Since there are lots of us who like to protect our wardrobe investments...bargain or not...I got a request from a friend and reader, Mel, to start a category dedicated to handling our garments, accessories and shoes with care. I commented on a beautiful cloak that Mel was wearing in a Facebook post (I should have
known it was St John). I was thrilled to hear that she'd gotten the piece as a wonderful bargain (less than $300) at a TJ Maxx in NYC. A girl after my own heart, sure enough.
She mentioned some other nice sweaters that she'd purchased and that she is mindful of taking care of them because, despite their quality, they had begun to "pill" a bit. Mel mentioned that she not only relies on Woolite but Johnson's Baby Shampoo, as well, for maintenance. Who knew?
What are YOUR laundry tricks for protecting your clothing? As we transition into spring, what tips do you use for storing your winter pieces?
This is a subject about which I am obsessed. The best ever laundry soap is Charlie's Soap - it is gentle, makes everything super-soft, and works on everything. For my full dissertation on Charlie's Soap, see my blog. And, on pilling, buy a $15 sweater shaver. It totally works. Just don't press too hard - I've made a few holes on accident.
ReplyDeleteSweaters, cardigans, scarves, gloves caps basically for anything cashmere,wool silk blend, angora etc.
ReplyDeleteI absolutly love cedar blocks (TJ Maxx & Marshalls strike again lol) I can get a pack of 6 for 3.99. Even if you don't think you have a problem with moths, don't find out the hard way like I did years ago. Turn any drawer into a cedar closet intantly.
Don't forget never store your items soiled. Even the not so obvious things like body oils are not good to leave on you items as you store them away for the next season. So save a little Woolite money and gently wash your items in baby shampoo and enjoy several seasons of that fabulous cashmere find. :)
Oh one last thing, if you really want to add that something extra throw in your favorite sachet with the items that you are storing. Lavender, rose, you get the idea. But more often that not I just use a dryer sheet. Most comapnies (Bounce, Snuggle, Mrs Meyers etc) are offering them in so many nice fragrences, or just go with the clean scent of the cedar.
ReplyDeleteI have nothing helpful to add, but I'm learning a lot from the comments; thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. I'm planning a post on taking care of silver, BTW, in the next month. Not clothes, but I should get some good tableware data for you.
ReplyDeleteThis is sooo basic, but I swear by mesh laundry bags for washing bras and underwear. And never, ever, EVER putting either in the dryer. It really does extend the lifespan.
ReplyDeleteAnd I am really particular about my jeans (hey, I have a lot of them and spend a LOT on them) - I wash them in cold water, on delicate, and hang them to dry till just damp, and then put them in the dryer on low so they aren't "crunchy"; I don't believe in dry-cleaning them as this method works best for me in terms of keeping color, no shrinkage, etc.
Baby shampoo? Seriously? I am so trying that. Thanks for that tip! Oh, and I'm a big believer in mesh laundry bags, too. That is a must-have in my laundry room. I use them to wash my tights and fishnets, using the "hand wash" setting on my washer. I refuse to wash stuff by hand. My own hand, that is.
ReplyDeleteI always rinse my handwashed woolens with a small amount of conditioner - usually when my conditioner runs out, I'll fill the bottle with water and add that while rinsing my cashmere sweaters (I am such a cheapskate!). When they dry they're super-soft and smell so good...
ReplyDeleteFabric storage bags ONLY. Never, ever, EVER vinyl.
ReplyDeleteContrary to what Woolite wants you to believe their product will still shorten the lifespan of your wool. Wool fibers break down when exposed to alkali products which Woolite is. So if Woolite is continuously used it will have the same effect as using bleach on your wool clothing. Dove dish washing soap is actually excellent for wool because it is less powerful and will not harm your wool clothing.
ReplyDeleteThat was not supposed to say "Dove" that was supposed to say "Dawn" sorry.
ReplyDeleteWhen wool is wet you should also not twist the garment very much because of wool's lower strength when wet and its felting potential it can be harmful to your garment to vigorously wash it.
Anonymous is right -- and I've written books on textiles. Woolite cleans in cold water because it is alkaline, more alkaline that could possibly be good for your sweater. Don't use it unless you consider the sweater disposable. A mild baby shampoo or Dawn is much better.
ReplyDelete