Author: valentine

Posted on November 12, 2024

Don’t forget the deco

Prolonging the life of your home decoration is simpler than you think

Posted on by valentine

When was the last time you laundered your curtains? How about your throw pillows? It’s easy to forget, but decorative items should be washed. This is all the truer for people who have allergies to dust or mold, since the best way to keep these allergens away is through regular cleaning. Don’t be intimidated by the delicate appearance of your curtains and pillows; a simple glance at the care label will quickly let you know the appropriate care method for each item. Then, simply follow the handy tips below.

 

Curtains

How you wash your curtains will depend on their material. Large, heavy drapes and those made from special fabrics like silk, brocade, or velvet should be dry-cleaned. Most other curtains can be hand-washed.

  • Carefully remove your curtains from the wall and free them of any hooks, clips, or weights.
  • Give your curtains a good shake outdoors to remove excess dust and debris.
  • Find a suitably large basin (the bathtub works nicely) and fill it with cold water.
  • Add a gentle detergent, ensuring that it has fully dissolved before adding the curtains.
  • Immerse your curtains in the soapy water and allow them to soak for around 15 minutes.
  • Gently agitate the curtains in the water, paying special attention to any stains.
  • Rinse thoroughly in clear water.
  • Remove all excess water by gently squeezing or towel blotting. Certain types of curtains can be placed in the washing machine on spin cycle only, but be sure to check the label first.
  • If your curtains can withstand ironing, iron them horizontally while they are still somewhat damp, paying close attention to the heat setting on the iron.
  • Hang curtains to dry vertically, preferably outdoors.

 

Throw pillows

Decorative cushions and pillows are seldom cleaned with the same frequency as regular pillowcases, yet they may experience more wear and tear than the pillows on your bed. Here’s how to keep your throw pillows clean, fluffy, and fresh-smelling:

  • If your throw pillow has a removable case, it may be machine-washable. If so, choose the delicate cycle.
  • If your throw pillow case is removable but not machine-washable, you can either take it to the dry cleaner or wash it by hand depending on what the label indicates.
  • If your throw pillow does not have a removable cover, you can hand-wash the whole pillow in a bucket or basin, using warm water and gentle detergent.
  • Allow to soak for around 10 minutes, then gently rub, paying special attention to any stains.
  • Rinse thoroughly.
  • Squeeze out any excess moisture, using a dry towel if necessary.
  • If your pillow is dryer safe, dry on low heat along with a tennis ball in order to prevent the stuffing from developing any clumps.
  • If the dryer is a no-no, place your pillow in a warm and sunny area and allow it to air dry.

 

For more tips on how to care for your favorite clothes and linens, visit our special fabrics section.

Posted on October 8, 2024

Keep it covered

Make your mattress last longer by caring for its cover

Posted on by valentine

We all know that sleep is important. It’s so important that the average person spends as much as one third of their life sleeping! With that in mind, a high-quality mattress is a wise investment … which deserves to be cared for. This is where the mattress cover comes in. If you want to keep your mattress free of moisture, debris, and any of the stains that those of you with children are surely familiar with, then a mattress cover is the answer. However, considering its role as a stain shield, every mattress cover needs washing. Below are a few tips to ensure your cover remains fit to continue its loyal service for as long as possible.

 

Built-in removeable covers

Some mattresses, especially children’s models, are made of a foam core with a built-in zippable cover. These covers can generally be removed and washed according to the instructions on the label.

  • Dry clean if required.
  • If machine washing is allowed, then carefully remove the cover and place it in your washing machine, preferably by itself.
  • Use mild detergent and the “normal” cycle with the highest temperature that the label allows (generally 40°C or less). If you are concerned about killing bacteria or viruses, try using an antibacterial detergent.
  • Hang your mattress cover out to dry, since using a dryer could cause stretching or shrinking.
  • Wait until your mattress cover is completely dry before putting it back onto your mattress.

 

Add-on covers

A variety of mattress covers can be purchased according to your needs, including texture, moisture resistance, elasticity, anti-allergenic properties, etc. Most of these are machine-washable.

  • Always start by reading the label. Check whether your cover can be machine-washed. If it can’t, take it to the dry cleaner.
  • Use mild detergent and the “gentle” or “delicate” cycle at around 30°C, especially if your cover is waterproof.
  • For particularly soiled covers, use an antibacterial detergent.
  • Avoid ironing.
  • Replace after one to two years or sooner if visible signs of damage appear.

 

 

For more tips on how to care for your favorite clothes and linens, visit our special fabrics section.

Posted on August 21, 2024

Soft and sweet

When, why, and how to use fabric softener

Posted on by valentine

Have you ever stepped out of the shower and grabbed a fresh towel, only to realize that it’s stiff and scratchy? Unless that towel is meant to double as an exfoliating tool, you might want to consider adding some fabric softener to your next laundry cycle. The most likely culprit behind rough, dry-feeling clothing and linens is water that’s particularly high in minerals, also known as “hard water.” Like its name suggests, hard water tends to have a stiffening effect on fabric. But have no fear—fabric softener to the rescue! To find out more about this powerful laundry ally, read on.

 

What is fabric softener?

Fabric softener is a laundry product whose purpose is to improve the look, feel, and smell of the items that you machine wash. It does this primarily by depositing a thin layer of softening agents onto the fibers of your fabric during the washing process, smoothing the fibers and reducing the friction generated by the wash cycle. Clothes and linens come out of the machine softer to the touch, less prone to static, easier to iron, better protected from wear and tear, and sweetly scented too.

 

What kind of fabric softener should I buy?

While fabric softeners exist in the form of liquid, dryer sheets, and dryer balls, liquid is by far the most common form. Liquid fabric softener comes in a rainbow of colors and an endless array of fragrances, from the most exotic to the most discreet. Whether your choice is based on scent, ingredients, or price, be sure to check the label to help you decide.

 

How should I use liquid fabric softener?

Liquid fabric softener is usually (but not always!) added at the same time as your detergent. Where you add it depends on what type of machine you have.

  • Top-loading or front-loading: use the cap of the softener bottle to measure the recommended amount of liquid. Pour into the dispenser tray, slot, or column. If there are multiple areas designated for detergent and/or softener, be sure to choose the area marked by a six-petaled flower symbol.
  • No dispenser: if you are using a store-bought dispenser such as a ball, fill the dispenser to the indicated mark and place in the machine just before launching the wash cycle. The ball will pop open at the right time, releasing the softener. You may retrieve the ball safely once the full cycle has finished. If you do not have a ball, you can still add fabric softener manually at the start of the rinse cycle, taking care to pour it into water and not directly onto any clothing, as this could cause staining.

 

What about dryer sheets and dryer balls?

Dryer sheets and dryer balls are intended exclusively for use in a dryer. Sheets are similar to liquid softener in that they contain substances that coat the surface of fabric, reducing static and friction, whereas dryer balls contain no substances but still create a fluffing effect by virtue of colliding repeatedly with fabrics as they tumble dry.

 

A word of caution

Fabric softener should not be used on certain kinds of clothing, either because the coating is harmful to the fabric or because it reduces certain protective properties, in particular flame resistance. Avoid using fabric softener (other than dryer balls) on the following:

  • Wool
  • Microfiber
  • Children’s pajamas
  • Water-repellant clothing
  • Swimwear and sportswear containing elastane

 

For more tips on how to care for your favorite clothes and linens, visit our special fabrics section.

Posted on June 21, 2024

Oh là là

Give your lingerie the love it deserves.

Posted on by valentine

You’ll probably agree that when it comes to clothing, lingerie holds a special place. Over the course of history, lingerie and undergarments have played a variety of roles, from the most utilitarian, such as the strophium “bra” favored by the Greco-Romans, to the most romantic, such as the lacy negligees made famous by Marilyn Monroe. Today, lingerie has become a veritable fashion item with seasonal collections that offer ever-changing textures, shapes, styles, and colors. Yet despite the many facets of lingerie, it always deserves the utmost care and attention—particularly when it needs laundering.

 

How to keep your lingerie looking beautiful:

 

  • First things first. Always start by reading the label on your lingerie. It may contain specific instructions to bear in mind.

 

  • Spot the stains. Inspect your lingerie for any stains and, if necessary, apply an appropriate stain remover.

 

  • Hand or machine? Delicate materials like lace, as well as beads, feathers, and other adornments, are best washed by hand. Refer to the label to be sure. In all cases, cold water is the most suitable temperature choice because it reduces the risk of color transfer and shrinkage, ensuring that your lingerie looks better longer.
    • If by hand: Using a sink or wash basin, fill with water and use a detergent suitable for delicates or lingerie. Allow your garments to soak for around 30 minutes, then gently rub them together and rinse using fresh water until no soap residue remains. Squeeze out any excess water, taking care not to pull or tug. You may want to use a towel to absorb additional moisture.
    • If by machine: Close any zippers, as well as the hooks and eyes of your bras before washing, as this will prevent stretching, snagging, or tearing. For additional protection, consider using a mesh laundry bag. Choose the delicate cycle and low spin.

 

  • Opt for fresh air. Tumble drying is not advised, as the heat could severely damage your fragile lingerie. Instead, either hang to dry or lay flat on a drying rack.

 

  • Tame the wrinkles. If your lingerie has wrinkles, a cool iron applied to the reverse side of your garment may be suitable depending on the garment’s label. If not, steaming is often effective as well as gentle. Try either a garment steamer or simply hanging your lingerie in the bathroom while you shower!

 

 

Hey! What about the guys?

These tips apply to ALL delicate undergarments, and that includes menswear! So, gentlemen, if you want to keep those silk boxers looking their finest, simply follow the above instructions.

 

For more tips on how to care for your favorite clothes and linens, visit our special fabrics section.

Posted on May 21, 2024

Dress for success

Keep your business attire looking impeccable with these easy tips

Posted on by valentine

While today’s workplace may be more multi-national, multi-faceted, and multi-modal than ever before, one thing remains the same: clothes make the man… and the woman! Studies have shown that a neat and professional appearance offers a wide array of benefits: it enhances credibility and inspires the trust of customers and colleagues alike, while building your self-assurance and encouraging proactivity. In other words, keeping your business attire crisp and clean just might take you one step closer to achieving your professional goals.

Cleaning suits, trouser suits, and skirt suits:

 

  • Start with the label. Many suits require professional dry cleaning, in which case you should avoid machine washing to protect your suit from any potential damage.
  • Choose the right program. If your suit’s label indicates that machine washing is acceptable, then make sure to pick the appropriate program and temperature. Unless your label states otherwise, the best option is undoubtedly the gentle cycle, with the temperature set on cold.
  • Prepare your garment. Turn your suit inside out and place it in a mesh bag. This will protect it as it spins in your washing machine.
  • Air dry it. Tumble drying is not suitable for suits. Instead, place your garment on a sturdy hangar and allow it to air dry.
  • Care for it. With consistent care and attention, you can avoid over-washing your suit and thus prolong its lifespan. Be sure to regularly inspect your suit for lint, dust, or other debris, which you can easily remove with a suit brush. Check for stains as well, and remove them with a wet cloth and mild detergent, leaving your suit to dry on a hangar.
  • Hang it right. Avoid wire hangars—your clothes deserve better! Instead, use a sturdy, high-quality, wooden suit hangar, which will help keep your suit in shape while absorbing moisture. Remember to place your suit in a cloth garment bag before hanging it in your closet. This will protect your garment while allowing the airflow necessary for it to “breathe.”

Cleaning blouses and dress shirts:

 

  • Check the label. Some blouses and dress shirts are dry clean only. Others require cold temperatures, so be sure to read the details indicated on the label.
  • Prepare your dress shirt. Unbutton your blouse or shirt and remove any cuff links, collar stays, or other accessories.
  • Spot check. Inspect your blouse or shirt for stains, and pre-treat them as needed with a stain remover or a small amount of detergent.
  • Handle with care. If your blouse or shirt is machine-washable, choose the cycle and temperature according to the fabric type and soil level of your garment. As a general rule, finer and lighter-weight fabrics should be washed using a delicate cycle while thicker fabrics can handle a normal cycle and warmer temperatures. If you are concerned about color bleeding, be sure to wash similar colors together or use a color catcher sheet.
  • Dry, but not fully. As soon as the wash cycle has finished, hang your damp garment on a quality hanger and allow it to dry until most, but not all, of the moisture has evaporated. Ironing your blouse or shirt while it is still slightly damp will facilitate the process.

What about ties and scarves?

Generally speaking, tie and scarf cleaning should be left to the pros. Nevertheless, always check the label to be sure. Hand-washing may be an option, in which case a mild detergent and air drying is the best way to keep your ties and scarves in pristine condition.

 

For more tips on how to care for your favorite clothes and linens, visit our special fabrics section.

Posted on February 6, 2024

Caring for your cocoon

Follow these handy tips to keep your bed as soft and lovely as a dream

Posted on by valentine

In the wake of the hustle and bustle of the past few months, and with the goals and pressures of 2024 already making themselves felt, you may be fantasizing about retreating to your bed for a long winter’s nap. If so, you’re in luck—the early months of the year often coincide with white sales, which means now is the time to give your bedding some much-deserved attention. Follow these simple tips to turn your bedroom into a clean, sweet-smelling haven of rest.

 

Bed sheets and pillow cases:

  • Check the label. Most bed sheets are machine-washable, but be sure to check the label anyway. Certain delicate fabrics are better suited to dry-cleaning or hand-washing, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
  • Choose the right program. If your bed sheets are machine-washable, launder them in hot, warm, or cold water according to the indications on the label, bearing in mind that higher temperatures are more effective at eliminating germs and dust mites. Certain washing machine models have a dedicated “bedding” program; otherwise, the “normal” setting is generally fine for sheets. If you are washing delicate fabrics such as silk, choose the “delicate” setting.
  • Add detergent and softener. Any mild laundry detergent should be suitable for washing your bed sheets. For extra softness, especially if you have hard water, don’t forget to add fabric softener.
  • Dry completely. Bed sheets must be dried completely before being used or stored. Tumble dry using low heat until optimal dryness has been reached. Alternatively, if your home is equipped with an outdoor clothes line, and the weather is pleasant, why not dry your sheets (and towels) in the fresh air? They’ll smell great, and your budget will benefit, too.
  • Sheets and pillow cases should be cleaned every one to two weeks depending on the season and whether or not you suffer from allergies.

 

The above steps will ensure that your bed sheets remain in optimal condition. But what about trickier bedding items such as pillows and duvets? They need to be cared for also—read on to learn how.

 

Pillows and duvets: 

  • Check the label. While some pillows and duvets can be machine-washed (provided your machine is big enough), others cannot. Because the large dimensions of duvets make machine-washing tricky, the wisest choice may be to have them dry-cleaned.
  • Be gentle. If you opt for machine-washing, choose the gentle cycle and a mild detergent.
  • Dry thoroughly. You don’t want your bedding to smell like mildew, so be sure that your pillows and duvets are 100% dry before storing or using them. Either tumble dry on low heat (along with a tennis ball or two to ensure optimal fluffiness) or hang them outside to dry in the fresh air.
  • Repeat (just not too often). Over-washing can damage your pillows and duvets, so wash in moderation. Pillows should be washed only once or twice per year; duvets are generally protected by a cover and thus only need washing once every several years.

 

For more tips on how to care for your favorite clothes and linens, visit our special fabrics section.

Posted on January 4, 2024

Baby, it’s cold outside

How to keep your winter coats and jackets looking their best?

Posted on by valentine

When the days begin to shorten and that chill in the air becomes more persistent, it means the time has come to pull our cold weather coats and jackets out of the closet and put them back into active duty. Unfortunately, if we neglected to store our outer wear properly last season, chances are it may not be in the best shape. But never fear—with a little care, your coats and jackets will be as good as new.

Prepping your outer wear for immediate use:

  • Examine it. Your coat or jacket may look clean, but looks can be deceiving! There may be small or light-colored stains that have escaped your attention, and if you did not clean your garment prior to storing it, it may have an unpleasant musty smell.
  • Treat it. If your garment is machine-washable, be sure to pre-treat any stains that you notice. A variety of stain removers are available; just remember to be gentle when treating stains.
  • Clean it. Refer to the label on your garment and follow the indicated cleaning instructions. If your coat or jacket can be washed in the machine, be sure to use the appropriate setting, as well as the right quantity of laundry soap (adding extra soap will not make your garment extra clean!).
  • Dry it. Even if your coat or jacket can be machine-washed, you should avoid the risk of tumble-drying it and instead hang it out to dry. Your garment (and your budget) will be all the better for it!

Once you’ve followed the above steps, you’ll be all set to get the most enjoyment out of your warm (and clean) winterwear. Remember to keep your garment looking its best throughout the colder months by periodically checking for stains, removing any lint or debris with a lint roller or damp cloth, and, if necessary, giving it a full cleaning. Once warmer days return, simply follow the guidelines below to ensure optimal storage of your garment until it’s needed again!

Storing your coats and jackets during warm weather: 

  • Clean and dry again. Follow the above-mentioned steps to ensure that your coats and jackets are in the best possible shape prior to storage. Take care not to store your garments until they are fully dry.
  • Use fabric rather than plastic protection. Your coats and jackets will need to “breathe” during their storage time. Fabric storage bags allow air to circulate, and should be preferred over plastic ones.
  • Choose the right storage position. Keep in mind that some coats are best stored hanging, while others are better off folded in order to maintain their attractive shape (leather jackets, for example).

 

For more tips on how to care for your favorite clothes, visit our special fabrics section.

Posted on November 10, 2023

Go team!

How to care for your young athlete’s sports clothes

Posted on by valentine

Football, gymnastics, tennis, dance, badminton, karate… the world of sports offers endless benefits for youth of all ages. Whether it’s teamwork or leadership skills, determination or coordination, the practice of sports gives young people an array of tools that will serve them their entire lives. However, as every parent knows, sports can take their toll on clothing. To keep those jerseys and leotards looking (and smelling) good, a little extra attention is required.

When washing your child’s sports clothes, keep in mind the following suggestions:

Sweat is nothing to fear—it’s a sign that your young athlete has been working hard!—but if left to sit too long, sweat can cause stains that are tough to remove. So make sure that those sweaty clothes are moved from the gym bag to the washing machine the same day if possible. If any sweat stains do form, try pre-treating the garment before machine washing it. Make a mixture of 1 tablespoon white vinegar and half a cup of water. Soak the stained area for about 30 minutes, then machine wash.

 

Start with the stains. For rough-and-tumble stains like grass, mud, and the occasional bit of blood, pre-treat them either with a ready-made stain removal product or a simple solution you can make yourself from household ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, and water:

  • For grass or mud stains, try mixing together one part vinegar to two parts water. Apply gently to the stains, ensuring that they are fully soaked in the mixture. Allow to sit for 1-2 hours, then machine wash. For especially heavy stains, try using undiluted white vinegar.
  • For blood stains, soak the garment in very cold water as soon as possible. After 20 minutes, gently rub the stained area between your fingers to see whether the stain fades. If it does, continue soaking for another 5-10 minutes, then machine wash. For more stubborn blood stains, try soaking the stain in undiluted white vinegar for 10 minutes. Avoid using bleach or hydrogen peroxide on the stain unless the fabric is white, and even then, be sure to exercise caution so as to prevent any unwanted discoloration.

 

Mind the heat. Stretchy materials like elastane or nylon can be sensitive to high temperatures, so make sure that your wash cycle isn’t too hot. Also bear in mind that certain stains can be far more difficult to remove after having been exposed to heat. For both of these reasons, skip the dryer altogether and let your sportswear dry in the fresh air.

Choose the right laundry detergent. Most sports clothes can be washed with any all-purpose detergent. However, you may want to choose a dedicated sports detergent, which often includes an anti-bacterial additive for an extra dose of odor-fighting action.

Softener is optional. The moisture-absorbing properties of some kinds of sportswear may be hindered by fabric softener. If softness is a must for you, check the label of your garment first.

And when washing your young athlete’s sports clothes,

always refer to the care instructions on the label!

 

For more tips on how to care for your favorite clothes, visit our special fabrics section.

Posted on October 13, 2023

Does “hand wash only” mean what it says?

Certain garments require a little extra care—but it’s easier than you think!

Posted on by valentine

We all have clothing whose label bears those three ominous words: “hand wash only” or/and this little pictogram. The modern convenience of washing machines has made manual laundering unnecessary for many types of garments. Nevertheless, when it comes to certain fabrics, extra care is non-negotiable. For these items, hand wash only means exactly what it says.

 

 

Why? Because vintage, hand-knit, or fragile fabrics such as wool, silk or lace, as well as decorative details such as paint, beads, or sequins, may be damaged by water that’s too hot or by a spin cycle that’s too rough. And while you may be tempted to reach for the “delicate” setting on your washing machine, the risk of shrinking, snagging, or otherwise damaging your hand wash only garments is just too great.

 

But there’s good news—hand washing your delicate items is nothing to be feared! Simply follow these easy guidelines and your favorite delicates will keep on looking their best.

 

  • Use a clean, empty wash basin.
  • Fill with warm water—neither too hot nor too cold, at maximum 40°C.
  • Choose a detergent that suits your item. For example, you can choose a multi-use detergent, a wool detergent, a special detergent for washing by hand, etc.
  • Place your clothing in the basin and ensure that all the fabric is fully saturated with the soapy water. Allow to sit for around 30 minutes, then gently agitate in the water, taking care not to twist anything as this could stretch the fabric.
  • There is no need to leave your clothing to soak for an overly long amount of time; 30 minutes should suffice.
  • Thoroughly rinse your clothing, ensuring that any trace of detergent is gone.
  • Gently squeeze out the excess water from top to bottom, avoiding any twisting motions. You may briefly roll your clothing in a like-colored towel to absorb some of the moisture.
  • Never put your hand wash only items in the dryer, as the heat will most likely damage them. Instead, hang them out to dry.
  • That’s it! Your delicate garments will be ready to wear again in no time. Washing them may have taken a few extra minutes, but sometimes there’s just no substitute for your own two hands.

 

 

For more tips on how to care for your favorite clothes, visit our special fabrics section.

Posted on March 13, 2023

Your swimsuit: the true holiday star!

Want to know more on how to care for your textiles and keep them longer…? Here are tips and tricks to take care of your essential summer must-have!

Posted on by valentine

Although our swimsuit is an essential summer garment, we really tend to give it the roughest time! From chlorine to salt, oil, and sunscreen… it endures a good share of treatments that shorten its lifespan considerably, if you don’t take care of it properly.

 

Ok, but how exactly should we care for our swimsuit if we want to wear it again every season?

How to wash your swimsuit properly

  • Rinse your swimsuit in clear water after each use
  • Do not wring your swimsuit manually, this could eventually damage the fibers
  • Look at the textile care label of your swimsuit, to make sure it can go in the washing machine
  • Prefer washing by hand or using a delicate cycle
  • Use a special detergent for delicate fabrics
  • To get rid of a sunscreen stain, you can pour a bit of liquid detergent or washing-up liquid directly on the stain before rubbing it gently

The essential step: rinsing!

To preserve your swimsuit, make sure you rinse it with cold water after each use! This is essential to eliminate salt or chlorine residues which can be corrosive to its textile over time.

 

For more tips on how to care your swimwear, visit our special fabrics section.

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