Navigating the Delicate Details - A Hand Washing Guide
Erica WileyShare
Hi and Happy Friday, friends!
Earlier this week, a customer dropped by Wish Upon seeking guidance on how to care for the delicate lace of a recently purchased top. It's a great question and I'm so glad they asked instead of just throwing into the washer! My go-to advice is ALWAYS to check the label first and foremost – 99% of the time, the proper care instructions are neatly tucked away on that little tag.
However...if the tag is missing or it specifies "hand-wash only", I've compiled some practical tips to give your favorite pieces the care they deserve and potentially extend their lifespan: (and if you're a more visual person, I recommend watching this video tutorial from Better Homes and Gardens).
Use a gentle detergent (personally, I like Woolite Delicates) but you can choose any detergent specifically designed for delicates. Look for words like "gentle," "mild," or "sensitive" on the label.
Invest in a plastic tub that's big enough to let your clothes soak freely. A clean sink or bathtub will do, too! Warm water is the Goldilocks of hand washing – not too hot, not too cold. Aim for a lukewarm temperature.
Separate your garments into color groups (helps prevent color bleeding) and fabrics. Lights, darks, and brights. Silks with silks, cotton with cotton etc.
For stains, perform a spot treatment prior to washing. Use a soft cloth or your fingers to delicately dab a bit of detergent on the stain and let soak in before proceeding with washing.
Add water, detergent and place your chosen garment into your receptacle. Gently swirl the water around with the clothing, ensuring every fiber is covered with detergent and water.
Give the clothing a gentle massage to remove excess dirt and grime. Carefully rub the fabric between your palms, paying attention to areas that need extra love.
Rinse thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water until the water runs clear, ensuring no residue is left.
Avoid the temptation to wring out your garments like a dishcloth. Instead, give a gentle squeeze to release excess water.
Lay your garments on a clean, dry towel and pat gently, absorbing excess moisture.
Shape and lay flat to dry!
Believe it or not, handwashing actually becomes a breeze once you've done it a few times. Beyond just extending the lifespan, caring for your clothing is a small investment with big returns – saving you money, contributing to Mother Earth's well-being, and possibly granting a second life to someone else's wardrobe in the future! Win, win, win!
Love & Light,
Erica
Earlier this week, a customer dropped by Wish Upon seeking guidance on how to care for the delicate lace of a recently purchased top. It's a great question and I'm so glad they asked instead of just throwing into the washer! My go-to advice is ALWAYS to check the label first and foremost – 99% of the time, the proper care instructions are neatly tucked away on that little tag.
However...if the tag is missing or it specifies "hand-wash only", I've compiled some practical tips to give your favorite pieces the care they deserve and potentially extend their lifespan: (and if you're a more visual person, I recommend watching this video tutorial from Better Homes and Gardens).
Use a gentle detergent (personally, I like Woolite Delicates) but you can choose any detergent specifically designed for delicates. Look for words like "gentle," "mild," or "sensitive" on the label.
Invest in a plastic tub that's big enough to let your clothes soak freely. A clean sink or bathtub will do, too! Warm water is the Goldilocks of hand washing – not too hot, not too cold. Aim for a lukewarm temperature.
Separate your garments into color groups (helps prevent color bleeding) and fabrics. Lights, darks, and brights. Silks with silks, cotton with cotton etc.
For stains, perform a spot treatment prior to washing. Use a soft cloth or your fingers to delicately dab a bit of detergent on the stain and let soak in before proceeding with washing.
Add water, detergent and place your chosen garment into your receptacle. Gently swirl the water around with the clothing, ensuring every fiber is covered with detergent and water.
Give the clothing a gentle massage to remove excess dirt and grime. Carefully rub the fabric between your palms, paying attention to areas that need extra love.
Rinse thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water until the water runs clear, ensuring no residue is left.
Avoid the temptation to wring out your garments like a dishcloth. Instead, give a gentle squeeze to release excess water.
Lay your garments on a clean, dry towel and pat gently, absorbing excess moisture.
Shape and lay flat to dry!
Believe it or not, handwashing actually becomes a breeze once you've done it a few times. Beyond just extending the lifespan, caring for your clothing is a small investment with big returns – saving you money, contributing to Mother Earth's well-being, and possibly granting a second life to someone else's wardrobe in the future! Win, win, win!
Love & Light,
Erica