Investing in high-quality delicate clothes is one thing to make them last for ages. But that’s not the only way to make them endure the test of time. If you know how to wash and store your delicate clothes, you do not worry about getting them ruined.

Delicate clothes are made from fragile textiles and fabrics. These clothes can be easily damaged through normal wear and tear, or from washers and dryers. Some fabrics can shrink when washed and dried in a machine. 

Take these laundry hacks into the heart, and your clothes will have a prolonged life.

Treat them as they are

While washing regular and delicate clothes, you must read their wash labels to ensure you are treating them properly. If your clothes are delicate, treat them delicately. Before you wash an item double check its care labels.

Most delicate clothes have “dry clean only” or “hand wash only” labels because the water and tumble that happens in the washer is excessive for the garment, which may cause damage. It is better to wash them by hand and dry them on a drying rack. Experts even do this while they are on travel. They do not send their delicate clothes to any laundry service unless they offer dry cleaning services. We recommend trying Tidy Lucy.

If you are in doubt, it is best to bring them to a reputable laundry service. You have to remind yourself that the gentle cycle setting on the washer does not equate to hand washing. Even gentle cycles use agitation and each cycle lasts longer, which harms the delicate fabric.

Repair noticeable damages.

Fibers become weak and thin after wearing, washing, and drying them a couple of times. Meanwhile, embellishments on clothes may loosen even if you hand wash them all along. That’s why it is best to repair noticeable damages before they get worst. Washing damaged clothes may do further damage. 

Avoid dryers

Delicate fabrics are sensitive to heat. Do not throw them in just because you want them to dry quickly. Throwing them inside a dryer causes their fibers to break down and stretch, causing your clothes to shrink, age prematurely, or wear out. Instead, air dry them on a clothesline with a hanger.

When using a hanger for clothesline drying, be sure to use wood hangers. Metal ones may rust and cause stains on your clothes.

Do not overwash

We habitually throw our clothes into the hamper after wearing them immediately. There is an exception to some clothes, especially delicate pieces. You can use your delicate clothes twice or thrice, and when you think it is good to wash, that’s when you do it.

This is only an exception for delicate garments that are worn closer to the skin, such as lingerie. You have to wash the lingerie after you wear them.

Be careful with removing stains

You can find several DIY stain-removing tips on the Internet. However, doing it on delicate clothes is quite different. The fabric is sensitive, and mild acids may easily damage it.

The only general tip in removing stains is immediately taking care of them. If you wait longer, the less likely you will remove the stain. For delicate clothes, it is better to immediately send them to a laundry delivery service to have the stain pre-treated and removed efficiently. 

Remove stubborn odors

It is not only stains that can be stubborn, some clothes may smell because of inefficient laundry practices. More so, there are clothes that easily harbor bacteria making it tough for them to remove even after they are washed.

If you notice your clothes having a lingering odor, wash them again with a cup of baking soda and white vinegar. This solution stops the growth of bacteria and removes the foul odor from your clothes. A couple of cycle of the process helps remove the stubborn smells effectively. 

Wash delicate clothes before storing them

Only put away clean clothes. Keeping clothes that are not washed or stained becomes damaged at some point. If your delicate garments are seasonal, it is better to clean them or get them cleaned by a dry cleaner.

Store them in the proper places

The storage place is equally important as how you wash your clothes. You have to make sure that the storage area is dry and clean. Places that are damp and humid are generally not the ideal place to store your delicate clothes. Storting them properly minimizes wrinkles and creases. 

Moreover, know which clothes to hang and which to fold. Some clothes lose their shape when they are folded for long-term storage. Examples of these types of clothes are those made from synthetics, silk, and knits. When hanging your clothes, ensure you are using high-quality padded or wood hangers to provide better support to your clothes. Wire hangers may misshape the clothes. 

Keep moth balls inside your wardrobe to prevent cloth moths. Do not give moths the access to harm your clothes. It is effective to keep them around the corners of your closed wardrobe. You can also add a sachet of herbs to lessen the horrible smell of the mothballs. 

Put away leather clothing separately

Leather clothes have different care instructions. If you plan to store your weather clothes for a couple of months, you have to clean them and apply a leather conditioner before putting them away. Always store your leather garments and accessories in a cabinet or storage box that is well-ventilated but does not have any other clothes. You have to remember this as the leather conditioner may cause damage to other fabrics.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the basics of taking care of your delicate clothes might be a simple task, but following these rules will make you thank yourself later. If you have clothes that are stored for quite some time, it is best to take time and give them a little maintenance. After all, these are your investment in yourself. Keeping them longer gives you your money’s worth.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.