Wool, lace, silk, embroidery, rhinestones… Delicate clothes must be washed correctly to last longer. See washing tips
Everyone has some delicate clothes in their wardrobe, such as lace, embroidery, wool and others. Even so, not everyone knows how to wash and dry these items the right way. Thus, they end up frustrated with the durability of the clothes.
Therefore, delicate clothes must receive some care when washed and dried. The washing machine can be a villain if not used correctly. Still, it is preferable to wash this type of clothing by hand.
Delicate clothes
First of all, some recommendations apply to any washing of clothes. So, if you want to preserve yours, it’s worth remembering these basic steps.
First, always separate colored, black and white clothes, as they should not be taken together. Furthermore, choosing to wash the same or similar fabrics in the same wash prevents the formation of pilling.
Finally, it is also advisable that zippers and buttons are closed before placing a garment in the machine, to prevent it from snagging and tearing on another fabric. This way, by following these tips and always reading the factory label, your clothes will stay preserved for longer.
Machine wash
The washing machine is anyone’s ally when washing clothes. However, delicate clothes can be ruined if proper care is not taken. After all, no one wants that beautiful lace blouse all fraying.
Therefore, to wash delicate clothes in the machine, separate the items by fabric type, so that they are the same or similar. Then, it is best to turn the pieces inside out.
Even if only delicate clothes are being washed together, using a washing bag is always useful, as it will prevent ultra-delicate items from being damaged by friction with others inside the machine. Don’t forget to close well.
Finally, always set the delicate wash mode on your machine, as this will prevent it from tearing the fabrics apart during the spin cycle. Also, prefer liquid soap to powdered soap, as the liquid takes less time to dilute, and don’t overdo it with the fabric softener.
Wool, leather and linen
Wool is a fabric that can be machine washed, but never at a high temperature. Furthermore, the spin cycle must also be low, to prevent the clothes from shrinking. Linen can be machine washed normally.
However, leather, being a very specific material, should only be washed in dry cleaners and specialized professionals, as it can peel.
Hand washing delicate clothes
Washing delicate clothes by hand would be the best way to keep these types of clothes safe from damage. So, depending on the amount of clothes you need to wash, use your hands and go to the sink.
Generally speaking, for most delicate clothes, a little liquid soap in a bucket or tank of water is enough. Then, submerge the piece completely. If the clothes are very dirty and dingy, you can leave them to soak in soapy water overnight.
When rinsing, just change the water in the bucket or tank. Finally, avoid wringing delicate clothes to avoid causing friction and ruining them.
Clothes with sequins, rhinestones and embroidery
These pieces are very delicate, as anything that is hanging from the seam can come loose more easily. If the application is with glue, it can be damaged by hot water.
Therefore, embroidered and sequined clothes should be placed in a bucket of cold water and left to soak.
Lace and silks
Lace and silk should also be washed by hand, using neutral or coconut soap. In short, if clothes made from these fabrics have embroidery, it is even better if you rub them carefully.
Sodium bicarbonate
If you want your clothes to be even cleaner, baking soda is a powerful ally. With it in a bucket mixed with water, soak your clothes for a day.
Finally, after this pre-wash, simply add half a cup of baking soda to the water when putting these clothes in the machine, always remembering the delicate cycle.
Drying delicate clothes
After understanding how to wash delicate clothes, the drying stage is still important to preserve them. Therefore, each delicate fabric can be dried in a different way.
However, it is best to dry delicate clothes in the shade, in a well-ventilated environment. In short, don’t use a clothes dryer, as it will fray everything and damage the fragile fibers of most fabrics.
When it comes to dress shirts, suits and long clothes, hang them on a clothesline on a hanger. This way, the clothespins won’t leave marks on these delicate clothes.
Ironing delicate clothes
Each type of delicate fabric has an ideal temperature for ironing, if necessary. See below:
- Cotton: 200ºC
- La: 160ºC
- Polyester silk: 110ºC
Remember that silk prints should not be ironed facing up. Therefore, turn the piece inside out if you need to iron something like this.
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Sources: Consul, Home care, Qualitá Practice House, Homepedia
Images: Review Box, O Livre, Exame, Homepedia, Tudo Via E-mail, Alto Astral
