By: Emergency Technical Decon Team
When it comes to cleaning turnout gear, most departments weigh effectiveness and safety, but cost is an equally critical factor, especially when budgets are tight. What many don’t realize is that traditional water extraction methods can quietly expand a department’s budget over time, while also often degrading the lifespan of the gear itself.
Water Extraction: Hidden Costs Add Up
Water extraction (also known as conventional washing or wet cleaning) is widely used, but often misunderstood. While the upfront cost per wash may appear lower, the long-term financial implications include:
- Accelerated gear degradation – repeated exposure to water and detergents wears down moisture barriers and thermal liners faster
- More frequent gear replacement – reducing a turnout’s usable life by even one year can cost thousands per firefighter
- Higher treatment and disposal fees – contaminated runoff from water washing may require environmental compliance and disposal measures
- Reduced contaminant removal – studies show water cleaning struggles to eliminate PFAS, hydrocarbons, and VOCs, increasing long-term health liabilities
Liquid CO2+: Designed for Longevity and Savings
Liquid CO2+ cleaning is a dry, pressurized process that uses recycled liquid carbon dioxide to lift out contaminants, without damaging fabric or structure. That adds up to real savings:
- Up to 84% PFAS removal, meaning less risk and liability
- Gear lasts longer, preserving protective qualities, so departments delay costly replacement cycles
- Zero water runoff, removing the need for costly drainage systems or hazardous waste handling
- Fewer repairs and reorders, thanks to reduced material stress and consistent results
Image property of Emergency Technical Decon
The Verdict: It’s Not Just What You Pay—It’s What You Keep
Departments that switch to Liquid CO2+ cleaning reduce gear turnover, environmental costs, and downstream health risks. The result is cleaner gear, healthier crews, and a stronger bottom line.
Learn how much you could save. Request a service or talk to the ETD team.
