Protecting What Matters Most: How a Laundry Program from CITY Helps Stop Take-Home Toxins

In industrial workplaces, danger doesn’t always clock out at the end of the shift. Invisible contaminants—oil, heavy metals, solvents, and other harmful substances—can cling to work uniforms long after the work is done. Without a proper laundering solution in place, these toxins often travel home with employees, putting their families and loved ones at risk.

At CITY Laundering, we believe safety doesn’t stop at the facility door.

“We want to keep people safe, not just our customers and their employees, but their families too,” said Colin Wetlaufer, President of CITY Laundering. “It’s our responsibility to make sure contaminants stay at work and don’t make their way into someone’s home.”

What Are Take-Home Toxins?

Take-home toxins refer to workplace contaminants that hitch a ride on clothing, shoes, and gear—often without being seen or noticed. These might include:

1. Solvents, oils, and greases
2. Lead or other heavy metals
3. Asbestos or silica dust
4. Biological or chemical residues

Once at home, these can easily transfer to surfaces, children’s hands, laundry machines, or even be inhaled—creating long-term health concerns for family members.

The Problem with Home Washing

Too often, employees are expected to wash their uniforms at home. While this might seem convenient or cost-effective on the surface, the risks are significant:

1. Household washers aren’t built to handle industrial toxins
2. Cross-contamination with family laundry is common
3. Toxins can enter vents, plumbing, or remain in the washer drum
4. There’s no guarantee of full removal or decontamination

The result? Harmful substances meant to be contained at work are now present in a living room, laundry basket, or child’s play area.

CITY’s Safe, Professional Solution

CITY’s uniform rental and laundering program is specifically designed to contain, remove, and safely handle contaminants—so they never leave the work environment.

Here’s how we help protect your employees and their families:

✅ Contamination-Free Pickup & Delivery

Soiled uniforms are picked up and transported in secure containers—no more taking dirty garments home.

✅ Advanced Washing Processes

Our commercial washers use precisely calibrated detergents, water temperatures, and mechanical action to eliminate oils, chemicals, and toxins far beyond what a home washer can handle.

✅ Uniform Inspections & Repairs

Every garment is inspected for damage and replaced or repaired as needed, ensuring full coverage and safety every time it’s worn.

✅ Barcode & RFID Tracking

We track every garment through each phase of our system to ensure it’s properly laundered, returned to the right person, and never lost or overlooked.

✅ Customized Industry Programs

Whether you’re in manufacturing, metal fabrication, or food production, we tailor your laundry program to meet your industry’s specific contamination risks.

A Safer Workforce Starts with the Right Partner

It’s easy to overlook the risk of take-home toxins, but the effects can be serious—and long-lasting. Choosing a professional laundering partner like CITY shows your employees (and their families) that you’re taking every step to protect them beyond the job site.

“We’re proud to be the extra layer of protection between the job and the home,” Colin added. “It’s something our customers trust us with—and something we take personally.”

Don’t Let Hidden Hazards Go Home

If your team is still washing work uniforms at home, now is the time to make a change. With CITY’s managed laundry program, you can stop the spread of contamination before it starts—helping your team stay focused on the job, while knowing their families are safe.

Talk to Us Today

Let’s build a safer, smarter program together.