Spring is the perfect time to bust out your favorite delicate garments as the weather warms up! It’s out with the wool, fleece, and knitwear and in with the silk, linen, and cotton. What’s lovely about lighter and thinner fabric blends is that they are incredibly breathable and lightweight. However, this also makes them much more delicate and fragile in the cleaning process. First and foremost, you should always check the fabric care label on your clothing, but we are here to help in a pinch. Read more to learn how to care for delicate fabrics in warmer weather!
Cotton
Cotton is one of the more common materials for clothing across fashion brands, whether by itself or included in a medley of other fabrics like polyester, viscose, and rayon. Most clothing made of a combination of fabrics is not as susceptible to potential damage from washing, so today, we will be focusing on 100% cotton garments.
To take care of fully cotton pieces, we recommend either washing by hand (almost always fool-proof) or washing on cold and drying on low if using machines. If an item is made entirely of cotton, it may shrink, so we recommend hanging it to dry if this is a concern. These systems all work together to reduce the risk of color bleeding.
Silk
While it is possible to safely and effectively handwash silk garments at home, most clothing manufacturers recommend getting these pieces dry-cleaned—we’ve got you covered! Shamrock Cleaners has provided quality fabric care and dry cleaning services for the Tallahassee Community for over 25 years.
If you wash your silk at home, do not dry it in a machine or air dry it in direct sunlight. These methods of drying can cause shrinkage, damage, and color fading. We also recommend using a detergent that is safe for delicates.
Linen
Linen is another luxurious natural fabric that is quite delicate and requires special cleaning modifications. First and foremost, it is important to separate different-colored linens from each other. If you would prefer to wash your linens in the washing machine, we recommend using lukewarm water temperatures, as high temperatures can cause linen fibers to shrink and weaken. You can mix linens with other fabrics on the gentle cycle as long as those fabrics are not heavy, like denim, sweatshirts, and towels.
To handwash a linen garment, soak it in a small container with lukewarm water and a teaspoon of gentle detergent for about 10 minutes. Carefully move it around, but do not wring or twist it once you remove it to dry. Instead, remove the item and rinse it with water until the soapy residue is gone from the fabric. Proceed to hang dry.
Chambray
Surprise! Chambray is a form of cotton often mistaken for denim, but it is 100% cotton. Because of its similarities and intricacies with cotton, we recommend using the same cleaning processes mentioned for cotton earlier.
Hemp
Hemp is one of the most durable natural fabrics used in clothing, and when cared for properly, it can last for decades. You can choose whether to wash by hand or machine, depending on preference; however, you should always use cold water unless the garment has heavy stains; in this case, you should presoak it in warm water and spot treat it with a soft detergent. Washing in cold water mainly preserves the color of the hemp, as it is one of the most durable fabrics, and it improves over time with washes.
Line drying your hemp clothing is your best bet to retain its shape and softness; however, it is okay to tumble dry it occasionally because of its durability.
While delicate fabrics offer breathability and comfort, they also require special care to maintain their quality and longevity. Properly caring for these fabrics ensures they remain vibrant and durable for years to come, whether it's handwashing, using cold water, or opting for dry cleaning when necessary. By following these tips and being mindful of fabric care labels, you can enjoy your favorite delicate garments throughout the spring and beyond. When in doubt, bring your favorite clothing items to Shamrock Cleaners for expert cleaning—contact us to learn more!
