The most delicate clothing in your wardrobe should always be washed by hand! Avoid using a washing machine to ensure the garment keeps its shape, colour, and overall look.
The most delicate clothing in your wardrobe should always be washed by hand! Avoid using a washing machine to ensure the garment keeps it's shape, colour, and overall look. Before you wash the clothing, always check the care label, and follow any instructions outlined. If your clothing has a dry clean label, always follow this advice and take your item to a professional cleaner. Follow our seven steps below to care for your delicate items.
1. Start with a clean sink
This step is easy to forget but could be the most crucial. Kitchen sinks hold traces of grease and oils which can be transferred when cleaning cloths. Bathroom sinks have traces of persona care products that can in turn bleach delicate items.
2. Filling the sink
Filling the sink with water before adding the items is key, the force of water can stretch some fabrics. When hand-washing clothes you need to ensure you use cold-warm water (never more than 85 degrees), if your water is too hot you will lose colour or encourage shrinkage.
3. Adding the Detergent
When washing items by hand, use no more than one small spoonful of gentle detergent. You do not need to add a lot to get a clean item; too much detergent can actually leave residue in the fibres and can cause the item to deteriorate. Always add the detergent to the water before the item and stir the water to ensure all the detergent is distributed and dissolved.
4. Soak and Swish the Garment
Never overload your sink, ensure the item has plenty of room. Allow the item to be completely saturated for at least 5 minutes, and gently swish through the water. Never twist or scrub the item as this could stretch or damage the fabric.
5. Drain the Sink and Rinse the Garment (repeat step)
Once the item has been cleaned, lift the item from the water and drain the soapy water. Do not twist (wring) the item as it can cause damage. Then fill the sink with cold water and leave the item to soak. Repeat this step until the item no longer holds soapy water.
6. Absorb Excess Water
Lighter items can be hung to drip dry immediately after step five. However, for larger/heavier items, place these items on a thick towel and roll both items up to absorb the water. You may need to repeat this step with a second towel.
7. Air-Dry the Garment
Place the item on a flat surface to dry in a well-ventilated space. Do not place items by a heat source, ensure all items are dried at room temperature. For all knitwear, ensure you reshape the item before drying.