Wash and Care for Delicate Clothing with These Tips

Most people are guilty of playing favorites with their garments, so when it comes to keeping them clean, there’s a lot at stake. Laundry tips and secrets can be super helpful, but also dangerous if they don’t provide the desired result.

Read on as we debunk several popular myths for caring for delicates, and show you how to wash them the right way.

1. Myth: You Can’t Put Bras or Lacy Lingerie in the Washer

Truth: If you throw your underthings into the washing machine like any other item of clothing, then they’re likely to get tangled and stretched out. Not to mention lace detail can fray from rubbing against other clothes. But hand washing isn’t the only option and you can wash your delicates in the washer, but under the right conditions.

The right way: Use a mesh laundry bag to protect bras and delicate lingerie in the wash cycle, and hang dry after. Yes, it’s that easy.

2. Myth: Silk Blouses are Dry Clean Only.

Truth: As long as the label doesn’t specifically say “dry clean only,” hand washing is safe for silks.

The right way: Fill a clean sink with lukewarm or cold water and a small amount of delicates-friendly liquid detergent, like Tide Free & Gentle Liquid. Lightly agitate for three to five minutes, rinse well, and dry flat.

Get more tips on How to Wash Silk here.

3. Myth: Sheepskin Boots Can Go in the Washing Machine.

Truth: Putting sheepskin boots in the washing machine will make them shrink, lose their soft texture, and they will look misshapen.

The right way: Spot clean as needed. With a lightly wet sponge, dampen the surface of the boots, apply a sheepskin cleaner with the same sponge, and gently scrub. Rinse lightly with cold water (don’t allow the fabric to get soaking wet), then stuff paper inside the boots so that they hold their shape while drying. Once they’re dry, lightly brush the surface with a suede brush to soften the texture.