There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to washing your garments. To ensure the longevity of your favourite pieces, make sure you are aware of the specific care needed for each - from washing to drying and storing.
HOW TO WASH YOUR CLOTHES PROPERLY | C&P
READ THE CARE LABEL
Always read the care label on your clothes, which will inform you of the materials it consists of, and the best cleaning procedures to follow.
CHOOSE YOUR DETERGENT
There’s an array of detergents to choose from, but how do you know which is best for your clothes? You’ll need to decide between bio - which helps with the natural breakdown of stains - or non-bio, which can be less irritating for those with sensitive skin. Ideally, you should use different detergents for white and coloured clothes.
Although non-bio detergents carry their benefits, they contain oxygen bleach - which can cause darker or coloured clothing to fade faster. Therefore, it’s better to stick with bio detergents for such garments. Where cashmere is concerned, use a gentle, specialist cashmere shampoo.
TUMBLE DRY OR AIR DRY?
Air drying is advised for most, if not all, pieces - especially delicates and knits. This is because it can cause shrinkage, fading and damage to zips, buttons and seams.
Knits should be dried flat rather than hung to prevent stretching, and whites can be hung on the sun to appear brighter and for extra staining treatment.
PROPER STORAGE
The way that you store your clothes is also important to guarantee a long-lasting life. Delicate materials - such as silk, satin and lace - should be hung to prevent creasing. Cashmere, along with anything that can easily stretch out - such as sweaters and other knits - should be folded instead. If you’re intending for these items to be unworn for a longer period of time, place them in a plastic zip-lock bag to prevent damage caused by moths.
