Care Tips

Washing Hints and Tips

Below you will find handy hints and tips that will help you launder your garments the right way and keep them looking fabulous in your wardrobe for years to come!

The Basics

Rule #1 – Always separate your colours!!!!

Always check the care labels before washing your new garment for the first time.

Dark Colours and Denim

Always wash black, denim and dark colours inside out, it will help keep the colour longer.

Don’t use harsh detergents or bleach products when washing dark colours or denim. Something like a wool wash will still get them clean, without damaging the dye.

Never hang dark colours in direct sunlight, this will help keep your colours from fading.

Whites

Always wash whites with whites only! It will help keep your whites white for longer.

A colour safe liquid bleach added to your wash will help keep your whites crisp and bright. Check care instructions before washing!

Drying your whites in the sun can also help keep them bright.

Delicates

To keep garments made of delicate fabrics in optimum condition wash them in your lingerie bag while following the washing instructions, this will prevent it from snagging on other garments in the wash.

Don’t hang delicate garments on wire or plastic hangers that have jagged edges or rust.

Keep delicate fabrics such as wool crepe, silks and fine cottons out of direct sunlight to prevent fading or discolouration.

Warm Water Washing

NEVER wash ANY garment in hot water!

When washing in warm water, the water should be tepid and warm at the touch, make sure you add garments after the machine has filled up, this will allow the detergents to dissolve.

Cold Water Wash

When washing in cold water opt for a liquid detergent rather than a powder it dissolves much better and you won’t be left with a powdery residue on your garments.

Do NOT wash garments that specify “Warm Water Wash” in cold water, as cold water can have adverse effects on some fabrics.

Stains

If you get a stubborn stain on a garment, and the care instructions say not to soak, take it up to your local dry cleaner for advice or spot cleaning.

Don’t use harsh spot cleaners on dark fabrics, as this can effect the dye and leave you with a colour patch.

For stubborn stains under the arms, collars and cuffs on lighter coloured garments try something like Sunlight or Sard soap, make a paste and apply it to the affected area and leave for around 10 minutes, then rinse and wash.

How to Hand Wash

I always keep a large bucket aside for hand washing my delicate garments. Fill your bucket 1 part delicate wool wash and 6 parts tepid or cool water.

Submerge the garment and lift them up and down in a dipping motion half a dozen times, then run the garment under water till the water runs clear. Gently squeeze out the excess water, going from the top to the bottom of the garment, then either place on a soft wide hanger inside or lay flat on a towel to dry.

When washing stretch or wool garments using this method, to get rid of excess water lay the garment flat on a towel and roll it up, like you would a Swiss roll, this will help rid any excess water, making the drying process quicker.

Hosiery

Leggings and opaque tights can be safely washed in a lingerie bag in your normal wash. Never just throw your hosiery in the wash unprotected.

For more delicate pairs I recommend hand wash only.

Hats

Most hats cannot be washed, if you have a hat that you want to clean, spot cleaning is the best option.

The best way to clean a hat’s exterior is to spot clean with a damp cloth and then place it in a breezy area to dry.

Cleaning the band… sometimes hats can collect dirt and make up on the interior band, a damp soft cloth should do the trick. If you have a stubborn stain on one of your favourite hats your local dry cleaner should be able to spot clean it for you.

Dryers

Most denims, cotton, wool and stretch fabrics should be kept out of the dryer.

Clothes that experience regular tumble drying will shrink, become dull and susceptible to pilling after extended periods time.

Keep the dryer for your sheets and towels only! Your garments will love you for it!

A few things every laundry should have…

Vinegar

Distilled household vinegar is available from most supermarkets and is under AUD$3 for 2 Litres

•    Add half a cup of distilled brown household vinegar to your dark wash - it helps your garments hold their colour
•    Is great for eradicating odours in your clothes
•    Keeps them lint free
•    Works as a fabric softener but is a quarter of the price!

(Your clothes will not smell like vinegar I promise!!!!!)

Baking Soda

Baking Soda is natural so it won’t cause harm to you and your family, and is great for sensitive skins and allergy sufferers.

Take 6 tablespoons of Baking Soda with ½ cup of water that will create a paste great for removing sweat stains and odours, it’s also great for removing blood and wine stains out of clothing. Be sure to check colourfastness first.

Corn Starch

This is great for removing grease and oil based stains, simply sprinkle some cornstarch or baking soda on the stain, then place the garment, stain side down, on a large rag on top of the ironing board. Iron with a hot iron on the wrong side of the stain, most oil and grease stains will come right out. (This trick works only for oil and grease, which need heat to dissolve.)

Lemon Juice

Lemon Juice has natural bleaching properties, it’s great for removing rust and fruit based stains.

Mix I part lemon juice and 1 part water to create a solution, spray on the stained area and leave for 30 minutes. Then wash normally.



Disclaimer – These tips and hints are suggestions only, always check washing instructions before treating stains, always test on an unseen patch before treatment, if in doubt seek a cleaning professional for advice. Lil’ Mama takes no responsibility in the execution or use of this tip sheet.