Most washing professionals concur that delicate materials should include silk, lace, fine knits, chiffon, velvet, synthetic polyester, and other light fabrics. These unique textiles, such as lacy bras and silk ties, need to be cleaned using a different method than your ordinary clothing. To keep their shape, beauty, and lifespan, delicate materials demand careful handling.
While certain delicates can be machine washed by your home cleaning West Village, many of your goods, such as hand-knit or crocheted fabrics, will need to be cleaned and handled with further care. Even a trip to the dry cleaners can be necessary for some goods.
Extra fine silk, suede, leather, feathers, fur, and other delicate textiles should NEVER be hand- or machine-washed. Follow this professional advice to give your precious apparel the care it deserves.
Read Labels
The label on the item is the most excellent place to start when learning how to clean delicates. Although labeling for some delicate fabrics, such as silk, synthetics, and fine knits, will state “hand wash” or “dry clean,” this doesn’t preclude using your washing machine; it just means you’ll need to be extra cautious when washing your delicates in the machine. The safest course of action in doubt is to wash your hands.
Treat Stains
Take care of stains on sensitive garments as soon as you see them for optimal results. You may take several additional actions to make stains more manageable before you start cleaning those stains. On silk clothing, in particular, stay away from commercial stain removers.
In the same way, bleach. Use a natural stain remover, such as lemon juice, baking soda, or white vinegar. Even when using natural cleansers, it’s best to go slowly and use only what’s necessary to do the task.
Hand Wash
When hand washing and rinsing delicates, it’s ideal to use clean containers, though you can also use the sink. Your delicates should be sorted into lights and darks. By sorting them beforehand, you can wash several delicate goods without having them fade or bleed into other materials.
Use only warm or cold water because hot water may cause your clothing to shrink or fade its colors. Make use of a detergent designed for hand-washing delicates. A homemade cleaning solution made with one cup of hot water, one teaspoon of baby shampoo, and one drop of your preferred essential oil can be a perfect alternative if purchasing lingerie detergent is out of the question financially.
Wash Delicates The Right Way
You will begin by classifying your delicates as you would during hand washing. But you also need to sort by fabric in addition to color. Avoid combining delicate fabrics with other fabrics, such as knitwear and polyester, to prevent your delicates from losing shape. Take caution when combining delicates with metal closures and zippers to prevent snagging and tearing.
The last stages are the same whether you wash your delicates by hand, in your washing machine, or by your laundry pickup service. If wet delicates aren’t given the proper time to dry, they might quickly lose shape.
Your fragile objects should be gently reshaped after being washed to restore them to the appropriate shape and size. To dry, spread them out flat on a fresh, white towel.
Flip your fragile clothing over once the exposed side is almost dry, then allow it to air dry entirely. Delicates can also be dried on a drying rack, but be careful they don’t get stretched out.
