Garment Care Tips
Proper washing and maintenance not only extends the life of your clothing, but also restores its original beauty and shine. Whether it’s tiny sequins on a dress, a high-quality bandage dress, or a delicate hollow fabric dress, each has its own set of care requirements. Neglecting these elements may result in deformation, fading, or damage, affecting both your overall appearance and the value of your investment.
We can keep each piece of clothes looking like new by studying and using the proper cleaning methods. Taking thorough care of each item improves your wearing experience and demonstrates your desire for a sophisticated life. Allow us to investigate and apply the science of garment care, ensuring that each piece continues to tell the tale of your unique style.
Here are some practical tips to help you take care of different types of fabrics.
Tiny Sequins on a Dress
Sequins fabric, which is made of tiny, sparkly discs known as sequins, gives glitz and flair to dresses it is used on.
Washing
Dry Cleaning
Adorned garments, such as sequin dresses, frequently need to be cleaned at a specialist dry cleaner, which is expensive.
- Use a trustworthy dry cleaner who specializes in cleaning evening gowns and wedding dresses.
- If possible, give the dry cleaner some off-cuts of the adorned fabric to test before cleaning the garment.
- Ensure that the dry cleaner employs the 'F' (hydrocarbon solvent) or Green Earth dry cleaning procedure.
Hand Washing
Sequins are typically glued or sewn on fabric. The agitation and tumbling during machine washing might cause them to detach or become damaged.
- Do up all zippers, buttons, and so forth, then flip it inside out.
- Fill a clean bowl/sink with hand-warm (max. 30°C) water and add the appropriate amount of washing detergent. Make sure you use a gentle detergent suited for sensitive fabrics.
- Place the dress in the water and gently plunge or swish it. Avoid touching the clothing since excessive agitation might bend or shatter the beads/sequins.
- Rinse the clothing many times with cool water, until it is clear.
- Gently squeeze out the water (do not wring).
Drying
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Lay the inside-out garment on a clean, dry, lint-free towel, roll it up, and gently squeeze to remove excess water. If required, repeat this step with another dry towel.
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Gently turn the dress right side out and air dry on a level surface.
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Never dry beaded or sequined items in a tumble dryer because the sequins may melt and the action of the drum might cause harm.
Ironing
Dresses that are decorated with sequins should not be ironed. To remove creases, either:
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Turn the garment inside out and use a clothes steamer (only for washable textiles).
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Alternatively, keep the steam wand 30cm away from the fabric.
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Hang the clothing in a steamy bathroom.
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To avoid further creases, always let the garment dry completely before wearing it.
Repair
If you notice a loose sequin or thread, sew a few secure stitches to keep the beads/sequins in place as quickly as possible. If several beads or sequins have fallen off, it is recommended to get the garment repaired by a professional.
Bandage Dress
High-quality bandage dresses are made of a combination of spandex, nylon, and rayon. They adhere almost like a second skin and stretch to shape and highlight your curves.
Washing
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Dry cleaning - If you don't want to risk damaging your garment by washing it at home, dry cleaning is for you. This method takes the cleaning out of your hands, but it might be costly.
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Washing Machines - Machine washing might be hazardous. However, if you want to try it, simply select the coolest and gentlest cycle. Most washing machines provide a hand-washing cycle, which would be an excellent alternative.
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Hand Wash - The bathtub is the finest spot to hand wash your outfit. This allows the garment to be placed flat during the wash, preserving its form and suppleness. Using soapy water, soak the clothing many times. Unplug the water and rinse the clothing. Never wring out or squeeze the dress. Simply gently push the extra water out.
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Quick Clean - If you only have a small stain, wet the area with cold water and gently rub in some soap. Rinse and pat dry.
Drying
We've finished the washing; now we'll talk about drying. Drying the clothing is straightforward. All you need to do is lay the garment flat on a laundry rack or a towel. Allow it to dry and give it a spin occasionally. Never hang the dress on a hanger to dry! This will put the dress out of shape and affect its suppleness.
Ironing
Iron the dress while it's still moist. Keep your iron on low heat and iron the dress inside out to avoid iron marks. If you need to iron the dress dry, simply place a damp cloth between the dress and the iron.
Storage
Now that your dress is clean and pressed, how should you preserve it? Hang dresses with sleeves and straps on hangers. Avoid using wire hangers. If you can't hang the dress because it's sleeveless or there isn't enough closet space, try laying it flat in a drawer. If necessary, fold the dress, but do not fold it excessively. Otherwise, creases will appear and your ironing will be ineffective! So keep it hung or kept flat with lots of room.
Hollow Fabric Dress
Washing
Dry Cleaning
Many hollow or structural dresses, particularly those with intricate designs, may necessitate expert dry cleaning.
Hand Washing
Use cold water and a mild detergent. Gently agitate without wringing out the fabric.
Machine Washing
Use a delicate cycle with cold water and store them in a mesh garment bag.
Drying
Air Dry
Place the dress flat on a clean, dry towel or drying rack. Reshape it gently to keep its structure. Avoid hanging it, since this may alter its shape.
Avoid Heat
Never use a tumble dryer. Heat can warp the structural elements.
Ironing
Iron on the lowest setting while the dress is slightly damp. Use a pressing cloth to avoid direct contact with the fabric.
Repair
For repairs, especially structural ones, seek professional assistance to preserve the design integrity.