Silks, Synthetics & Blends with The Laundress

They are the items that make you nervous when it comes to washing them, because when it goes wrong, it goes very, very wrong. The Laundress and The Butler have compiled a comprehensive lists of tips to clean and care for your delicate, adorned and woolen garments.

Delicate items:

  • Contain any silk or silk-like synthetics
  • Embellished garments with embroidery, beading, or sequins
  • Swimwear, activewear, and items made of mostly spandex or elastic
  • Lacy or non-cotton underwear, bras, and lingerie
  • Lace or fine mesh garments
  • Items labelled “Handwash Only”
  • Most items labelled as “dry clean”

Blends should be washed according to the highest fabric percentage, except for those containing silk or wool. Blends containing silk should be laundered according to the directions for delicates, while any blend containing wool or cashmere should be laundered according to the directions for wool.

Pretreat:

  • Stain removal: targets areas such as underarms, necklines, and cuffs with the Stain Solution and Stain Bar
  • Odors: add ¼ cup of white wine vinegar to a tepid water bath, and soak item for 30 minutes.
  • Wash with like colors only

Handwashing:

  • Handwashing is always the best and safest method for treating delicates.
  • Prepare a “bath”: fill a wash basin or sink with tepid water and add two capfuls or a squirt of Delicate Wash.
  • Submerge item: gently agitate so you item will be evenly soaped and wet.
  • Soak for up to 30 minutes – do not soak silk for longer.
  • If there’s colour in the water: this is normal, the dye is simply releasing colour. You will not notice any loss of colour post wash.
  • Rinse well: run tepid water through items until rinse water is no longer soapy. Do not wring. Instead, press the water out of your item.

Machine Washing

  • Set machine to delicate cycle. Make sure the water is cold.
  • Place item, inside out, into a Mesh Washing Bag. Add the appropriate amount of Delicate Wash according to the label.
  • Remove promptly from the washer to reduce creasing. Do not put in the dryer!

Dry/Finish:

  • Hang to dry or lay item flat in its natural shape on a drying rack.
  • Most delicate items require steaming. Do not iron!
  • Freshen with Delicate Spray between wearing and washing.

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