Water Wash vs. CO2 Cleaning: What’s the Best Choice for Firefighter PPE?

By Kindra Foley, PPE Sales and Marketing Director, Tersus Solutions

In the fire service, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the frontline defense for firefighters. But exposure to smoke, soot, diesel exhaust, oils, PFAS, and other harmful contaminants means that gear isn’t just dirty after a call—it can be toxic.

Cleaning PPE is essential to protect firefighter health and extend the life of the gear. But how it’s cleaned matters. Today, two distinct methods are used across the industry: traditional water-based extraction and liquid CO₂ cleaning. While both aim to remove harmful substances, they work in fundamentally different ways—and deliver very different results.

Let’s break it down.

The Method: Water vs. Solvent

Water Washing:

• Uses water, detergents, and mechanical agitation to clean gear.

• Works best for removing water-soluble contaminants like salts and some biological materials.

• Often requires long drying times, especially for bulky gear.

CO₂ Cleaning:

• Uses liquid carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a solvent, combined with agitation inside a sealed, closed-loop system.

• Penetrates deeply into fabrics without wetting them.

• Especially effective on hydrophobic contaminants like oil, fuel, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), and PFAS residue.

  
  

What It Removes: Surface Dirt vs. Deep Contaminants

Water Washing:

• Good for visible dirt and soot on outer layers.

• Less effective at removing lipophilic toxins, which often embed in inner layers of PPE.

• May leave behind residual contaminants depending on detergent and rinse quality.

CO₂ Cleaning:

• Proven to remove over 98% of PAHs, which are among the most carcinogenic compounds firefighters are exposed to.

• Targets both surface and deeply embedded toxins in moisture barriers, liners, and outer shells.

• Does not degrade the material or protective finishes like water can.

Gear Longevity & Performance

Water Washing:

• Repeated wash cycles can degrade fabric coatings, reflective trim, and moisture barriers.

• Prolonged exposure to water and heat from dryers may reduce gear lifespan.

CO₂ Cleaning:

• Gentle on materials; no water, high heat, or harsh chemicals involved.

• Extends the life of turnout gear by maintaining structural integrity.

• No drying required—gear comes out clean, dry, and ready for reassembly.

Environmental Impact

Water Washing:

• Generates wastewater that may contain toxic runoff and microfibers.

• Requires detergents, energy for drying, and careful wastewater disposal.

CO₂ Cleaning:

• Closed-loop system: recycles and reuses the CO₂.

• No wastewater or discharge into the environment. Instead, the waste—composed of extracted contaminants—is collected in a 55-gallon drum and safely removed by a licensed hazmat disposal company.

• No added chemicals or solvents—CO₂ is naturally occurring and non-toxic.

Firefighter Health Implications

The long-term health effects of toxin exposure are real. Many harmful substances can linger on dirty gear and be absorbed through the skin or inhaled over time.

Traditional methods can’t always reach the hidden contaminants. CO₂ cleaning doesn’t just clean what you see—it cleans what you can’t, helping departments meet rising expectations for gear decontamination and overall firefighter wellness.

Final Thoughts

Both cleaning methods serve a purpose—but as departments face growing scrutiny around firefighter cancer risk, PPE preservation, and environmental responsibility, CO₂ cleaning is emerging as the superior choice for comprehensive gear maintenance.

At Tersus Solutions, we believe that firefighters deserve the best protection—not just on the fireground, but in the everyday maintenance of the gear that keeps them safe. CO₂ technology is changing the standard of cleanliness in the fire service. And it's just the beginning.