Caring for fine fabrics can be a bit of a science. You should always follow the care instructions on the label of the garment that you wish to clean or press. If there is no label, then you can use these general guidelines for ironing and cleaning your clothing with professional results. Use these rules as a guide only and don’t take any chances on your favorite garments. Saving a couple of bucks and ruining your clothing is not a good trade-off. Remember, when in doubt, shell it out.
Wool is a natural fiber that is prone to mildew and infestation, so it does require special care. However, wool is very resistant to soils and stains. If you have a wool suit, simply brush it before and after it is worn to remove any moth larvae that may have found their way to it. Store wool in a cool dry place and use cedar to keep moisture and insects at bay. Use a steamer or an iron on a low setting with steam to remove wrinkles and freshen up the garment. Remember, heat shrinks wool.
If you shrink natural wool, you can restore its shape and size by washing it in a volumizing shampoo. Volumizing shampoo is generally free of conditioners and other additives that can build up on clothes. Shampoo is very gentle but surprisingly effective at removing stains. Do not put shampoo in your washing machine or you will regret it!
To starch or not to starch? Starch stiffens fabric and makes it resistant to stains. Some people really prefer the look of a starched and pressed shirt. An interesting thing to note about starch is that it actually wears out fabrics a lot faster. The starch crystals extend out when heated and dried. This creates a microscopic mesh of crystalline fibers that pierce and fray the strings of the fabric. So, clothing will initially look better, but will wear out sooner.
The main thing to remember when you decide to press something without following the manufacturer’s directions is that most garments are made of many different materials. Linings, interfacings, shoulder inserts and zippers can all be made out of different fabrics. This is the main reason that many dress and professional attire pieces are dry clean only. Most fabrics wrinkle and shrink at different rates and temperatures in the wash. Some interfacings are actually glued in place and water will release the glue causing irreversible damage to the garment.
When your clothes are steamed, pressed, cleaned and ready to go, hang them on hangers that compliment their shape. Pants need a round bar to hang on so that they don’t get a wrinkle across the knee. Crisp shirts hang best on
metal hangers that fit directly on the seams of the shoulders. Taking care of your wardrobe can save you money and frustration. Just be careful and remember, when it doubt, shell it out.
