Getting stains out of fabric can be a tough job, and sometimes, no amount of scrubbing seems to get the task done. This issue becomes even more challenging with delicates, which cannot withstand the scrubbing, pulling, and wringing that sturdier fabrics such as linens can.
How do you get your delicates back to their like-new luster without damaging them in such a situation? The best way to tackle delicate fabrics is with a strategic approach that addresses them separately.
You don’t necessarily need to wash your delicates by hand at home—you can also trust a laundromat if you choose one with high-quality machines that are clean and efficient.
Here’s how to safely wash your delicate fabrics for the best results, regardless of where you do your laundry.
Address Stains On Laundry Promptly
One of the best things you can do for your delicates is to stay vigilant. If you notice a stain, don’t let it dry. Stains are most accessible to remove when they are new before they have bonded with the fabric’s fibers.
Try running the material under cold water (without scrubbing to avoid damaging the threads), or use simple detergents such as baking soda to lift the stain.
If you can’t get the stain out, the next best option is to keep the material wet until you can wash it in a machine, either at home or at the laundromat.
Use Cold Water Only On Delicate Fabrics
Delicate fabrics are made of fibers that are more sensitive to wear and temperature than other materials.
If you opt for warm or hot water during your wash cycles, these fibers can fray, stretch, or scrunch in response to high temperatures, distorting the item, warping its shape, or even leaving holes.
Cold water helps the fibers to maintain their rigidity, and they’ll stand up better to the movement associated with washing and getting stains out.
Keep Delicate Fabrics Separate From The Rest Of Your Laundry
As mentioned previously, the fibers of delicate fabrics are very sensitive, making them delicate. Heat is not the only thing that can damage these fibers.
Washing delicates alongside more abrasive clothing, such as denim, can fray the material and cause damage that can’t be repaired.
Delicates should be washed separately from coarser materials or those that could cause damage. Be careful of zippers, clips, and metal pieces such as buttons.
The best strategy is to wash delicates in a load by themselves and place them in a mesh bag to provide shielding from anything that could come into contact with the delicate fibers during the wash.
Just ensure the mesh bag doesn’t have zippers or other problems!
Choose the Lowest Spin Cycle On The Washing Machine
One of the least known causes of damage to delicate fabrics is gravity. If a delicate fiber is pulled or stretched, it can stay that way—which means your clothes might not fit correctly anymore, or your decorative item may look distorted and lose its function.
For this reason, be sure to wash your delicates on the lowest spin cycle. Many machines will have a specific setting called “gentle” or “delicates,” but you can select the gentlest spin cycle if yours doesn’t.
When delicates are washed on a faster cycle, the momentum of the rotating tub can stretch them out and cause damage or distortion.
Utilize a Professional Wash & Fold Laundry Service
While many people are so concerned about damage to their delicates that they see no other option but to wash them themselves, don’t be afraid to entrust them to a professional service.
Some high-quality laundromats offer specialized wash/dry services that leave your delicates in the hands of professionals with experience.
This can be helpful when you’re unsure how best to take care of delicates yourself. Even if you want to take charge of sensitive fabrics, try working with a reputable laundromat with knowledgeable on-site staff.
They can advise you on how best to use their machines to achieve a thorough clean without damaging your delicates, and if you have questions about detergents, temperature settings, and more, they’ll be just a few feet away.
Trust the Pros to Get Your Delicates Clean
If you have delicates needing a good washing, you don’t need to shy away from the task for fear of damaging them! Laundromat experts can equip you with the equipment and knowledge you need to wash your delicates without causing fraying or stretching.
The machines at Tiny Bubbles are always clean and fresh, and they’re made in America with a focus on efficiency and environmental impact.
The on-site team has a breadth of knowledge to help you adjust settings to suit your delicates, and with ample parking, you’ll find the entire experience simple and easy.
Please visit one of our Tiny Bubbles locations at 14510 Jefferson Davis Hwy Woodbridge, VA 22191 or 505 E Main St Front Royal, VA 22630, to tackle your washing needs in a convenient location.