How to Properly Clean Firefighter Hoods: A Complete Guide

Why Cleaning Fire Hoods Matters

Firefighter hoods are one of the most overlooked but critically important elements of personal protective equipment (PPE). Designed to shield the head, neck, and face from heat and particulates, these hoods are often worn at every call—yet they’re rarely cleaned as often as they should be. That oversight can come at a high cost.

Every time a firefighter enters a burning structure, their gear—including their hood—absorbs a mix of toxic smoke, carcinogenic particulates, chemicals, and sometimes even biological contaminants. Over time, these substances embed into the fabric, potentially exposing firefighters to:

• Skin absorption of toxins

• Respiratory irritation

• Long-term cancer risks

• Cross-contamination of living areas and vehicles

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), routine cleaning and maintenance of structural firefighting gear is essential to prevent ongoing exposure and to ensure maximum performance during critical moments.

Fire Hood Contamination Risks

Firefighting hoods are essential PPE, but they are also highly susceptible to dangerous contamination during routine calls. Understanding these contamination risks is the first step in ensuring proper decontamination practices. Neglecting to clean your fire hood properly can result in serious health consequences over time.

Smoke Particulates and Fire Gases

During structural firefighting, hoods absorb microscopic smoke particles and combustion gases. These contaminants can embed in the hood's fibers and remain active even after the fire is extinguished. Common toxic substances include:

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) – many of which are carcinogenic

• Formaldehyde, benzene, and other volatile organic compounds

• Soot, which carries a range of toxins

These contaminants may not be visible but can cause cumulative health issues including cancer and respiratory problems. Studies show that gear contaminated with fireground particulates can continue off-gassing harmful substances for hours or even days post-exposure.

Biological Factors

Firefighters are frequently exposed to bodily fluids at accident scenes or medical calls. If a hood comes into contact with:

• Blood

• Saliva

• Vomit

• Other body fluids

… it becomes a vector for infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B/C, HIV, or other bloodborne pathogens.

Fire hoods must be treated as biohazardous materials when such contamination occurs and sanitized appropriately before reuse.

Chemical Exposure

Fire scenes can involve a mix of industrial and household chemicals. Fire hoods may absorb:

• Cleaning agents and solvents

• Fertilizers or pesticides

• Hazardous industrial materials

Chemical contamination not only reduces the protective integrity of the hood but can also result in chemical burns, rashes, or systemic toxicity through skin absorption.

When to Clean Your Fire Hood

One of the most important steps in firefighter cancer prevention and PPE maintenance is knowing when to clean your fire hood. Waiting too long between cleanings increases the risk of exposure to dangerous contaminants and can compromise the hood’s protective performance.

Below is a breakdown of when and how often your fire hood should be cleaned based on industry standards, NFPA guidelines, and best practices.

After Every Contamination Event

Any time your fire hood is exposed to it must be cleaned and sanitized before your next use:

• Smoke

• Soot

• Blood or bodily fluids

• Hazardous chemicals

• Toxic gases

• Unknown substances

After Medical or Rescue Calls with Biohazard Exposure

If your hood has been used during incidents involving it should be sanitized immediately, even if visible contamination isn’t present:

• Medical assistance

• Traffic accidents

• Hazmat response

Many harmful pathogens are invisible to the eye and can remain active in fabric for days.

As Part of Routine Advanced Cleaning

According to NFPA 1851, your fire hood must undergo advanced cleaning:

• At least twice per year

• After each advanced inspection

• Any time routine cleaning isn't sufficient

Advanced cleaning involves specialized equipment, personnel, or verified independent service providers. It’s more thorough than spot or routine cleaning and may include sanitization and decontamination procedures not possible with basic washing.

After Preliminary Exposure Reduction (PER)

PER is a field decon process done at the fireground to remove gross contamination. But even after PER, your hood is not clean enough for reuse. A full cleaning and sanitization must follow once you're back at the station.

If the Hood Smells, Feels Oily, or Appears Dirty

Even if your hood hasn't been at a major fire, lingering signs of contamination mean it's time to clean:

• Persistent smoke odor

• A slimy or tacky texture

• Visible stains or discoloration

Following Inspection Findings

Both routine and advanced inspections can reveal contamination or wear that requires immediate attention. Always clean the hood if any of the following is found:

• Dirt or grime

• Blood or fluid stains

• Char marks, burns, or melted fabric

• Loss of elasticity around the SCBA face opening

Situation	Cleaning Required?	Steps to Take
After fire or smoke exposure	✅ Yes	Clean and sanitize as soon as possible
After medical/biohazard call	✅ Yes	Use EPA-registered disinfectants
Routine advanced cleaning	✅ Yes – every 6 months	Follow NFPA 1851 and document the cleaning
Post-inspection if issues are found	✅ Yes	Address soiling, damage, or odors
After preliminary exposure reduction	✅ Yes	Must follow with full cleaning and sanitizing
If hood looks, smells, or feels dirty	✅ Yes	Don’t wait—wash before next use

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Fire Hoods

Hand Cleaning Instructions

1. Fill a utility sink with warm water (≤ 105°F) and mild detergent. Let the hood soak for at least 10 minutes.

2. Gently rub the fabric—outside first, then inside.

3. Do not wring or stretch the hood.

4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

5. Lay flat or on a rack to air dry in a ventilated area.

Machine Cleaning Instructions (Preferred over hand cleaning)

1. Use only front-loading washer/extractors.

2. Do not exceed 100Gs during extraction.

3. Wash with other hoods only—not PPE or uniforms.

4. Brush off debris before washing with a soft bristle brush.

5. Use mild detergent (pH 6.0–10.5).

6. Wash temp: ≤ 105°F. Dry temp: ≤ 105°F.

7. Dry in a cool, shaded, well-ventilated space.

Sanitization (for Biohazards)

1. Place hoods in the washer/extractor.

2. Fill to a maximum of ≤ 95°F on a low water setting.

3. Use EPA-registered disinfectants safe for textiles.

4. Apply via soak tank or washer-extractor (10 min dwell time).

5. Drain for 1 minute.

6. Extract on a low water setting for 4 minutes.

7. Follow with full Advanced Cleaning.

Specialized Cleaning (for hazardous contaminants)

• For chemicals, fentanyl, asbestos, etc.

• Conducted only by verified service providers.

• May use higher temps (up to 140°F) if permitted.

Cleaning Precautions and What to Avoid

• No bleach or chlorine-based products

• No fabric softeners

• No top-loading machines

• No direct sunlight drying

• No harsh solvents or high-alkaline detergents

• Do NOT wash hoods with other PPE garments

How to Inspect Your Fire Hood

You should inspect your firefighting hood before first use, after each use, and annually. You will want to look for: rips, holes, melting, over-stretched openings, loose seams, and illegible labels.

Proper Fire Hood Storage Tips

After cleaning your fire hood, how you store it is just as important as how you wash it. Improper storage can recontaminate, damage, or degrade the hood’s materials—reducing its protective effectiveness and shortening its lifespan.

To ensure your fire hood stays clean, dry, and ready for duty, follow these firefighter-approved storage practices based on NFPA 1851 guidelines and manufacturer recommendations.

Always Store Your Hood Clean and Dry

Storing a dirty or damp hood creates the perfect conditions for:

• Bacterial growth

• Mold and mildew

• Foul odors

• Fabric deterioration

Avoid Sunlight and Heat Exposure

Sunlight and high temperatures can break down fire-resistant fabrics and elastic components. Over time, this weakens the hood’s:

• Thermal protection

• Stretch and fit

• Color fastness (discoloration may signal degradation)

Do Not Fold, Stretch, or Compress the Hood Unnaturally

Avoid tension on elastic or seams by:

• Laying the hood flat or loosely rolled

• Not storing it with the face opening pulled tight

• Keeping it out of overstuffed gear bags or coat pockets

Repeated folding or stuffing can deform the face opening, compromising the SCBA seal during use.

Never Store Your Hood with Contaminated PPE

Your freshly cleaned hood can pick up contamination from:

• Dirty coats or pants

• Soot-covered gloves

• Tools and helmet liners

Always keep clean gear separate from contaminated gear. If possible, use separate bags or compartments to avoid cross-contamination.

Fire Hood Storage Do’s and Don’ts

✅ Do This	❌ Avoid This
Store hood clean, dry, and aired	Storing hood while damp or dirty
Use a cool, shaded area	Leaving it in direct sunlight or a hot car
Use breathable gear bags or racks	Compressing it tightly in duffel bags
Keep it away from contaminants	Storing with tools, chemicals, or other PPE
Label your storage area	Tossing it into coat or pant pockets

When to Retire or Replace Your Fire Hood

Just like turnout gear and helmets, your fire hood has a limited-service life. Even with proper cleaning and storage, wear and tear, exposure to high heat, and repeated contamination will eventually break down its protective integrity.

Fire hoods should be retired and replaced after ten years from the manufacture date. If a hood is damaged, contaminated beyond repair, or no longer fits securely, it should also be replaced. 

Proper Disposal of Retired Hoods

1. Cut the hood into pieces before disposal

2. Clearly label as "Non-Serviceable PPE"

3. If contaminated, follow local, state, and federal hazardous waste regulations

Order New Fire Hoods from Majestic Fire Apparel or Contact Our Dealers

A well-maintained fire hood can help save your life—but only if it’s in proper working condition. Make inspection and replacement a regular part of your department’s safety culture, and you’ll be protecting more than just skin—you’ll be safeguarding health, longevity, and trust in the gear that protects you. When it’s time to replace your fire hoods, choose Majestic Fire Apparel for your new hoods manufacturer. Reach out to our team or contact a dealer today!