How Can You Properly Care for Delicate Fabrics at Home?

Having delicates in your wardrobe is the cherry on top that brings a certain sense of luxury and elegance. It could be a silk blouse that drapes just right, a lace dress that makes you feel like royalty, or a cashmere sweater that wraps you in cozy comfort. However, these clothes need a little extra TLC, especially if you want to keep them as beautiful as the day you bought them. As we like to say here, with great beauty comes great responsibility.

With the right techniques, you can keep your delicates looking fresh for longer. Here, we'll walk you through the best practices for washing delicate fabrics, from deciding whether to hand wash or machine wash, to selecting the right products and even tips for drying and storing your garments. Keep reading for more!

Should You Hand Wash or Machine Wash Your Delicates?

Let’s get the big question out of the way – should you hand wash your delicates or throw them in the washing machine? The answer, actually, depends on you. Here’s how to decide on whether to hand wash or machine wash them:

Hand Washing:

Hand washing is the smartest choice and the standard for handling delicate fabrics because it's gentle and gives you full control over the whole washing process.

To hand wash your delicate fabrics, fill a basin with cold water and add a mild detergent, much better if it's specially designed for delicates! Be careful not to rub or wring your clothes; just swirl them around the water to avoid any damage or stretching. After about five minutes, rinse them thoroughly with cold water and air dry.

Machine Washing:

Of course, you can still use your washing machine to wash your delicates, but you need to take some precautions.

It's best to use a mesh laundry bag when throwing them in your washing machine as it keeps them from getting tangled or snagged on your other clothing. Make sure to also use the delicate cycle, which uses slower agitation and a lower spin speed to minimize stress on your delicate fabrics. Don't forget to also use cold water, as hot water may shrink or fade them.

In a nutshell, hand washing is the safest option, but with the right care, your washing machine can also be a safe bet.

How Can You Prevent Damage When Drying Delicate Items?

There are many misconceptions and reservations when it comes to drying delicate items of clothing, but all it takes is a few smart techniques and changes to your drying routine:

Skip the dryer. 

The heat and continuous tumbling inside the dryer can be disastrous for your delicate fabrics, so it is best to air-dry them. Lay them flat on a clean, dry towel and gently reshape them to their original form.

You can also hang them to dry - just use a padded hanger to retain their shape and avoid direct sunlight, which may cause the colors to fade.

Blot, don't wring.

After washing your delicate fabrics, do not wring them as this can stretch and damage them. The safest method is to gently press out all excess water by laying out your delicates in a towel, rolling it up, and pressing it with your hands. This way, the towel absorbs all the excess moisture sans the stress on the fabric.

Patience is key.

Delicates can take longer to dry because they often retain more water. Be patient—letting them dry naturally is worth the wait to preserve their quality.

What Are the Right Products for Delicate Fabric Care?

More often than not, preserving your delicate fabrics all boils down to using the right products. Here are some of the items you should keep on hand:

• Mild detergent. Look for detergents labeled as “mild,” “gentle,” or “for delicates.” They thoroughly clean your clothes without harsh chemicals that can strip the fibers of their natural oils. Also, avoid bleach and fabric softeners, as they can weaken delicate fabrics and cause discoloration.

• Stain remover. We understand that accidents may happen, but you can always rely on a delicate-friendly stain remover! Apply the stain remover and let it sit for a few minutes before washing, but be careful not to rub the stain, as this can cause further damage. As a safety net, you can test it first on a hidden area of the fabric.

• Mesh laundry bags. They provide a protective barrier around your items, preventing them from getting tangled or snagged. Mesh bags also help keep small items, like lingerie, from getting lost in the washing machine.

How Often Should You Clean and Maintain Your Delicate Clothing?

Did you know that there’s such a thing as over-washing, especially when it comes to your delicate clothing? Over-washing can cause wear and tear, leading to a shorter lifespan for your favorite pieces. Here’s how to avoid it:

Check your clothing first.

Your delicates don't need as much washing as your other clothes. If you have silk blouses, cashmere sweaters, or lace dresses, try to wash them only when necessary, like if they have been soiled or worn several times.

Spot clean as much as possible.

For minor spots or stains, consider spot cleaning instead of washing the entire garment. Use a gentle stain remover or a mixture of mild detergent and water. Then, apply it directly to the stained area with a soft cloth.

Store your delicates properly.

Storing your delicate fabrics properly can help them look as beautiful for longer. Fold items like knits to avoid stretching, and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For pieces like silk or lace, consider using padded hangers or garment bags to prevent damage.