In the current economic climate everybody is trying to save money and one easy way is too look after clothes properly so they last longer. By following a few simple tips a new dress can look pristine for years.
Washing:
The most important thing to do to keep a dress in the best condition for years to come is to wash it properly. Washing does keep a dress clean but it also helps the fibre of the fabric break down and it can also damage the dress if a good washing machine is not used. In fact there is some evidence to suggest that overloading a cheap washing machine can create holes in clothes. A lot of washing machines pull fabric through the holes in the drum which can tear it. So alongside the usual rough and tumble of a cheap machine clothes can actually be badly damaged when they are washed.
Getting a good quality machine like a Miele is one way to make sure a dress lasts longer. Because Miele has a unique honeycomb drum it is far gentler on clothes than a standard machines. The idea is that the slightly raised surface of the drum allows a film of water to form which then cushions the clothes from damage. A Miele machine also has smooth-edged perforations which stop clothes snagging.
It is also vital to read the washing label on the garment as washing a dress on a hot wash when it should be on a cool cycle is a sure fire way to damage a dress. It may sound obvious but it is also important to separate lights, darks and colours when washing garments in order to stop colours running.
Store the dress properly:
Hanging a dress up will keep it wrinkle free and looking pristine. However, it is important the dress can hang unencumbered so there needs to be room in the wardrobe for them to hang properly without being tangled on other garments.
Also don't scrimp on hangers cheap wire hangers can destroy the shape of a dress whereas a good quality wooden hanger will keep the shape much better. If it a special dress that isn't necessarily worn a lot it is also a great idea to put it in a suit cover or in acid free paper and box as it will keep dust off the dress and protect it from things like sunlight. While a few strategically placed moth balls will stop the dress from been eaten and destroyed by insects.
Reinforce the hem:
One easy tip to make sure that a dress lasts longer is to reinforce the hem with a sewing machine. All it takes is a simple stitch and it will help stop the hem fraying.
Deal with any stains the moment they happen:
If there is a stain on a dress it needs to be dealt with as soon as possible – it can't be just thrown in the laundry basket and dealt with next time a wash is done. If a stain is left on the dress it will set and then be impossible to remove. By dealing with it quickly the stain doesn't have time to soak into the fabric.
Air dry the dress:
Using a tumble dryer is easy and convenient but it is best to leave a dress to air dry as much as possible to prevent the wear and tear caused by the process. If it is hung up when wet it will also help some of the creases hang out.
For more information about washing machines please visit Miele Home Appliances.
Storing Dresses Properly |
Washing:
The most important thing to do to keep a dress in the best condition for years to come is to wash it properly. Washing does keep a dress clean but it also helps the fibre of the fabric break down and it can also damage the dress if a good washing machine is not used. In fact there is some evidence to suggest that overloading a cheap washing machine can create holes in clothes. A lot of washing machines pull fabric through the holes in the drum which can tear it. So alongside the usual rough and tumble of a cheap machine clothes can actually be badly damaged when they are washed.
Getting a good quality machine like a Miele is one way to make sure a dress lasts longer. Because Miele has a unique honeycomb drum it is far gentler on clothes than a standard machines. The idea is that the slightly raised surface of the drum allows a film of water to form which then cushions the clothes from damage. A Miele machine also has smooth-edged perforations which stop clothes snagging.
It is also vital to read the washing label on the garment as washing a dress on a hot wash when it should be on a cool cycle is a sure fire way to damage a dress. It may sound obvious but it is also important to separate lights, darks and colours when washing garments in order to stop colours running.
Store the dress properly:
Hanging a dress up will keep it wrinkle free and looking pristine. However, it is important the dress can hang unencumbered so there needs to be room in the wardrobe for them to hang properly without being tangled on other garments.
Also don't scrimp on hangers cheap wire hangers can destroy the shape of a dress whereas a good quality wooden hanger will keep the shape much better. If it a special dress that isn't necessarily worn a lot it is also a great idea to put it in a suit cover or in acid free paper and box as it will keep dust off the dress and protect it from things like sunlight. While a few strategically placed moth balls will stop the dress from been eaten and destroyed by insects.
Reinforce the hem:
One easy tip to make sure that a dress lasts longer is to reinforce the hem with a sewing machine. All it takes is a simple stitch and it will help stop the hem fraying.
Deal with any stains the moment they happen:
If there is a stain on a dress it needs to be dealt with as soon as possible – it can't be just thrown in the laundry basket and dealt with next time a wash is done. If a stain is left on the dress it will set and then be impossible to remove. By dealing with it quickly the stain doesn't have time to soak into the fabric.
Air dry the dress:
Using a tumble dryer is easy and convenient but it is best to leave a dress to air dry as much as possible to prevent the wear and tear caused by the process. If it is hung up when wet it will also help some of the creases hang out.
For more information about washing machines please visit Miele Home Appliances.
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