Chef Gear Hacks: How to Keep Your Uniform Looking Fresh

A good chef’s uniform does more than look the part - it’s a tool for confidence, hygiene, and safety. But between the oil splatters, wine spills, flour dust, and long, sweaty shifts, even the crispest chef gear can start to look worn down fast.

At Chef Gear, we’ve seen what real kitchens do to jackets, aprons, and pants. That’s why we’re sharing practical, battle-tested hacks to keep your chef uniform looking (and smelling) fresh - day after day, shift after shift.

1. Choose the Right Fabric from the Start

The first hack happens before the first stain - buy quality gear.

Chef uniforms made from poly-cotton blends are durable, breathable, and easier to clean than pure cotton. Look for fabrics labelled stain-resistant or pre-shrunk, and opt for darker colours or checkered pants if your kitchen gets particularly messy.

Explore: Chef Jackets | Chef Pants

2. Pre-Treat Stains Immediately

The longer a stain sits, the deeper it sets. As soon as service ends: 

• Rinse spills with cold water - hot water can set proteins (like egg or dairy)
• Apply a bit of baking soda paste, dish soap, or white vinegar to the stain
• Let it soak before tossing it in the wash

For oil splatters or grease, corn-starch or talcum powder can help absorb excess before treating.

Bonus hack: Keep a mini stain stick in your locker or bag for on-the-go emergencies.

3. Wash Smart, not Hard

Don’t just throw your uniform in with the rest of the laundry.

• Wash inside out to protect prints or embroidery
• Use cold or warm water (not hot) to prevent shrinking and fading
• Avoid overloading the machine - uniforms need room to rinse
• Add a splash of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to fight odours and keep whites bright

Use a mild detergent to preserve colour and fabric. Harsh chemicals can damage the fibres and shorten the life of your gear.

4. Skip the Fabric Softener

Fabric softeners may make your clothes feel nice, but they leave a residue that traps smells and reduces absorbency.

In a kitchen, you want your gear to breathe, wick away sweat, and release odours - not hold onto them. Stick to vinegar in the rinse cycle or use a baking soda boost in the wash.

5. Air-Dry Whenever Possible

Yes, tumble dryers are fast - but they’re also brutal on uniforms. Heat weakens fibres, fades colours, and causes shrinkage. Instead:

• Hang your jackets and aprons outside or near a window
• Use hangers to reduce wrinkles
• If you must machine dry, use a low-heat setting and remove items promptly

Pro tip: While your uniform is still slightly damp, give it a quick shake and flatten any creases by hand - you may not even need to iron.

6. Separate Your Gear from Casual Wear

This may sound obvious, but it's often overlooked: keep your chef gear separate from your everyday clothes - both in the wash and your wardrobe.

• Don’t wear your jacket to the grocery store
• Don’t toss your apron in with your jeans
• Store clean uniforms in a dedicated drawer, bag, or locker

Cross-contamination can carry smells (and stains) into your other garments. Keeping uniforms separate helps them stay cleaner and last longer.

7. Neutralise Odours Like a Pro

Even if your jacket looks clean, does it smell clean?

Soak in baking soda + water overnight for stubborn odours

Use activated charcoal pouches in your gear bag or locker

Add a few drops of essential oil (like tea tree or eucalyptus) to your wash for a natural fresh scent

Avoid masking smells with heavy perfumes or colognes - especially in open kitchens. Aim for clean, not overpowering.

8. Mend Before You Replace

That tiny tear on your apron or missing button on your jacket? Don’t ignore it. A little maintenance goes a long way.

• Keep a basic sewing kit nearby
• Reinforce loose stitching before it becomes a full rip
• Replace buttons or snaps quickly - especially on double-breasted jackets

If you're not confident with a needle and thread, visit a local tailor or ask a friend or colleague if they can help. It’s cheaper than buying new.

9. Rotate Your Uniforms

If you’re wearing the same jacket five days a week, it’s going to wear out - fast.

Ideally, you should have:

• At least 2–3 jackets to rotate through the week
• Multiple aprons to swap between services
• A backup set of pants and accessories for emergencies

Browse: Essential Chef Basics

Rotating your wardrobe extends the life of each item and gives your gear a chance to fully dry, air out, and rest between shifts.

A clean, well-kept uniform doesn’t just help you look sharp—it shows you care about your craft, your hygiene, and your team. With a few smart habits and Chef Gear hacks, you can keep your chef wear looking (and feeling) fresh for longer.

Whether you're behind the grill, on the pass, or in front of house, we’ve got your back with hard-wearing, functional, and stylish chef gear designed for real kitchens.