As a chef, keeping your uniform crisp, clean, and bright white can be a challenge in a busy commercial kitchen environment. However, putting some thought and effort into caring for your chef coats properly can help extend their life and keep them looking professional. Here are some tips and best practices for keeping your chef coats their whitest.

Washing Chef Coats

Washing your chef coats regularly is key to keeping them clean. Here are some washing tips:

Wash After Each Use

Ideally, chef coats should be washed after every use. Sweat, grease splatters, and food stains can set into the fabric if left for too long. Washing after every shift removes these soils before they have a chance to bond with the fabric.

Use a Commercial Washer

Washing chef coats in a home washing machine can lead to premature wear and tearing. The heavy canvas fabric and stains are best tackled in a high-powered commercial washer. Take coats to a professional industrial laundry if possible.

Wash in Hot Water

Hot water is key for sanitization and removing baked-on food residues. Wash chef coats separately in the hottest water safe for the fabric, around 160°F. Check clothing labels.

Use a Heavy Duty Detergent

Look for a commercial or professional grade laundry detergent that contains enzymes and oxygen boosters to break down stubborn soils. Avoid regular grocery store detergents.

Use Bleach or Whitening Agents

Adding bleach or whitening agents helps brighten whites and further disinfect. Use oxygenated bleach for colors. Monitor for fading over time.

Extra Rinse Cycle

Run coats through an extra rinse cycle to remove all detergent residues that can trap soils over time.

Air Dry

Tumble drying can damage chef coats over time. Allow to air dry fully before putting away.

Stain Removal Tips

Even with proper washing, stains happen. Here are some tips for removing common stains from chef coats:

Grease Stains

Pretreat with a grease-cutting detergent or degreasing spot cleaner before washing.
Rub a bit of granular laundry detergent directly into the stain before washing.
For heavy oil stains, try blotting with baking soda before washing. The abrasiveness helps lift grease.

Food Stains

Scrape off any chunky bits of food first.
Pretreat with an enzyme-based stain remover made for food before washing. The enzymes help break down food proteins.
For tough stains, try soaking for 30 minutes in an enzymatic cleaner before washing.

Coffee & Tea Stains

Create a pretreat paste with equal parts baking soda and laundry detergent. Rub into stain and let sit before washing.
Try soaking in oxiclean or baking soda solution before washing.

Wine Stains

Pretreat with bleach, being careful not to damage colors.
Blot with hydrogen peroxide before washing.

Balsamic & Berry Stains

Pour boiling water through the back of the stain before washing.
Try pretreating with white vinegar.
Rub salt directly into the stain to help lift color, then rinse before washing.

Ink Stains

Pretreat with a mix of lemon juice and cream of tartar.
Use rubbing alcohol or hairspray applied directly to the stain before washing.

Caring For Chef Coats

Caring for chef coats properly day-to-day can help keep them cleaner longer:

Hang Between Uses

Hanging coats allows airflow to prevent odor buildup. Don’t toss into lockers or piles.

Let Completely Dry

Don’t put away coats until fully dried to prevent mildew growth in storage.

Invest in Coat Protectors

Wearing plastic or vinyl coat protectors over your chef coat helps shield from splatter stains. Remove & replace when heavily soiled.

Keep Separate From Home Clothes

Store coats separately from regular clothes to prevent cross-contamination of food residue.

Mend Rips Right Away

Sew up tears or holes immediately so they don’t get bigger in the wash. Use sturdy thread.

Remove Pills

Use a textured sweatshirt stone, pill shaver, or pumice to remove pills without damaging fabric.

Iron As Needed

Use the synthetic fabric setting to touch up wrinkles as needed. Don’t over-iron.

Handwash Collars & Cuffs

These high-wear areas tend to get grubby fastest. Handwash just these portions as needed.

Soak in Vinegar

For dingy coats, occasionally soak in white vinegar to brighten, then wash as normal.

Buying Quality Chef Coats

Starting with high-quality chef coats can also help lengthen their lifespan. Look for:

Tight Weave – Avoid loose open weaves that let in stains. Look for a tight twill or plain weave.
Stain Resistant – Many coats now have stain-resistant coatings to repel liquids.
Reinforced Stress Points – Ensure seams, collar, and cuffs are neatly stitched with bar tacks for durability.
Easy Care Fabrics – Look for easy care blends that include polyester, which resists staining/shrinking.
Double Breasted – Overlapping plackets provide extra protection from spills down the front.
Perfect Fit – Coats should offer full coverage while allowing easy movement. Size up for shrinkage.

Alternatives to Bleach

Bleach is effective at whitening and disinfecting, but some alternatives exist:

Oxygen Bleach

Also called sodium percarbonate, this whitening powder works similarly to chlorine bleach minus the harshness. It’s safer on colors.

Hydrogen Peroxide

The oxidizing properties in hydrogen peroxide can help lift some stains. Use sparingly as high concentrations can damage fabric.

Lemon Juice

The natural acidity in lemon juice brightens whites and can help remove some discoloration. Avoid using too much to prevent damage.

Sunlight

Simply hanging white chef coats in direct sunlight occasionally helps naturally whiten and disinfect them. Avoid over-drying.

White Vinegar

The acidic nature helps remove alkaline residues that can cause dinginess. Add 1 cup white vinegar to wash or use as a soak.

Baking Soda

Baking soda helps scrub away oils and lift stains. Make a paste with water to pretreat stains or add 1/2 cup to wash.

Whitening Techniques

If chef coats become dingy or gray over time, try these techniques to return them to a brighter white:

Bleach Soak

Soak coats in a solution of 1/4 cup bleach diluted in 1 gallon of warm water for up to 30 minutes before washing. Rinse thoroughly.

Boiling Water

Add coats to a large pot of boiling water with 1/2 cup baking soda. Gently simmer for 30 minutes, then wash as normal. Helps release oils.

Lemon Juice & Salt

Handwash coats in warm water with 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup salt added. The acidity brightens, salt scrubs.

Whitening Detergent

Look for an oxygenated laundry detergent made specifically for whitening like OxiClean. Follow package instructions.

Vinegar Rinse

After washing, fill a tub with cool water and 1 cup vinegar for a brightening rinse. Avoid this step on colored coats.

Natural Whiteners

For a non-toxic whitener, dissolve 1/2 cup lemon juice with 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide or baking soda in wash water.

Drying in Sun

As a regular ritual, thoroughly wash coats then hang in direct sunlight to naturally bleach and sanitize them.

Preventing Yellowing

To avoid a yellowish discoloration over time:

Wash coats regularly before soils set in
Use plenty of detergent to fully remove body oils which can cause yellowing
Don’t use too much heat when drying chef coats
Add bluing agents to rinse water which counteract yellowing
Increase bleach or whitening agents in regular wash loads
For dingy coats, do an occasional stripping wash in hot water with heavy detergent

LONG TERM Storage

If chef coats will be stored for extended periods between seasons, properly preparing them for storage will help keep them fresher longer:

Repair Any Damage

Mend tears, replace buttons, and reinforce seams before storing so issues don’t worsen.

Wash & Dry Thoroughly

Clean coats fully and allow to dry completely before folding away to avoid mildew.

Remove Stains

Tackle any lingering stains before storing so they don’t set in over time.

Shake Out Loose Dirt

Gently shake coats before folding to remove any crumbs or debris in pockets.

Fold Carefully

Avoid tight creasing in storage that can stress fabric. Fold smoothly along garment seams.

Seal in Airtight Bag

Place folded coats in a sealable plastic storage bin or bag to protect from humidity and pests.

Use Cedar

Add cedar blocks or cedar sachet bags to storage containers to keep moths at bay.

Maintain Temperature

Avoid overly hot or cold storage areas. Ideal temperature is around 60-70°F.

Check Periodically

Inspect coats every few months and air them out if needed to prevent mildew growth.

Removing Odors

Kitchen odors can become lodged in the fabric of chef coats. To tackle smelly coats:

Wash Promptly

Clean coats as soon as possible after wearing to prevent odors setting in. Avoid leaving soiled piles.

Treat With Vinegar

Soak coats in diluted vinegar before washing. Vinegar helps cut through lingering scents.

Air Dry Thoroughly

Allow coats to fully air dry rather than tossing into crowded lockers while damp.

Use Oxygen Bleach

Oxygen bleach helps deodorize as it brightens. Add to wash or presoak coats before washing.

Steam Clean

Use a handheld steamer to penetrate coat fabric and release trapped odors between washes.

Freeze Overnight

For severe odors, place coats in a plastic bag and freeze overnight. Freezing can kill odor causing bacteria.

Expose to Sun

Hang coats in direct sun to naturally sanitize and air them out. Sunlight’s UV rays kill odor causing germs.

Change Coat Protectors

If using external coat protectors, promptly throw away soiled ones don’t transfer smell to coats.

Vent Lockers

Ensure chef coat storage areas are well ventilated and not humid environments promoting microbial growth.

Add Baking Soda

Sprinkle some baking soda onto coats before storing to help absorb lingering odors. Let sit before brushing off.

FAQs

How often should you wash chef coats?

Ideally, chef coats should be washed after every use. At a minimum, they should be laundered after every 2-3 uses. Washing frequently prevents stains from setting and helps control odors.

What temperature should you wash chef coats?

Chef coats should be washed with the hottest water recommended for the fabric, usually around 160°F if possible. Hot temperatures better sanitize and remove food-based soils. Check clothing labels to avoid damage.

Can you put chef coats in the dryer?

It’s best to fully air dry chef coats rather than placing in a hot dryer which can cause premature damage over time. If drying is needed, use medium heat and remove immediately when dry.

How do you get food stains out of a white chef coat?

For food stains, scrape off any chunks first, then pretreat with an enzyme cleaner made for food soils before washing. For tough stains, apply the enzyme cleaner then let soak for 30 minutes before washing. Hot water also helps release food residues.

Why do my white chef coats turn yellow?

Yellowing of white chef coats over time is usually caused by body oils reacting with heat to oxidize. Washing regularly in hot water with enough detergent and using bleaching agents can help combat a yellow discoloration.

What is the best material for chef coats?

Look for tightly woven, medium weight cotton/polyester blend fabrics when choosing chef coats. Synthetic blended fabrics release stains easier. Also seek out stain-resistant coatings for added protection and easy-care performance.

How do you brighten dingy chef coats?

To brighten up dingy coats, use techniques like soaking in lemon juice and baking soda, boiling with whitening detergent, drying in sunlight, using commercial whitening products in the wash, and bleaching if safe for the fabric.

How do you get cooking smells out of chef coats?

To remove odors from chef coats, wash them promptly after use in hot water with oxygen bleach added. Also try soaking coats in diluted vinegar, steaming, freezing overnight, or hanging in sunlight to naturally deodorize.

Can you put chef coats in storage dirty?

No, chef coats should always be thoroughly washed and dried before placing into long term storage, otherwise stains may set and mildew can grow. Take time to fully clean coats before carefully folding and sealing away.

Conclusion

Caring for chef coats properly results in crisper, longer-lasting uniforms. By washing frequently in hot water with professional detergents, pretreating stains, and taking caution during storage, coats will stay bright white and professional looking even after years of daily use. Implementing these best practices helps maintain the cleanliness expected of a chef’s uniform. With some diligent care, those coats will continue looking pristine shift after shift.

Keeping Chef Coats White

As a professional chef, keeping your uniform bright white and stain-free can be a challenge in a busy kitchen environment. However, with consistent care and effort, it is possible to maintain the clean, professional look expected of a chef’s coat. Here are some helpful tips and strategies for keeping your chef coats looking their absolute whitest:

Washing Tips for Whitest Coats

Wash coats after every use in the hottest water safe for the fabric
Use an oxygen-based bleach alternative weekly
Occasionally wash in hot water with a laundry stripping agent to remove buildup
Check that detergent is fully rinsed away as residues attract dirt
Air dry completely and avoid over-drying with heat
Stain pretreat any visible spots with an enzyme cleaner before washing
Turn coats inside out before washing to better expose stained areas
Use an antimicrobial laundry sanitizer to kill bacteria that causes odors

Removing Stubborn Stains

Lightly scrub oil/grease stains with baking soda before washing
Soak blood or protein stains overnight in cold water before washing
Rub salt directly into berry or wine stains to help lift color
Attack tough coffee and tea stains with a borax paste solution
Use diluted chlorine bleach to eliminate colored food dye stains
Pretreat ink stains with isopropyl alcohol or hairspray before washing
Squirt dish soap directly on food grease stains to cut through gunk

Day-to-Day Care Between Washes

Immediately treat any new stains at the end of shifts
Use plastic aprons or coat protectors while prepping messy ingredients
Promptly hang coats neatly after each use to allow airflow
Do not leave dirty coats sitting balled up allowing smells to set in
Handwash heavy soil areas like collar and sleeve edges as needed
Use a clothes steamer to release odors between washes
Rinse food debris from coats in a utility sink at the end of shifts

Long Term Storage Considerations

Wash and completely dry coats before storing off-season to avoid mildew
Fold neatly along seams to avoid harsh creases that can tear over time
Seal coats in a breathable garment bag or archival storage box
Store coats separately from street clothes and linens
Add cedar blocks to storage containers to deter moths and repel odors
Refold and air out coats every few months while in storage

When to Replace Chef Coats

After faded areas or thinning fabric can no longer be remedied
When stains have set into fabric and can’t be removed
Small tears or holes have enlarged despite mending
Coats appear discolored, dingy or yellowed despite whitening
Odors remain after washing using all removal methods
Collars, cuffs, or button plackets are excessively frayed
Fabric pilling is unable to be resolved through defuzzing
Garment appears misshapen from improper drying or storage

By being proactive with consistent care and stain removal between washes, investing in quality coats, and taking steps to brighten dingy coats, you can keep your chef uniforms looking professionally white and crisp even after years of daily use.

Keeping Chef Coats White

As a chef, keeping your uniform bright white can be a difficult endeavor, as the coats are subjected daily to grease, food stains, and other soils common in commercial kitchens. However, taking the time to properly care for chef coats, combined with using the right techniques and products, can help keep them looking freshly laundered shift after shift. Here are some helpful tips for maintaining the whitest chef coats possible:

Washing Tips

Wash coats after every use in very hot water, around 160°F if fabric allows. Hot water sanitizes and removes oils.
Use a commercial detergent with oxidizing agents like oxygen bleach. These agents help whiten fabrics and remove stubborn stains.
Add a laundry booster made for food service uniforms