Young woman working as a restaurant chef and telling she just made a delicious dinner. Proud female cooker kissing her fingers
You can be sure you will get dirty working in restaurants, regardless of whether you are at the front or the back. Even if you aren’t cooking, there will be spills and your jacket can smell like grease and smoke.
You are making an investment in chef pieces. While you are aware that they won’t last forever, it is important to keep them looking as clean and new as possible. Keep your uniform looking fresh and clean by reading the following tips. This will make you appear professional and polished.
Invest in High Quality Products
Although it may seem obvious, chef uniforms can be difficult to find. You may not see the difference between a cheaper brand of jacket or apron, but the difference is evident. The thicker, more durable products will last longer and are easier to clean. These fabrics retain color and can withstand repeated washings.
You don’t need to spend a lot to get quality chef wear. They are durable and stylish.
You’ll know how frustrating it is to constantly replace cheap chef jackets from mass-market stores if you have ever bought them. Stop doing it. You can save money by purchasing the best pieces at a lower price. It’s almost impossible to need to replace your pieces as often as you want.
Care labels
You shouldn’t wash your chef jacket with regular clothes. Follow the label instructions. To ensure they last a long period of time, care instructions have been created for each piece.
Don’t assume that every jacket is the same. You should read the label on all products you buy, regardless of whether they are an apron or hat . Follow the instructions closely. This simple tip is often overlooked by many people. It can extend the product’s life significantly.
Stains should be treated immediately
It doesn’t matter if you are a waitress, chef or head chef, spillages and stains are inevitable. It is important to get rid of them as soon as possible. The type of stain you want to treat will vary, but it is important to get treatment right away.
Remove all solid food items before you treat a stain. Do not rub a stain. Otherwise, you will likely rub grease, oil or sauce into your clothes. Club soda can be used to treat many stains. It’s simple and easy, especially if you have a bar.
Launder the item immediately after you return home. Before you dry it, make sure it is clean. Drying can cause stains to set and become difficult to remove.
Always keep an extra jacket or apron on hand
You should invest in a second jacket, or apron if you have the money. If you do happen to spill something on it, you can immediately clean it up and soak the item in water. Even if the back-up is of lower quality, it will still be worth it if it keeps your main gear in top condition.
Skip the obvious
Although it may seem that chlorine bleach is the best option to keep your white jacket white and clean, it can actually cause yellowing.
You can instead use an oxygen-based bleach to keep your items bright and white.
You can soak your jacket in warm water and one cup of oxygen-based bleach if it is starting to look dingy. Let it soak for 24 hours before washing. You can keep your jackets white by adding a cup vinegar to the rinse cycle.
If your employer allows you to buy a jacket in a different color, it may be worth considering.
Take care of your items and store them properly
No matter your job, you are tired after a hard day. You want to change clothes, relax, or go to sleep. But before you do that, you need to take the time to get rid of your jacket and apron. Hanging them up will prevent them from getting dirt, hair, or other long-term damage.
You can also hang them up right away, so they can be worn longer without needing to be washed every time.
As with everything, proper care can make a big difference in the longevity of your products. This applies to neckties, hats, and any other items you have spent a lot of money on.
You need to know when it’s time for a replacement
Your uniform should last for a long time. However, no uniform is perfect. You can extend the life of your uniform by doing everything you can, but sometimes things happen that cannot be reversed. Your jacket and apron may not be able to withstand some stains such as bleach, other chemicals, food dyes and wines. There are some things that cannot be fixed, such as rips and tears. It’s not always pleasant but sometimes it’s better to just buy new.
Avoiding wearing chef gear outside of the kitchen is one way to avoid such accidents. For example, don’t wear your jacket while running errands or before work. Consider removing your jacket if you have to work with something that could stain your clothes.
Do not throw away old jackets or aprons. These are great for cleaning grease traps, scrubbing food that has stains, and other kitchen chores that need to be done.
Conclusion
It’s never easy to work in a restaurant, whether you are a hostess, bartender or cook. Stains are inevitable, often without warning. You can stop your uniforms from becoming stained or even destroyed if you act quickly.
These two factors, along with the above guidelines, will ensure that you always look your best in the kitchen.
