Your step-by-step guide to how RedLine Gear Cleaning delivers compliant, convenient, and complete gear care—right at your station!
Introduction
When it comes to firefighter safety, turnout gear isn’t just equipment—it’s protection, identity, and survival. But over time, that gear collects more than soot and sweat. It holds onto carcinogens, grime, and invisible hazards that can put your crew at risk.
That’s why cleaning, inspecting, and repairing gear isn’t just important—it’s essential.
At RedLine Gear Cleaning, we’ve revolutionized this process with our Mobile Extraction Unit® (MEU)—the industry’s first and only on-site solution for NFPA 1851-compliant gear cleaning, inspection, and repair.
Whether you’ve already booked your first RedLine visit or are just considering it, this guide walks you through exactly what to expect—from the moment we schedule the visit to the time your gear is returned clean, inspected, and ready for action.
Pre-Visit Communication & Scheduling
Your RedLine experience begins with a conversation. After you fill out our quick online form or reach out directly, our team will schedule a call to gather essential details:
- Number of gear sets
- Preferred service date(s)
- Location logistics
- Point of contact communication
- Any special requests, such as gear types or post-incident decon
We’ll also confirm your department’s needs for documentation and reporting so everything’s squared away for compliance from day one. Once scheduled, you’ll receive a detailed confirmation with all expectations and prep instructions.
Arrival of the Mobile Extraction Unit® (MEU)
On your scheduled cleaning day, our MEU rolls up to your station—fully equipped with commercial-grade washers, dryers, drying cabinets, ultrasonic cleaning tanks, and inspection stations.
Our crew—often firefighters themselves—arrive ready to work. We’ll coordinate setup with your point of contact, ensuring the unit is positioned efficiently and safely. No need to ship gear across the state or track down loaner sets. We’re bringing the service to your door, with all the tools needed for high-volume, high-quality gear care.
Gear Collection & Tagging Process
Before cleaning begins, our crew will collect all the gear to be cleaned. Whether you have it organized and ready to go or if we have to take it from the members locker, we’ll work with you to do whatever works best. We implement a strict tagging and tracking system. Each set of gear is:
- Separation of liners, shells, gloves, and hoods for proper washing
- Logged by firefighter name or ID number
- Tagged for service tracking
- Inspected for visible damage or urgent repair needs
This ensures gear is never misplaced, and every piece receives exactly the care it needs. Our team documents and organizes everything, so you know what’s being cleaned and when it’s ready.
Cleaning, Inspection, and Repair
With gear tagged and sorted, the full-service process begins:
Cleaning
- Advanced cleaning using NFPA 1851-compliant methods and our own proprietary detergents
- We hand scrub gear prior to machine washing
- Multi-cycle machine washing
- Removal of harmful carcinogens, biohazards, and debris
Inspection
- Visual inspection of seams, closures, moisture barriers, and reflectivity
- Documentation of wear, degradation, or failure risks
- Recommendations for repair or retirement if needed
On-Site Repairs (if applicable)
- Minor repairs completed immediately, thanks to our Mobile Repair Unit (MRU)
- Seam reinforcement, patching, Velcro and zipper replacement, and more
RedLine is the first Verified ISP to offer cleaning, inspection, and repair—all on-site, saving you time, money, and logistical headaches.
Drying, Final Checks, and Return
After cleaning, gear is carefully dried using specialized drying cabinets that protect fabric integrity and prevent shrinkage or degradation. We conduct one final inspection before folding and organizing gear into individual gear bags and put in your designated area.
The entire process is completed with speed and precision—typically in one day, depending on the volume of gear.
Reporting and Documentation
Once service is complete, your department receives detailed documentation, including:
- Cleaning and inspection logs per gear set
- Repair records and findings
- Compliance verification with NFPA 1851 standards
These records support audits, budget planning, and long-term PPE tracking.
Why Fire Departments Love the RedLine Process
Departments that work with RedLine often say the same thing: “Why didn’t we do this sooner?” Our process eliminates the most common pain points:
- No more gear out of service for weeks
- No more shipping costs or logistical nightmares
- No more compliance stress
Plus, you’re working with a team that understands your world—because most of us have worn that gear ourselves.
Ready to experience the RedLine difference?
Let us bring compliant, convenient, and complete gear care to your station.
Find your RedLine location and schedule your department’s on-site cleaning today!
Clean Gear Saves Lives.