--- title: Gear Wash Blog | Gear Wash (4) description: The Gear Wash blog is the destination for the latest industry innovations, product news, and much more. (4) --- - [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/Blog%20Images/3.png?width=885&name=3.png)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/per_vs_advanced_cleaning) ## [Preliminary Exposure Reduction & Advanced Cleaning- What's the Difference?](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/per_vs_advanced_cleaning) [May](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/05/) [08](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/05/08/), [2023](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/) One of the biggest topics within the fire industry in the last few years has been cancer prevention and awareness. We all know the importance of this, but what is something we can target immediately, to prevent preliminary exposure after being on scene?  [NFPA 1851](https://gearwash.com/nfpa1851/) specifies the recommended [Read More](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/per_vs_advanced_cleaning) [![](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/2.png?width=885&name=2.png)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/how-to-mitigate-ppe-damage) ## [How to Mitigate PPE Damage Over Time](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/how-to-mitigate-ppe-damage) [Apr](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/04/) [14](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/04/14/), [2023](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2023/) Where does your department keep PPE when not in service? Lockers in the bay, exposed to UV rays and exhaust emissions? If so, it’s time to reconsider how your gear is being stored. Making sure that your PPE is stowed correctly is a perfect example of how you can lessen the risk of damage in the [Read More](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/how-to-mitigate-ppe-damage) [![](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/1.png?width=885&name=1.png)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/turnout-gear-retirement) ## [How to Know When to Retire Your Bunker Gear](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/turnout-gear-retirement) [Dec](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/12/) [19](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/12/19/), [2022](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/) NFPA guidelines require turnout gear to be retired 10 years from the date of manufacture. However, sometimes turnout gear needs to be replaced before the 10-year mark. Once the protective properties of the gear have diminished, it is no longer safe to use. This blog will cover some reasons to [Read More](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/turnout-gear-retirement) [![](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ian%20relief.png?width=885&name=ian%20relief.png)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/hurricane-ian-relief) ## [Fire-Dex & Gear Wash Help Out Hurricane Ian Search and Rescue Teams](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/hurricane-ian-relief) [Oct](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/10/) [19](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/10/19/), [2022](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/) Fire-Dex and Gear Wash are extending aid to customers affected by Hurricane Ian and the continuous recovery effort that is ongoing throughout Florida. Including critical PPE equipment and discounted cleaning and repair services to keep protective gear in top shape, we're working closely with task [Read More](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/hurricane-ian-relief) [![](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Memphis%20Firefighters%20Focus%20on%20Proper%20Gear%20Cleaning%20with%20Gear%20Wash-1.png?width=885&name=Memphis%20Firefighters%20Focus%20on%20Proper%20Gear%20Cleaning%20with%20Gear%20Wash-1.png)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/memphis-firefighters-focus-on-proper-gear-cleaning) ## [Memphis Firefighters Focus on Proper Gear Cleaning](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/memphis-firefighters-focus-on-proper-gear-cleaning) [Oct](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/10/) [12](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/10/12/), [2022](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/) Brittani Moncrease, reporter at [ABC 24](https://www.localmemphis.com/), visited our [Gear Wash](https://gearwash.com/about-us/) location in Memphis, TN to raise awareness about the importance of proper [PPE cleaning and maintenance](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/extending-the-life-of-turnout-gear-for-firefighter-health-and-safety) within the fire service! 👏 [Read More](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/memphis-firefighters-focus-on-proper-gear-cleaning) [![](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/proper%20cleaning%20for%20your%20(1).png?width=885&name=proper%20cleaning%20for%20your%20(1).png)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/4-steps-to-clean-your-fire-hood) ## [4 Steps to Clean Your Fire Hood](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/4-steps-to-clean-your-fire-hood) [Oct](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/10/) [12](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/10/12/), [2022](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/) We all know cleaning your[turnout gear](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/proper-cleaning-for-your-turnout-gear)twice a year is recommended by the[NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/), but do you think about your hoods too? It's easy to forget this small piece of gear, but that doesn't make it any less important! Follow these4 quick and easy stepsto get your fire hood properly cleaned. [Read More](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/4-steps-to-clean-your-fire-hood) [![](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/proper%20cleaning%20for%20your-3.png?width=885&name=proper%20cleaning%20for%20your-3.png)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/proper-cleaning-for-your-turnout-gear) ## [Proper Cleaning for Your Turnout Gear](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/proper-cleaning-for-your-turnout-gear) [Oct](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/10/) [12](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/10/12/), [2022](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/) [NFPA 1851](https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=1851)is the standard on PPE selection, care and maintenance. The purpose of this standard is to reduce health and safety risks associated with improper maintenance, contamination, or damage like exposure to harmful carcinogens that are often present in structural fires. 🔥 [Read More](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/proper-cleaning-for-your-turnout-gear) [![](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gear%20Wash_Blog%20Header_Templates%20(1)-3.png?width=885&name=Gear%20Wash_Blog%20Header_Templates%20(1)-3.png)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/when-should-you-consider-renting-your-fire-gear) ## [When Should You Consider Renting Your Fire Gear?](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/when-should-you-consider-renting-your-fire-gear) [Oct](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/10/) [12](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/10/12/), [2022](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/) Taylor Burke Gilman, our President at Gear Wash, highlights when departments should consider renting fire gear in a guest spot from[Carolina Fire Journal](https://www.carolinafirejournal.com/when-should-you-consider-renting-your-gear/)! 🚒 [Read More](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/when-should-you-consider-renting-your-fire-gear) [![](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Extending%20the%20Life%20of%20Your%20Turnout%20Gear%20-%20Blog%20(Facebook%20Ad)%20(2).png?width=885&name=Extending%20the%20Life%20of%20Your%20Turnout%20Gear%20-%20Blog%20(Facebook%20Ad)%20(2).png)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-implementing-a-decon-procedure) ## [A Beginner's Guide to Implementing a Decon Procedure](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-implementing-a-decon-procedure) [Oct](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/10/) [12](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/10/12/), [2022](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/) \*Adjust accordingly to best suit unique incident or department’s protocol [Read More](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-implementing-a-decon-procedure) [![](https://blog.gearwash.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Extending%20the%20Life%20of%20Your%20Turnout%20Gear%20-%20Blog%20(Facebook%20Ad).png?width=885&name=Extending%20the%20Life%20of%20Your%20Turnout%20Gear%20-%20Blog%20(Facebook%20Ad).png)](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/extending-the-life-of-turnout-gear) ## [Extending the Life of Turnout Gear for Firefighter Health and Safety](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/extending-the-life-of-turnout-gear) [Oct](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/10/) [12](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/10/12/), [2022](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/archive/2022/) The longevity of your turnout gear and the effectiveness against carcinogens relies heavily on one factor: proper maintenance. Firefighters, like yourself, handle dangerous materials on a regular basis and your turnout gear can pick up a number of highly toxic contaminants. Keeping up with [Read More](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/extending-the-life-of-turnout-gear) [Newer Posts](https://blog.gearwash.com/blog/author/gear-wash/page/3) [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/5) ### 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