--- title: Gear Wash Blog | Gear Wash (3) description: The Gear Wash blog is the destination for the latest industry innovations, product news, and much more. (3) --- - [870-686-5386](tel:+8706865386) - [SERVICE@GEARWASH.COM](mailto:service@gearwash.com) - [About](https://gearwash.com/about-us/) - [About Us](https://gearwash.com/about-us/) - [Meet the Team](https://gearwash.com/about/meet-the-team/) - [Employment](https://gearwash.com/employment/) - [Contact Us](https://gearwash.com/about-us/#contactus) - [Locations](https://gearwash.com/about-us/#locations) - [Now Hiring](https://gearwash.com/employment/) - [Blog](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog) - [Request Service](https://gearwash.com/request-service/) - [Gear Wash App Login](https://app.gearwash.com/#/login) [![GearWash Logo_Grey Letters_72dpi](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Gear%20Wash%20Logos/GearWash%20Logo_Grey%20Letters_72dpi.png?width=264&name=GearWash%20Logo_Grey%20Letters_72dpi.png) ](https://www.gearwash.com/) - PPE Services - [PPE Maintenance Package](https://gearwash.com/packages/) - [PPE Rentals](https://gearwash.com/ppe-rentals/) - [Southeast On Site Cleaning](https://gearwash.com/southeast-semi-service/) - [PPE Cleaning Solutions](https://gearwash.com/clean/) - [Inspections](https://gearwash.com/ppeinspection/) - [Repair](https://gearwash.com/repair/) - [Alterations](https://gearwash.com/alterations/) - [Gear Wash App](https://gearwash.com/gear-wash-app/) - [PPE Rentals](https://gearwash.com/ppe-rentals/) - [NFPA 1851](https://gearwash.com/nfpa1851/) - [NFPA 1851 Guidance](https://gearwash.com/nfpa1851/) - [NFPA 1851 E-Book](https://landingpage.gearwash.com/nfpa1851-ebook) - [Gear Wash App](https://gearwash.com/gear-wash-app/) [![GearWash-Logo-4C_200PX](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Gear%20Wash%20Logos/GearWash-Logo-4C_200PX.png?width=140&height=35&name=GearWash-Logo-4C_200PX.png) ](https://www.gearwash.com/) [![Logo Image](https://blog.gearwash.com/hubfs/Logos/Gear%20Wash%20Logos/GearWash%20Logo_Grey%20Letters_72dpi.png)](https://www.gearwash.com/)   × [ ![GearWash Logo_White Letters_72dpi (1)](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Gear%20Wash%20Logos/GearWash%20Logo_White%20Letters_72dpi%20(1).png?width=140&height=22&name=GearWash%20Logo_White%20Letters_72dpi%20(1).png)](https://www.gearwash.com/) - PPE Services - [PPE Maintenance Package](https://gearwash.com/packages/) - [PPE Rentals](https://gearwash.com/ppe-rentals/) - [Southeast On Site Cleaning](https://gearwash.com/southeast-semi-service/) - [PPE Cleaning Solutions](https://gearwash.com/clean/) - [Inspections](https://gearwash.com/ppeinspection/) - [Repair](https://gearwash.com/repair/) - [Alterations](https://gearwash.com/alterations/) - [Gear Wash App](https://gearwash.com/gear-wash-app/) - [PPE Rentals](https://gearwash.com/ppe-rentals/) - [NFPA 1851](https://gearwash.com/nfpa1851/) - [NFPA 1851 Guidance](https://gearwash.com/nfpa1851/) - [NFPA 1851 E-Book](https://landingpage.gearwash.com/nfpa1851-ebook) - [Gear Wash App](https://gearwash.com/gear-wash-app/) # Gear Wash Blog ## Gear Wash ### Recent Posts [![](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gear%20Wash_Blog%20Header_Templates%20(11).png?width=885&name=Gear%20Wash_Blog%20Header_Templates%20(11).png)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/lithium_ion_batteries) ## [Navigating the Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/lithium_ion_batteries) [Jan](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2024/01/) [25](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2024/01/25/), [2024](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2024/) Lithium-ion batteries, hailed for their high energy density and widespread use in devices ranging from smartphones to electric vehicles, have undoubtedly transformed our daily lives. However, as these batteries offer a new convenience, it's imperative to understand and address the potential risks [Read More](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/lithium_ion_batteries) [![](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gear%20Wash_Blog%20Header_Templates%20(2)-1.png?width=885&name=Gear%20Wash_Blog%20Header_Templates%20(2)-1.png)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/combatting_contamination) ## [Combatting Contamination](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/combatting_contamination) [Dec](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/12/) [19](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/12/19/), [2023](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/) *This article first appeared in [International Fire and Safety Journal](https://digital.internationalfireandsafetyjournal.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=9a46ef9a-e3d9-42e9-ad27-984414e90637&pnum=72).* Nick Magoteaux, Business Development & Military Contract Manager for Gear Wash, talks to IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey about firefighter PPE decontamination. #### Can you explain the importance of properly maintaining and preserving PPE gear? [Read More](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/combatting_contamination) [![](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gear%20Wash_Blog%20Header_Templates%20(5).png?width=885&name=Gear%20Wash_Blog%20Header_Templates%20(5).png)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/properly_inspect_firefighting_gear) ## [How To Properly Inspect Firefighting Gear for Care and Maintenance](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/properly_inspect_firefighting_gear) [Nov](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/11/) [17](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/11/17/), [2023](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/) *This article first appeared in [International Firefighter](https://iffmag.com/how-to-properly-inspect-firefighting-gear-for-care-and-maintenance/).* Gear preservation is an essential part of any firefighter’s job, andGear Wash understands the importance of managing a high-quality program of inspecting, cleaning and repairing firefighting gear – everything from turnouts to gloves, [Read More](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/properly_inspect_firefighting_gear) [![](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gear%20Wash_Blog%20Header_Templates%20(4).png?width=885&name=Gear%20Wash_Blog%20Header_Templates%20(4).png)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/improper_washing_of_ppe) ## [The Effects of Improper Washing of PPE Over Time](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/improper_washing_of_ppe) [Nov](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/11/) [06](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/11/06/), [2023](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/) Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes turnout gear, helmets, gloves, and boots, all designed to protect them from the intense heat, smoke, and hazardous materials they encounter on the job. Properly maintained PPE is essential not only for the safety of the firefighter but also [Read More](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/improper_washing_of_ppe) [![](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gear%20Wash_Blog%20Header_Templates%20(1).png?width=885&name=Gear%20Wash_Blog%20Header_Templates%20(1).png)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/breast_cancer_awareness) ## [Battling More than Flames: Breast Cancer in the Fire Service](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/breast_cancer_awareness) [Oct](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/10/) [04](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/10/04/), [2023](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/) The fire service is known for its brave and selfless firefighters who risk their lives to protect communities from the ravages of fire and other emergencies. However, there's a hidden danger that poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of these heroes – breast cancer. Breast cancer [Read More](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/breast_cancer_awareness) [![](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gear%20Wash_Blog%20Header_Templates-2.png?width=885&name=Gear%20Wash_Blog%20Header_Templates-2.png)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/top-4-reasons-to-rent-firefighter-gear) ## [Unlock Safety and Convenience: Top 4 Reasons to Rent Firefighter Gear!](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/top-4-reasons-to-rent-firefighter-gear) [Sep](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/09/) [21](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/09/21/), [2023](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/) While many firefighters own their gear, there are several reasons to consider renting bunker gear. Explore the flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and hassle-free maintenance that come with renting, ensuring you're equipped for every mission without compromising on safety or convenience. [Read More](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/top-4-reasons-to-rent-firefighter-gear) [![](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Headers%20(2240%20%C3%97%201260%20px)%20(2).png?width=885&name=Blog%20Headers%20(2240%20%C3%97%201260%20px)%20(2).png)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/repair_comfort_trim) ## [Signs your 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material, Series 5680 Fire Coat Comfort Trim Needs Repair](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/repair_comfort_trim) [Aug](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/08/) [24](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/08/24/), [2023](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/) Firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our communities, facing various risks in their line of duty. To ensure your safety, it's crucial that your gear remains in top-notch condition. 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material, Series 5680 Fire Coat Comfort Trim, plays a significant role in [Read More](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/repair_comfort_trim) [![](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gear%20Wash_Blog%20Header_Templates.png?width=885&name=Gear%20Wash_Blog%20Header_Templates.png)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/how_exposure_happens) ## [Understanding Contaminant Exposure Among Firefighters](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/how_exposure_happens) [Jul](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/07/) [06](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/07/06/), [2023](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/) Firefighters selflessly put themselves in harm's way to protect others, and as we've covered before, their noble actions come with significant risks, including exposure to a multitude of [hazardous contaminants](https://fses.oregonstate.edu/chemical-exposures-first-responders#:~:text=The%20incorporation%20of%20synthetic%20materials,number%20of%20polycyclic%20aromatic%20hydrocarbons). Understanding the sources and pathways of exposure is crucial for developing effective [Read More](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/how_exposure_happens) [![](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GW%20family%20blog%20headers.png?width=885&name=GW%20family%20blog%20headers.png)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/meetthefamily-brian-marenco) ## [Meet the #GearWashFamily: Brian Marenco, Director of Business Development](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/meetthefamily-brian-marenco) [Jun](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/06/) [05](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/06/05/), [2023](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/) #### Get to Know Brian!  For the past 22 years, Brian has been in the fire service working with Independent Service Providers (ISPs), PPE manufacturers, organizations, and end users centered around NFPA 1851. His varied experience began with an ISP in 1995 providing cleaning & care services, working for [Read More](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/meetthefamily-brian-marenco) [![](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mental%20Health1_Blog%20Hearder_2240x1260.png?width=885&name=Mental%20Health1_Blog%20Hearder_2240x1260.png)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/ptsd_in_the_fire_service) ## [3 Signs of PTSD in the Fire Service](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/ptsd_in_the_fire_service) [May](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/05/) [15](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/05/15/), [2023](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/) At Gear Wash, our main priority is keeping your department safe and healthy by keeping gear clean and ready for the next firefight. Throughout Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to emphasize that supporting those who serve us is valuable and needed. The first way to break down the stigma of [Read More](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/ptsd_in_the_fire_service) [Newer Posts](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/author/gear-wash/page/2) [1](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/author/gear-wash/page/1) [2](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/author/gear-wash/page/2) [3](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/author/gear-wash/page/3) [4](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/author/gear-wash/page/4) [5](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/author/gear-wash/page/5) [Older Posts](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/author/gear-wash/page/4) ### SIGN UP FOR GEAR WASH NEWS & UPDATES ### Recent Posts ### CATEGORIES - [PPE Care (12)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/ppe-care) - [First Responder (10)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/first-responder) - [Firefighter Health and Safety (8)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/firefighter-health-and-safety) - [NFPA (7)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/nfpa) - [Mental Health (5)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/mental-health) - [Recommended Maintenance for Turnout Gear (4)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/recommended-maintenance-for-turnout-gear) - [Cleaning Your Gear (3)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/cleaning-your-gear) - [Meet the #GearWashFamily (3)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/meet-the-gearwashfamily) - [Press Release (3)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/press-release) - [Turnouts (3)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/turnouts) - [CO2 (2)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/co2) - [Fire Safety (2)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/fire-safety) - [NFPA 1851 (2)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/nfpa-1851) - [PPE Rental (2)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/ppe-rental) - [Decon (1)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/decon) - [FDIC (1)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/fdic) - [Fire-Dex (1)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/fire-dex) - [Giveaway (1)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/giveaway) - [Mobile Gear Cleaning (1)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/mobile-gear-cleaning) - [Particulate Blocking Hoods (1)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/particulate-blocking-hoods) - [Reflective Trim (1)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/reflective-trim) - [Rental (1)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/rental) - [Repair (1)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/repair) - [acquisition (1)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/acquisition) - [donation (1)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/tag/donation) See all - Contact Us - [870-686-5386](tel:+1870-686-5386) ### SIGN UP FOR GEAR WASH NEWS & UPDATES - [Clean & Repair Policy](https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/s3.firedex.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/07/13145502/Cleaning-Repair-Policy-Rev07.13.2020.pdf) - [Privacy Policy](https://gearwash.com/privacy-policy/) - [Site Map](https://gearwash.com/sitemap/) - [Terms of Use](https://gearwash.com/terms-of-use) [![GearWash Logo_White Letters_72dpi](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Gear%20Wash%20Logos/GearWash%20Logo_White%20Letters_72dpi.png?width=337&height=54&name=GearWash%20Logo_White%20Letters_72dpi.png "GearWash Logo_White Letters_72dpi")](https://gearwash.com) ![en](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/en-us.png?width=24&height=24&name=en-us.png) English▼ X ![ar](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/ar.png?width=24&height=24&name=ar.png) Arabic![zh-CN](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/zh-CN.png?width=24&height=24&name=zh-CN.png) Chinese (Simplified)![nl](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/nl.png?width=24&height=24&name=nl.png) Dutch![en](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/en-us.png?width=24&height=24&name=en-us.png) English![fr](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/fr.png?width=24&height=24&name=fr.png) French![de](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/de.png?width=24&height=24&name=de.png) German![it](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/it.png?width=24&height=24&name=it.png) Italian![pt](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/pt.png?width=24&height=24&name=pt.png) Portuguese![ru](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/ru.png?width=24&height=24&name=ru.png) Russian![es](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FireDex_October2018%20/Images/es-mx.png?width=24&height=24&name=es-mx.png) Spanish