In your closet, you probably have some clothes that you love more than the others, because they flatter your figure or they simply go well with everything. If these favorite pieces of clothing of yours are made of delicate fabrics like silk, linen, cashmere, or lace, then you need to provide them with special care and attention to keep them in good shape. This way, you can still wear them even after many years.
Let’s take a look at the care tips you can follow to ensure you get the most wear out of your favorite delicate clothing items.
Read the Labels
Be honest: when was the last time you actually checked the care labels attached to your clothes? Do you even know what those laundry symbols mean? Before throwing your clothes willy-nilly in your washing machine, take the time to read the care instructions on the label. While these symbols may just as well be hieroglyphics to you, they actually provide washing, bleaching, and ironing instructions to ensure your clothing doesn’t get ruined in the process of cleaning them.
Separate Delicates from Regular Laundry
Delicate fabrics, with their delicate fibers, have a tendency to snag, so much so that even just rubbing against rough or heavy fabrics like denim can cause small tears. For this reason, you should separate clothes made from thin, delicate fabric from your regular, everyday wear.
Choose the Right Washing Method
In washing delicate fabrics, you have two choices—the delicate setting on your washing machine or good old-fashioned handwashing.
When you buy a front load washing machine for washing your clothes, make sure that the delicate setting is really ideal for delicate fabrics. You don’t want too much agitation that could rip your clothing into pieces. Meanwhile, hand washing remains to be the most ideal way to preserve your delicate clothing because you have full control over how gently you treat your clothes.
Use Mild Detergents
The logic is simple: delicate fabrics need mild or gentle detergents. Most “general purpose” laundry detergents contain stronger chemicals or ingredients which are formulated to be faster and more effective in removing dirt and stains. However, these detergents can also leave fabrics so much more fragile than before. To keep your delicate clothing in good condition, choose a detergent that’s specifically formulated for delicates. You can check the label if the product is meant for delicate fabrics, or you can also check the ingredient list.
Invest in a Laundry Wash Bag
For an extra layer of protection, consider investing in a laundry wash bag to shield your delicate garments from the perils of the washing machine. These handy accessories provide a barrier between fabrics and any potential hazards lurking within the confines of the washer, such as zippers, buttons, or other abrasive materials.
To use, simply place your delicate items inside the wash bag before tossing them into the machine, and rest easy knowing they’re safe from harm.
Air Dry Your Delicates
Putting your delicates in the wash is already a gamble, so don’t push your luck even further by using the tumble or spin dryer to dry them.
After the machine is done with your laundry, simply hang your delicates to air dry in a well-ventilated area. Not only does air drying help preserve the fabric’s integrity, but it also reduces the risk of shrinkage or distortion to ensure your garments maintain their perfect fit.
Store Your Delicate Garments Properly
Once your garments are clean and dry, it’s time to turn your attention to proper handling and storage. After all, proper storage is essential for preserving the beauty and integrity of delicate fabrics.
First, you have to avoid hanging delicate items on wire hangers to prevent unsightly creases or marks. Instead, opt for padded or wooden hangers to provide gentle support and maintain the garment’s shape over time. Some items may also not be suitable for hanging, such as knitwear, lace, and beaded clothes. These items should instead be folded carefully.Second, check to see if the shelf or container you’re using to stow away contains any loose screws, nails, or other sharp bits. Remove these immediately before storing your delicate clothes to prevent snagging.
You may also want to invest in other storage solutions like garment bags, acid-free tissue paper to place in between folded garments, and natural pest control like cedar or lavender sachets. Lastly, don’t put too many clothes inside your closet in the interest of saving space because it will only cause unnecessary friction between fabrics. An overcrowded closet also prevents clothes from getting enough air, which can lead to the formation of mold and mildew.
Caring for delicate fabrics like silk and linen may require a bit of extra effort, but the rewards far outweigh the investment. Through the care tips above, you can ensure your delicate garments remain as beautiful and luxurious as the day you brought them home.