HAND WASH - for a lovely shine and no toxic residue:
WASH
Using delicate fabric handwash mix with room temperature water in a clean sink. Swish the fabric around for 5 minutes. Keep moving the fabric in the water so colours don’t transfer to other areas. For any stains use washing up liquid in that area, but try not to rub too hard as this can weaken or pull the yarns.
RINSE AND SOFTEN
Gently lift and softly press the fabric together to remove excess water (don’t squeeze or twist) then place in a bowl of cool/room temp water to rinse. When it comes to rinsing, add three tablespoons of white distilled vinegar. This will remove traces of the detergent and also restore the fabric’s natural shine. Don’t worry the smell will vanish when the piece dries. Alternatively rinse in just water and repeat process with a delicates softener.
TO DRY
Gently lift and softly press the fabric together to remove excess water. On a hanger, attach a folded towel (with safety pins), acting as a body for which the water will be absorbed. This also prevents any colours transferring from one area to another (check no fabric is touching eachother). It will dry within 3 hours if in a well-ventilated, ambient room.
DRY CLEAN - 85% of dry cleaners use a toxic chemical called perc, that’s linked to respiratory issues, birth defects and air pollution. In the UK it is advised against childrenswear being dry cleaned – scary! Green and organic cleaners exist. If you have no option, ask your drycleaner to consider green processes, they often cost less and by asking you are showing them their market is changing, they should too.
TO DECREASE
Use a steam iron, on a piece of clean white cotton. Iron on the wrong side with a low heat.