What criteria should be considered when cleaning PPE?

The most important factor to consider when cleaning personal protective equipment (PPE) is the type of contamination. Different contaminants, such as chemicals, biological agents, or particulates, may require specific cleaning processes or agents to ensure proper decontamination and maintain the integrity of the gear. It's essential to identify the nature of the contamination to choose the appropriate cleaning method and avoid damaging the materials of the PPE.

Other options, such as the color of the gear, weight, and brand, do not significantly impact the cleaning process. While color may affect the appearance of the gear, it does not influence the effectiveness of cleaning or decontamination. The weight of the gear and its brand are factors related to usability and comfort, but they do not play a role in determining the cleaning protocols required for various types of contaminants.