How to Wash Clothes

DOES IT REALLY NEED TO BE WASHED?

First things first, sometimes you don’t have to wash your clothes. Think again before you toss a garment in the laundry basket! Over-washing is the main reason a wardrobe favorite might fade, shrink, or lose its shape. If a garment just needs to be refreshed, it can be hung outside or in a steamy bathroom, or if you have a hand-held steamer, use this to deodorize clothes (avoiding any melting or delicate fabrics).

SO, YOU GO HEAD WITH A WASH, NOW WHAT?

If you do decide to go ahead with a wash, different materials require different care, so when thinking about how to wash your laundry always check the care labels. Where wool, cashmere, and some delicate items are likely to need handwashing, most clothing can be washed in a machine. The temperature given on a care label is the maximum temperature an item can be washed at, and — we said it — not the recommended temperature. Washing a tad below the maximum can reduce the risk of shrinking or fading clothes, whilst keeping them just as clean.

When placing clothes in the washing machine, turn them inside out and close all zips and fastenings to avoid friction and minimize abrasions on your clothing. For delicate items, you can also prevent friction by investing in mesh laundry bags. Over or underfilling the washing machine can actually cause damage to garments, too. Make sure to check the maximum load for your particular machine.

Another way to reduce clothing damage is to air dry it. Even on a gentle setting, dryers are likely to cause wear and tear.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, HOW TO HAND WASH DELICATES

For delicate items, including bathing suits, underwear and knitwear, as well as luxurious fabrics like silks, woollens, lace, chiffon, velvet, and intricate embellishments, careful hand washing is often the only way to prevent shrinking or fading. Here are simple steps for hand washing with care. 

DOUBLE CHECK THE FABRIC CONTENT

Although it is possible to hand wash most delicate items, those containing structured details, such as pleats, could be misshapen or damaged, so it is safer to dry clean.

CLEAN THE SINK

You’ve confirmed you’re going to hand wash. But first, it’s paramount to clean the sink to prevent transfer of dirt or grease.

FILL THE SINK WITH WATER FIRST

Always fill the sink or bathtub with water before adding your clothes as water added on top can stretch delicate fibres. Use cold or tepid water. Then add your detergent and ensure it has fully dissolved in the water.

WASH SIMILAR FABRICS AND COLORS TOGETHER

When it’s time to wash, it’s important to turn all garments inside out. Then, make sure everything is fully submerged and saturated. Leave the item to soak for at least five minutes (but no more than 30 minutes) as oversoaking can also cause fading.

Gently swish and plunge the garment through the water, never twisting or scrubbing (which could stretch or damage it). Once you’ve finished, lift it out and drain the sink.

IT’S TIME TO DRY

Air dry only! Never put hand washed pieces in a dryer. Some items may need to be air-dried flat, especially knitwear and cashmere, so best to check the label.