute for a properly managed PPE-cleaning process.

Departments should use the equipment and procedures appropriate for their garments, following manufacturer instructions and applicable standards. This includes using suitable cleaning agents and avoiding cycles or methods that could damage protective materials.

The same principle applies to drying, inspection, and storage. A garment that looks clean is not necessarily ready for service if it has not completed the required care and inspection process.

Track cleaning and inspection history

A gear-care record helps departments understand what has happened to each garment and when additional attention may be needed.

Useful information may include:

Consistent records also help PPE officers identify gaps, plan service schedules, and explain equipment-care decisions to department leadership.

How often should firefighter turnout gear be cleaned?

There is no single interval that adequately addresses every exposure and every type of equipment.

Departments should distinguish between routine care after an incident, scheduled advanced cleaning, and inspection or maintenance requirements. The appropriate frequency depends on applicable standards, the equipment manufacturer’s instructions, contamination, and department procedures.

Visible contamination should not be ignored simply because a scheduled cleaning is not yet due. Likewise, the absence of visible soot does not prove that gear is free of hazardous substances.

NFPA requirements should guide the department’s written program, with additional attention to exposures that may warrant earlier cleaning or specialized service.

For a more detailed discussion of intervals, see how often firefighter PPE should be cleaned.

What conventional washing can and cannot tell you

Routine washing plays a critical role in firefighter PPE care, but cleaning performance depends on the contaminants involved, the garment, and the process used.

A garment may look clean after washing without every contaminant being removed. Some substances can be difficult to remove from protective materials, and different cleaning processes may perform differently against different contaminants.

This is one reason researchers have studied ways to evaluate cleaning performance rather than relying on appearance alone. The NFPA’s Fire Protection Research Foundation has supported research into contamination on turnout clothing and methods for validating cleaning procedures. Explore the foundation’s PPE cleaning research.

The practical takeaway is not that conventional washing is ineffective. It is that departments should understand what their cleaning procedures are designed to accomplish and where additional treatment may be appropriate.

When should a department consider advanced decontamination?

Advanced decontamination may be worth evaluating when a department wants another option for addressing contaminants that can remain in protective gear.

The decision should account for several factors.

The type of exposure

Structural fires, wildland fires, vehicle fires, and other incidents can expose equipment to different mixtures of contaminants. A department should consider its actual operating environment rather than assume that every firefighter encounters the same substances or needs identical service.

The equipment being treated

Protective garments and accessories differ in construction and materials. Departments should verify that a proposed process is appropriate for the equipment being serviced and that its use aligns with applicable requirements.

The evidence behind the process

Ask providers what testing supports their performance claims, which contaminants were evaluated, and what the results mean for the particular service being offered.

Results from one machine or process should not automatically be applied to every liquid CO₂ system. The same caution applies to claims about conventional washing.

Provider qualifications and logistics

Consider equipment certification, service procedures, inspection capabilities, turnaround time, transportation, and reporting. A cleaning option is useful only if a department can access it and integrate it into its gear-care program.

For more information about this technology, Cool Clean provides an overview of liquid CO₂ systems for firefighter PPE. Emergency Technical Decon also publishes information about its testing and decontamination services. Departments should evaluate the specific process and supporting evidence, not rely on a general technology label alone.

The budget problem: better gear care needs to be accessible

For some departments, the challenge is not deciding whether firefighter PPE deserves proper care. It is finding the resources to provide that care consistently.

Smaller, rural, volunteer, and combination departments may face different financial and logistical constraints from larger agencies. That does not mean every volunteer department lacks funding. It means departments need solutions that account for their actual resources and circumstances.

Advanced decontamination services can introduce additional costs for treatment, transportation, and coordination. Even when a department recognizes a potential benefit, those expenses may compete with staffing, equipment replacement, training, and other operational priorities.

This is where The Afterburn Foundation comes in.

Afterburn is an access and funding organization. It helps qualifying fire departments access advanced PPE decontamination when cost stands in the way, connecting documented department need with philanthropic funding and qualified independent service providers.

Its annual sponsorship model is built around a straightforward unit:

$500. One firefighter. One year.

A $500 sponsorship provides one firefighter with one year of funded access to qualifying advanced PPE decontamination services. The standard annual model is designed around two advanced CO₂ decontamination cycles and one annual advanced inspection, while allowing the funded services to vary according to actual need.

Sponsorship funds are pooled within the program, so the services provided can account for differences in equipment, exposure, geography, and logistics. The sponsorship is not a promise that every firefighter receives an identical set of services.

If your department is interested in advanced decontamination but cost is a barrier, you can apply for funding through Afterburn.

Building a practical turnout gear cleaning program

A strong program is more than a washer, a service contract, or a calendar reminder. It is a repeatable process that connects incident response, safe handling, cleaning, inspection, recordkeeping, and equipment readiness.

For department leaders, the most useful starting points are straightforward:

The objective is not to choose a particular technology for every department. It is to make informed decisions about gear care and ensure that cost does not automatically rule out an otherwise appropriate option.

Firefighters should not have to carry unnecessary contamination home simply because a department lacks a workable process. Better gear care begins with clear procedures, informed decisions, and access to the right services.

Frequently asked questions about firefighter turnout gear cleaning

How often should firefighter turnout gear be washed?

Cleaning frequency depends on the exposure, equipment, applicable NFPA requirements, manufacturer instructions, and department procedures. Departments should address contamination after incidents as needed rather than relying exclusively on a fixed calendar.

Does washing turnout gear remove all contaminants?

Not necessarily. Cleaning performance varies with the contaminant, garment, and process. Gear can look clean without every contaminant being removed, which is why cleaning methods and their supporting evidence matter.

What is the difference between turnout gear cleaning and decontamination?

Cleaning generally refers to removing soil and contamination through an established care process. Decontamination focuses on reducing contamination to an appropriate degree through a defined process. The terms can overlap, so departments should examine what a particular service actually does and what its testing demonstrates.

What is liquid CO₂ decontamination for firefighter gear?

It is a specialized cleaning process that uses pressurized liquid carbon dioxide to treat protective equipment. Its performance depends on the system and process used. Departments should evaluate relevant testing, equipment qualifications, and applicable standards before choosing a provider.

Can a fire department get help paying for advanced PPE decontamination?

Yes. The Afterburn Foundation helps qualifying fire departments access advanced PPE decontamination when cost stands in the way. Departments can submit an application to have their needs evaluated for potential financial assistance.

Better decontamination shouldn’t depend on your department’s budget.

Afterburn helps qualifying fire departments access advanced PPE decontamination when cost stands in the way.

Apply for Funding

Help another department get access: Sponsor a Firefighter

Turnout Gear Cleaning vs. Decontamination: What’s the Difference?

Short answer: Cleaning removes soil and contamination from firefighter protective equipment through established care procedures. Decontamination focuses on reducing contamination through a defined process. The terms can overlap, but they are not interchangeable in every context. Understanding what a particular process is designed to do, and what evidence supports its performance, helps departments make informed decisions about firefighter protective equipment.

After a fire, firefighters have more to think about than getting the apparatus back in service. Their turnout gear may carry soot, combustion byproducts, and other potentially hazardous substances long after the flames are out.

Cleaning that gear is essential. But a department evaluating its protective equipment program may also encounter a different term: advanced decontamination.

So, what is the difference? And does a department that already washes turnout gear need to consider anything else?

The answer starts with understanding what each process does, what it can reasonably accomplish, and how the two can fit into a broader gear-care program.

What is turnout gear cleaning?

Turnout gear cleaning is the process of removing soil and contamination from firefighters’ protective clothing and equipment.

It can include initial cleaning after an incident, routine laundering, and other procedures established for the specific equipment. The appropriate method depends on the garment, the contamination involved, manufacturer instructions, and applicable standards.

Routine cleaning is a fundamental part of protective equipment care. Fire departments need reliable procedures for removing contamination, preventing its spread, and returning equipment to service when appropriate.

What does routine washing accomplish?

Properly performed washing can remove visible soil and reduce contamination on protective garments. The results depend on factors such as:

A dedicated turnout gear extractor or other suitable cleaning system can be an important part of that process.

However, visible cleanliness does not establish that every contaminant has been removed. Some substances may be difficult to remove from protective materials, and different cleaning processes can perform differently against them.

That distinction matters when a department is deciding whether its existing procedures address its particular needs.

What is firefighter PPE decontamination?

Decontamination is the process of reducing or removing contamination from equipment, materials, or surfaces through a defined method.

In the firefighter PPE context, the term can refer to different procedures, including initial on-scene efforts and specialized treatments intended to address contaminants associated with firefighting.

The important question is not simply whether a provider calls a service decontamination. It is what the process actually does, which contaminants have been evaluated, and what evidence supports the claimed results.

What makes advanced decontamination different?

Advanced decontamination refers here to specialized processes that provide an additional option for treating contaminated firefighter PPE beyond a department’s routine cleaning procedures.

Liquid carbon dioxide (CO₂) decontamination is one such option. It uses pressurized liquid CO₂ as the cleaning medium. Depending on the equipment and validated process, it may address certain contaminants that can be difficult to remove through conventional methods.

That does not mean every advanced process removes every contaminant, or that every CO₂ system delivers the same results. Performance claims should be tied to the specific equipment, process, and testing that support them.

For departments, the practical distinction is between knowing that gear has been washed and understanding what a particular cleaning or decontamination process has demonstrated it can accomplish.

Cleaning vs. decontamination: the key differences

The two approaches share an objective: reducing contamination on firefighter equipment. The distinction is in the specific process used and the results it is intended and demonstrated to achieve.

Consideration Routine cleaning Advanced decontamination
Primary purpose Remove soil and contamination through established care procedures Provide an additional process for reducing specific contaminants
Typical approach Appropriate laundering equipment, cleaning agents, and procedures Specialized technology and a defined treatment process
Performance Depends on the garment, contaminant, and cleaning method Depends on the system, process, contaminant, and supporting evidence
Role in PPE care Essential to routine equipment maintenance An additional option to evaluate based on department needs
Key question Is the cleaning procedure appropriate and properly performed? What has this specific process demonstrated it can remove or reduce?

This comparison is not a claim that one approach is always better than the other. It is a reminder that the name of a service alone does not establish its performance.

Conventional washing remains important. Advanced decontamination provides another option for departments to consider when evaluating how they manage contamination.

Why the distinction matters for firefighter health

Firefighters encounter hazardous substances during structural fires, wildland fires, vehicle fires, and other emergency responses. Some contamination can remain on protective equipment after an incident, creating opportunities for continued exposure or transfer to other surfaces.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) studied nearly 30,000 career firefighters from Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. Researchers found 9% more cancer diagnoses and 14% more cancer-related deaths than expected based on U.S. population rates.

Those findings demonstrate a serious occupational health concern, but they do not establish that a particular cleaning method prevents cancer. Gear care is one component of a broader approach to managing firefighter exposure.

Departments can take practical steps by establishing consistent cleaning procedures, reducing the spread of contamination, and evaluating available methods based on evidence.

What about PFAS and other persistent contaminants?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of chemicals used in various industrial and consumer applications. Research from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has identified PFAS in structural firefighter turnout gear textiles, gloves, hoods, and wildland firefighting textiles.

The presence of PFAS in gear raises important questions about potential exposure. However, the health risks attributable specifically to PFAS in protective equipment remain under investigation.

PFAS also represent only one part of the broader contamination conversation. Firefighters may encounter many other substances during their work, and the effectiveness of a cleaning process depends on the contaminant being evaluated.

Departments should therefore avoid treating a single test result as proof that a process addresses every hazard. They should look for testing that identifies the substances evaluated, the conditions used, and the limitations of the results.

How should a fire department decide what it needs?

A department does not have to choose between taking routine cleaning seriously and exploring advanced decontamination. Both can be considered within a comprehensive PPE-care program.

The right approach starts with the department’s actual circumstances.

1. Review current procedures

Begin by examining the department’s written PPE-care procedures. Are firefighters clear about what to do with contaminated gear after a call? Are cleaning responsibilities assigned? Are cleaning and inspection records maintained?

Review procedures against applicable standards and equipment manufacturer instructions. The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 2025 edition of NFPA 1850 consolidates requirements for the selection, care, and maintenance of covered protective ensembles and self-contained breathing apparatus.

2. Identify the department’s exposure profile

Consider the types of incidents your personnel routinely encounter and the equipment they use.

A department focused on structural firefighting may have different needs from one with substantial wildland responsibilities. Specialized incidents may also create circumstances that warrant additional attention.

The goal is to make decisions based on documented needs rather than assume every firefighter requires identical services.

3. Evaluate the available evidence

When considering an advanced service, ask the provider specific questions:

These questions help separate demonstrated performance from general marketing claims.

4. Account for access and cost

Even when a department identifies a service worth considering, the cost may prevent it from moving forward.

Treatment expenses, transportation, equipment availability, and coordination can all affect whether a department can use an advanced service consistently.

For small, rural, volunteer, and combination departments, these practical barriers can be as significant as the technical questions. Eligibility for assistance should be based on documented need, not simply a department’s classification.

Where Afterburn fits into the picture

The Afterburn Foundation exists to help qualifying fire departments access advanced PPE decontamination when cost stands in the way.

Afterburn does not manufacture cleaning equipment or operate a cleaning facility. It connects documented department need with philanthropic funding and qualified independent service providers.

Its annual sponsorship model is built around a simple proposition:

$500. One firefighter. One year.

A $500 sponsorship provides one firefighter with one year of funded access to qualifying advanced PPE decontamination services. The standard annual model is designed around two advanced CO₂ decontamination cycles and one annual advanced inspection, with flexibility to fund services according to actual need.

The program pools sponsorship funds so that service costs can vary with equipment, exposure, geography, and logistics. It does not promise identical services for every firefighter.

For a department that already has routine washing in place but faces financial barriers to advanced decontamination, this can provide another avenue to explore.

You can learn more about the technology in Article 3: Liquid CO₂ Firefighter PPE Decontamination: How It Works and compare approaches in Article 4: Traditional Washing vs. Liquid CO₂ Decontamination.

Frequently asked questions

Is cleaning the same as decontamination?

Not necessarily. Cleaning and decontamination can overlap, but they may describe different processes and objectives. Departments should evaluate what a specific procedure is designed to accomplish and what evidence supports its performance.

Does advanced decontamination replace routine washing?

Not automatically. Routine washing remains an essential part of PPE care. Advanced decontamination should be evaluated as an additional option based on the equipment, exposure, applicable requirements, and demonstrated performance of the process.

Can conventional washing remove hazardous contaminants?

Conventional washing can remove soil and reduce contamination, but performance varies. Some substances may be difficult to remove completely through a given process. Departments should consult relevant testing and equipment guidance rather than assume all contaminants behave the same way.

Does liquid CO₂ decontamination prevent firefighter cancer?

No such guarantee should be made. Advanced decontamination may reduce certain contaminants on protective equipment, depending on the process and evidence. Firefighter cancer has multiple occupational and environmental risk factors, and no single gear-care method can be represented as preventing cancer.

How can a department access funding for advanced decontamination?

The Afterburn Foundation helps qualifying departments access advanced PPE decontamination when cost is a barrier. Departments can submit an application for consideration based on their needs and eligibility.

Better decontamination shouldn’t depend on your department’s budget.

Afterburn helps qualifying fire departments access advanced PPE decontamination when cost stands in the way.

Apply for Funding

Help another department get access: Sponsor a Firefighter

How Often Should Firefighter PPE Be Cleaned?

Short answer: Firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) should be cleaned according to applicable standards, manufacturer instructions, and the department’s written procedures. Contaminated gear may require cleaning after an incident rather than waiting for a scheduled service. Departments should also distinguish routine washing from advanced cleaning, decontamination, and inspection, because each addresses a different part of equipment care.

A busy fire department can respond to dozens or hundreds of incidents between scheduled equipment-care checks. During that time, turnout gear may encounter smoke, soot, combustion byproducts, and other potentially hazardous substances.

That creates a practical question for every fire chief and PPE officer: how often should the gear be cleaned?

The answer is not simply once a month, twice a year, or after a certain number of calls. Cleaning frequency depends on the type of exposure, the equipment involved, applicable requirements, and the procedures established by the department.

Getting that schedule right means knowing when routine cleaning is needed, when additional attention may be appropriate, and how to keep equipment-care decisions consistent across the department.

How often should firefighter turnout gear be cleaned?

There is no single schedule that adequately covers every type of firefighter PPE and every exposure.

Departments should follow the applicable edition of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, the equipment manufacturer’s instructions, and their own written care procedures. They should also respond to contamination that occurs between scheduled cleanings.

Three considerations help establish a practical approach:

A schedule provides consistency, but it should not become a reason to postpone cleaning when an incident or contamination warrants earlier action.

What does NFPA say about firefighter PPE cleaning?

The National Fire Protection Association publishes standards covering the selection, care, and maintenance of firefighter protective equipment.

The 2025 edition of NFPA 1850, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural and Proximity Firefighting and Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), consolidates the previous NFPA 1851 and NFPA 1852 standards.

Departments should consult the current edition for requirements applicable to their equipment and procedures rather than rely on older guidance or an informal cleaning schedule.

What about the familiar six-month cleaning interval?

The 2020 edition of NFPA 1851 established a framework for advanced cleaning of issued structural firefighting ensembles, including an interval of at least every six months. That historical guidance is one reason departments often associate advanced cleaning with a twice-yearly schedule.

However, departments should not assume that a historical interval alone describes every current requirement under NFPA 1850. The applicable requirements should be verified against the current standard, the equipment involved, and the circumstances of use.

A scheduled interval also does not mean a department should leave contaminated gear untreated until the next date on the calendar.

For current requirements, consult NFPA’s official standards information and your department’s PPE-care resources.

When should firefighter PPE be cleaned sooner?

A routine schedule is only one part of gear care. Some circumstances call for cleaning outside the normal cycle.

After exposure to fireground contamination

Structural fires can expose protective gear to soot, particulates, and chemicals produced by combustion. Wildland fires, vehicle fires, and other incidents can create different contamination profiles.

Departments should follow their post-incident procedures for handling contaminated equipment, including appropriate initial decontamination and subsequent cleaning.

The absence of obvious soot does not prove that equipment is free of hazardous substances. Decisions should account for the incident and the department’s established procedures, not just what the gear looks like.

When contamination is visible or suspected

Visible contamination is a clear reason to assess the equipment and follow the appropriate cleaning procedure. Departments should also consider exposures that may not produce obvious discoloration or residue.

Firefighters should know how to report contaminated gear and what to do with it after a call. A clear procedure reduces the chance that equipment will be handled inconsistently or that contamination will be carried into vehicles and station living areas.

After unusual or severe exposures

Some incidents may expose gear to substances or conditions outside the department’s routine experience. These situations may warrant additional assessment and a specialized cleaning or decontamination process.

The appropriate response depends on the exposure, the PPE involved, and the advice of qualified personnel. Departments should not assume that every unusual incident requires the same treatment.

When inspections or maintenance identify a concern

Inspection findings can also affect equipment-care decisions. Damage, unusual contamination, or other concerns should be handled according to applicable procedures and manufacturer instructions.

Cleaning does not replace inspection, and inspection does not establish that every contaminant has been removed. Both contribute to a comprehensive PPE-care program.

Routine washing, advanced cleaning, and inspection are different

One reason cleaning schedules become confusing is that departments may use the word cleaning to describe several different activities.

Knowing which service is being discussed helps PPE officers build a schedule that addresses the actual requirements.

Routine washing

Routine washing removes soil and reduces contamination through an appropriate laundering process. Departments should use equipment, cleaning agents, and procedures suitable for their protective garments.

The appropriate frequency depends on exposure, equipment requirements, and the department’s written program. Routine washing should not be confused with a guarantee that every contaminant has been removed.

Advanced cleaning and decontamination

Advanced cleaning and decontamination involve processes intended to address contamination through defined methods. Liquid carbon dioxide (CO₂) decontamination is one option departments may evaluate when considering additional treatment.

Whether a specialized process is appropriate depends on the gear, the contaminants involved, the process’s demonstrated performance, and applicable requirements.

Departments should ask providers which contaminants have been tested, what results were measured, and whether the process is appropriate for the equipment being treated.

For a fuller explanation, see Turnout Gear Cleaning vs. Decontamination: What’s the Difference? and Liquid CO₂ Firefighter PPE Decontamination: How It Works.

Inspection and maintenance

Inspection helps identify equipment conditions that require attention. Depending on the equipment and applicable requirements, inspection may be associated with scheduled care or follow a particular service.

Cleaning and inspection serve different purposes. A garment that has been washed is not automatically cleared of every contamination concern, nor does a visual inspection establish that all contaminants have been removed.

Departments should document required inspections, maintenance, repairs, and equipment status according to their established procedures.

Why cleaning frequency matters for firefighter health

Firefighters face occupational exposure to hazardous substances across their careers. Protective equipment is one part of managing that exposure, and what happens to contaminated gear after an incident matters.

A National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) study of nearly 30,000 career firefighters from Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Francisco found 9% more cancer diagnoses and 14% more cancer-related deaths than expected based on U.S. population rates.

These findings describe the study population. They do not establish that a particular cleaning schedule or decontamination method prevents cancer.

The practical implication is that departments should take exposure management seriously, including the care and handling of protective equipment. Consistent cleaning procedures can address a part of that challenge, alongside other occupational health and safety measures.

Contamination can travel beyond the fireground

Contaminated gear does not remain isolated from everything around it. Handling and transporting equipment can transfer material to vehicles, station surfaces, storage areas, and other items.

Departments should establish clear procedures for removing, transporting, cleaning, and storing contaminated PPE. Those procedures help keep equipment care consistent and reduce opportunities for contamination to spread.

The goal is not simply to make gear look clean. It is to manage contamination deliberately and follow the care requirements appropriate for the equipment.

How to build a workable department cleaning schedule

A useful schedule should be clear enough for firefighters to follow and practical enough for the department to maintain.

1. Inventory the equipment

Identify the protective ensembles and components your department uses, including structural gear, wildland PPE, hoods, gloves, and other relevant equipment.

Different items may have different care instructions. Avoid assuming that a single procedure or interval applies to everything.

2. Establish written procedures

Document what happens after routine incidents, what happens after unusual exposures, and who is responsible for deciding when additional service is needed.

Make sure personnel know how to report contamination and where to take gear that requires attention.

3. Assign responsibility

Designate who tracks cleaning schedules, arranges service, maintains records, and follows up on equipment that needs inspection or repair.

Without clear ownership, cleaning can become an informal task that depends on who happens to notice a problem.

4. Keep records

A basic record should identify the equipment, the service performed, the date, and any relevant inspection or maintenance findings.

Good records help PPE officers identify overdue service, establish consistency, and demonstrate that the department is following its procedures.

5. Review the schedule regularly

Revisit the program when equipment changes, operating conditions shift, new guidance applies, or records reveal recurring problems.

The schedule should support the department’s actual needs, not become a substitute for judgment when a specific exposure calls for attention.

What if the department cannot afford additional decontamination?

Some departments already have routine washing procedures but face financial barriers to accessing advanced decontamination.

The cost of specialized service, transportation, and coordination can make access difficult, particularly for departments operating with limited resources or located far from a qualified provider.

That does not mean every department needs the same service. It means each department should be able to assess its needs without cost automatically ruling out an appropriate option.

The Afterburn Foundation helps qualifying fire departments access advanced PPE decontamination when cost stands in the way. Afterburn is an access and funding organization, not a manufacturer or cleaning facility. It connects documented department need with philanthropic funding and qualified independent service providers.

Its annual sponsorship model is built around a clear commitment:

$500. One firefighter. One year.

A $500 sponsorship provides one firefighter with one year of funded access to qualifying advanced PPE decontamination services. The standard annual model is designed around two advanced CO₂ decontamination cycles and one annual advanced inspection, with flexibility to fund services according to actual need.

Sponsorship funds are pooled, allowing services to vary according to equipment, exposure, geography, and logistics. The model funds annual access rather than promising identical services for every firefighter.

If your department is evaluating advanced decontamination but cost is a barrier, Afterburn offers a way to seek assistance.

Frequently asked questions

How often should firefighter turnout gear be washed?

The appropriate frequency depends on exposure, applicable NFPA requirements, manufacturer instructions, and department procedures. Departments should address contamination as needed rather than rely solely on a fixed calendar.

Does NFPA require firefighter gear to be cleaned every six months?

The 2020 edition of NFPA 1851 included an advanced-cleaning interval of at least every six months for issued structural firefighting ensembles. Departments should verify the applicable requirements in the current NFPA 1850 standard rather than assume the historical interval describes every current requirement.

Should firefighter gear be cleaned after every fire?

Departments should follow their post-incident procedures and assess the exposure involved. Cleaning may be necessary after an incident even when the gear does not look heavily soiled. The appropriate procedure depends on the equipment, contamination, and applicable requirements.

Is washing turnout gear enough to remove all contaminants?

Not necessarily. Washing can remove soil and reduce contamination, but performance varies by contaminant, garment, and process. Departments should evaluate whether additional treatment is appropriate based on evidence and their specific needs.

Can a fire department get help paying for advanced decontamination?

Yes. The Afterburn Foundation helps qualifying departments access advanced PPE decontamination when cost stands in the way. Departments can apply for funding to have their needs evaluated.

Better decontamination shouldn’t depend on your department’s budget.

Afterburn helps qualifying fire departments access advanced PPE decontamination when cost stands in the way.

Apply for Funding

Help another department get access: Sponsor a Firefighter

Turnout Gear Extractors vs. Advanced Decontamination

Fire departments invest in turnout gear to protect their people. They also invest in the equipment and procedures needed to care for that gear after an incident.

For many departments, a turnout gear extractor is an essential part of that system. It provides a dedicated way to launder protective clothing according to appropriate procedures, helping departments remove soil and reduce contamination after firefighters return from a call.

But extractors and advanced decontamination serve different roles. Understanding the distinction helps fire chiefs and personal protective equipment (PPE) officers evaluate their current program, identify additional needs, and make informed decisions about available services.

The goal is not to choose one technology and discard the other. It is to understand what each process does and how it fits into a complete approach to firefighter gear care.

What is a turnout gear extractor?

A turnout gear extractor is a specialized washing machine designed to launder firefighting protective clothing.

Unlike an ordinary household washer, equipment intended for turnout gear is designed around the care requirements of protective garments. The appropriate machine, cycle, cleaning agents, and handling procedures depend on the equipment and its manufacturer’s instructions.

Departments use extractors as part of their routine PPE-care programs. They provide a repeatable way to clean protective clothing, manage contamination, and prepare gear for the next steps in its care and maintenance.

What does an extractor do?

A properly selected and operated extractor can help departments:

The performance of any cleaning process depends on the garment, the contaminants involved, and the procedure used. Departments should follow applicable standards and manufacturer instructions rather than assume that every washer, detergent, or cycle is appropriate for every protective garment.

Why dedicated equipment matters

Turnout gear is not ordinary laundry. Protective garments contain specialized materials and construction features that must be cared for appropriately.

Using equipment and procedures suited to those garments helps departments manage cleaning without treating protective clothing like everyday workwear.

A well-managed extractor program is therefore a meaningful part of firefighter safety and equipment maintenance. Advanced decontamination does not make routine washing unnecessary.

What is advanced PPE decontamination?

Advanced decontamination refers to specialized processes intended to provide an additional option for treating contaminated protective equipment.

One example is liquid carbon dioxide (CO₂) decontamination, which uses carbon dioxide maintained in liquid form under pressure as a cleaning medium.

The process differs from conventional water-based laundering. Its performance depends on the particular equipment, treatment process, and contaminants being evaluated.

Why would a department consider another process?

Different contaminants can respond differently to different cleaning methods. Although routine washing is essential, some substances may be difficult to remove completely through a particular laundering process.

Advanced decontamination provides another option for departments to evaluate when considering how to address those contaminants.

The decision should be based on evidence rather than a general claim that one technology is always better than another. Departments should ask which substances have been tested, what results were measured, and whether those results apply to their equipment and circumstances.

For more information, see Article 3: Liquid CO₂ Firefighter PPE Decontamination: How It Works.

Turnout gear extractors vs. advanced decontamination

The key difference is the process being used and what it has demonstrated it can accomplish.

Consideration Turnout gear extractor Advanced decontamination
Primary role Routine laundering of protective clothing Additional treatment option for targeted contaminants
Cleaning method Typically water-based washing with appropriate cleaning agents Specialized process, such as liquid CO₂ cleaning
Place in PPE care Essential component of routine cleaning Evaluated according to equipment, exposure, and process evidence
Performance Depends on the garment, contaminants, and laundering procedure Depends on the system, treatment process, and contaminants tested
Department considerations Appropriate equipment, cleaning procedures, maintenance, and records Process validation, equipment qualifications, PPE compatibility, and service logistics

This comparison does not suggest that extractors are inadequate. It recognizes that different processes have different purposes, and that departments need to understand what their current program accomplishes.

A department can have a well-managed extractor program and still decide to evaluate advanced decontamination as an additional service.

How the two fit into a complete PPE-care workflow

A practical gear-care program connects several steps rather than relying on a single machine or service.

1. Handle contaminated gear after the incident

Follow the department’s post-incident procedures for initial decontamination, removal, transportation, and storage. These steps help manage contamination before equipment reaches the cleaning process.

2. Perform appropriate routine washing

Use suitable equipment and procedures to launder the gear. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable requirements for the specific garment.

3. Evaluate whether additional treatment is appropriate

Consider the exposure, the equipment, and the limitations of the cleaning process. Where advanced decontamination may be appropriate, review the evidence supporting the specific service.

4. Complete required inspection and maintenance

Cleaning does not replace inspection, repair, or other maintenance requirements. Follow the applicable procedures before returning equipment to service.

5. Maintain records

Document the cleaning and service history, including relevant inspection findings and maintenance. These records help PPE officers track equipment care and identify gaps in the department’s process.

This workflow gives routine washing its proper place while allowing departments to evaluate additional options when needed.

Questions to ask before investing in equipment or services

Before purchasing an extractor, changing a cleaning procedure, or contracting for advanced decontamination, department leaders should consider several factors.

For advanced decontamination, performance claims should be specific to the tested process. Results from one liquid CO₂ system should not automatically be applied to every system, just as results from one laundering procedure should not be assumed to describe every extractor.

The right decision depends on the department’s equipment, exposure profile, operating requirements, and resources.

When cost limits access to advanced decontamination

Some departments have routine washing in place but face financial barriers to advanced decontamination. Treatment fees, shipping, and coordination can make an additional service difficult to access.

The Afterburn Foundation helps qualifying fire departments access advanced PPE decontamination when cost stands in the way.

Afterburn is an access and funding organization, not a manufacturer or cleaning facility. It connects documented department need with philanthropic funding and qualified independent service providers.

Its annual sponsorship model is built around one funding unit:

$500. One firefighter. One year.

A $500 sponsorship provides one firefighter with one year of funded access to qualifying advanced PPE decontamination services. The standard annual model is designed around two advanced CO₂ decontamination cycles and one annual advanced inspection, with flexibility to fund services according to actual need.

Sponsorship funds are pooled so services can vary according to equipment, exposure, geography, and logistics. The $500 amount represents an annual program funding unit, not a promise that every firefighter will receive identical services.

If your department has routine cleaning covered but needs financial assistance to access advanced decontamination, Afterburn offers a way to seek support.

Frequently asked questions

What is a turnout gear extractor used for?

A turnout gear extractor is a specialized washing machine used to launder firefighter protective clothing. It supports routine cleaning by removing soil and reducing contamination through an appropriate laundering process.

Is a turnout gear extractor the same as an advanced decontamination system?

No. An extractor performs routine laundering, while advanced decontamination uses a specialized process to provide an additional option for treating targeted contaminants. The two can serve different roles within a department’s PPE-care program.

Does using an extractor mean a department no longer needs advanced decontamination?

Not necessarily. Departments should evaluate their current procedures, exposure profiles, equipment, and the evidence supporting available cleaning methods. Advanced decontamination may be worth considering as an additional option.

Should advanced decontamination replace routine washing?

Departments should not assume that advanced decontamination eliminates the need for routine washing. They should follow applicable standards, manufacturer instructions, and the requirements of the specific equipment and process.

Can Afterburn help pay for advanced decontamination?

Yes. The Afterburn Foundation helps qualifying fire departments access advanced PPE decontamination when cost stands in the way. Departments can apply for funding to have their needs evaluated.

Better decontamination shouldn’t depend on your department’s budget.

Afterburn helps qualifying fire departments access advanced PPE decontamination when cost stands in the way.

Apply for Funding

Help another department get access: Sponsor a Firefighter