CARING FOR DELICATE FABRICS
When we care for our clothes, they last longer. By shopping flattering pieces in quality, natural textiles you will begin to collect things you love and inevitably throw less away. You can also appear more clean, organized and fresh to the outside world by forgoing tatty, stretched or stained clothes.
Oftentimes, delicate fabrics include silk, wool, linen, chiffon, lace, and other fabrics with embroidery or embellishments. While cotton isn't usually considered a delicate fabric, very thin cotton clothing can warrant delicate treatment.
Delicates tend to be sensitive to heat and excessive spinning, along with harsh detergents. They can be prone to shrinking or fraying if proper care isn’t taken during the washing and drying stages.
Here are a few easy ways you can care for your beloved clothes that you may not have thought of:
Use a bra bag
When you wash delicate items, don't miss the quick step of putting them into a bra bag (included in all our online orders). This will save them getting snagged or damaged in the washing machine. For larger items, or if you don't have a bra bag, you can use a pillow case. You'll thank me later!
Use less detergent
Did you know that using too much detergent can trap dirt and cause build up on your clothes that leaves them looking dingy and faded? In other words, don't overdo it on the OMO! Less can sometimes be more...
Add salt
Salt isn't just for food, folks! By adding up to half a cup to a large load of laundry, you can prevent colors from running. Not only will your blights stay bright, but their fellow washing machine friends won't turn 50 shades of grey while going for a spin.
Read the care label
This one is going in here because it's almost too obvious and can easily get missed. Have you ever put a woolen jumper in the dryer and instantly regretted it when a doll sized jumper came out? I certainly have. Take a moment to read the care label. A simple but sometimes vital step in the laundry process...
Dry strategically
Speaking of drying, think about the way you hang your clothes and use it to your advantage. Since spending some time in South East Asia I got into the habit of hanging clothes that look better ironed (ain't nobody got time for that!) on clothes hangers, before hanging on the line (or curtain rod in the window). I like this step because they dry straight and it's not as much effort to put them away later = less chance of them ending up on a chair pile.
Upcycle
You know I love this step! Before throwing something away, see if you can either alter it, bleach it, bedazzle it, or if all else fails - send it to me to be re-worked :D
Have I missed anything? I'm sure I have. Please feel free to drop a comment!