Those who rely on laundromats usually do so for their everyday clothes, linens, and maybe the occasional bigger item, such as a winter coat or comforter. However, when it comes to higher-end clothing, most people begin to get nervous—how do you clean a suit, dress, or other professional item without damaging it?
Tailored suits and blazers are custom-fitted to the shape of your body, and it would be a shame to ruin them by haphazardly throwing them in with the laundry. However, contrary to popular belief, alternative options exist for keeping these items clean.
Here’s an overview of laundry tips for your tailored suits and blazers, including when to take them to the laundromat, clean them another way, and take care of them at home for the best results.
Can you take a suit or Blouse to the laundry?
In short, you can take your suit or blazer to the laundromat rather than a dry cleaner! However, this comes with some caveats. The first step is to utilize the services of a reputable laundromat with high-quality machines and extensive staff experience.
You’ll want a service provider who listens to each customer’s concerns so they understand they will be cleaning professional attire and can adjust accordingly.
It is important to note while most materials can certainly be washed at the laundromat, your wool should be cleaned at home or taken to an expert who specializes in wool. This natural material must be hand-washed and air-dried to retain its shape and quality.
At-Home Care Tips for Business Clothing
While a high-quality laundromat can help you care for your tailored suits, blazers, and dresses, you’ll see the best results if you work as a team by adequately preparing your clothing before washing. As you get ready to launder your business attire, remember to:
- Blot stains – As soon as a stain happens, try to blot it out. The faster you can remove as much of the stain as possible, the better the chances of getting it out entirely when you wash.
- Brush – Suit brushes are made with fibers that grab dust, hair, and dirt on the often-clingy materials of suits. Be sure to brush your suit before washing it to preemptively remove as much dirt as possible, resulting in a more thorough clean that better refreshes the item. Brush in downward strokes to avoid fraying the fabric.
- Hang correctly – One element that makes suits appealing is their clean-cut lines that conform to your body’s shape. They maintain this sleek appearance partly due to how they are pressed, but how you store them is a significant contributor. Suit hangers typically have more expansive shoulder areas to properly support the seams of a blazer or other business attire. Hanging them on a regular hanger or, worse, folding them can result in unsightly creases, wrinkles, and unusual bumps or lumps that disrupt the professional air of the item.
- Store properly – Many people try to store their suits in a particular manner that protects them from dust when unused. However, most will utilize the plastic covering that comes with suits for this task. In reality, it’s better to use a cloth suit bag. This breathable material allows more airflow to reach the clothing without permitting dust and dirt to pass through. Due to the increased air circulation, your suit will not develop odors or smell “unused” the next time you put it on.
- Prep for washing – As you get ready to wash your tailored suit or blazer, do not throw it into your regular pile of laundry. Turn sports coats, suit jackets, and similar attire inside to prevent fraying and damage. Then, place the item in a mesh bag to prevent it from becoming wrapped in other clothing. A reputable laundromat will understand how to wash your suit gently with cold water for the best results.
Visit Your Tiny Bubbles Laundromat Near You
If you have a suit, dress, blazer, or other business attire that has seen better days, you can refresh it at a laundromat. Just be sure to choose a facility with your best interests in mind. The experts at Tiny Bubbles are proud to carefully serve each customer and help them achieve their laundry needs with simplicity. Try Tiny Bubbles for superior commercial services and results from high-quality, American-made machines and a team that cares about you.