Washing Delicates

Delicates need a little extra TLC

It’s easy to fall into the habit of throwing everything into the wash at once to save time, but your delicates need a little extra TLC. So what are considered delicates? Most people would probably include cashmere, fine knits and lingerie.  
 
Here are some things to remember when washing your delicates:

Hand washing:

1.    Treat stains with a laundry pre-treater or add bleach along with your favourite detergent. Remember, if you’re not sure if items can be bleach use the bleachability test.

2.    Add your items to a bowl of cool to lukewarm water. Add mild detergent or dishwashing detergent. Move the garment around in the water, gently working through fabric. Do not wring or you will risk stretching your clothes. Rinse with running water until water runs clear. Press gently to remove excess water. Again, do not wring.

3.    Place items on a clean, dry, white towel and periodically turn items over and switch damp towels for dry ones.

Machine washing:

1.    Treat stains with a laundry pre-treater or add bleach along with your favourite detergent. Remember, if you’re not sure if items can be bleach use the bleachability test.

2.    Fasten closures and place your delicate garments into mesh laundry bags. If you don’t have a garment bag you can put small items, like underwear, into socks and tie them at the ends.

3.     Select the water temperature recommended on the care label and choose your machine's shortest gentle wash and spin cycles.

4.     Put the garment bag in the washer with a few additional items or towels to balance the load.

5.    When the cycle is complete, remove the delicates from the bag, reshape then hang or lie flat to dry.
As a general rule, always follow the instructions on the care label.

If you are unsure of whether your garments can be washed with bleach, perform a bleachability test.
1.    Mix two teaspoons of liquid bleach in 60 mL (1/4 cup) water.  
2.    Apply a drop of the solution on a hidden area of your garment such as an inside seam.
3.    Wait one minute then blot; no colour change means it is safe to use bleach on the item.  

Remember to always read and follow precautions and usage directions before using cleaning products, including storing cleaning products out of reach of children.