In the wardrobe of most women you can find at least 2-3 dresses. They are made from different materials, each of which needs proper care.
Ignorance of the basic “laws” of washing can cause irreparable damage to an item. To prevent this from happening, you need to consider a number of important points.
We will tell you in the article how to wash a dress (linen, velvet, silk, satin, suede, etc.) in a machine and by hand, and how to make sure the item does not fade.
Content
How to prepare for washing?
Before you start washing your dress, You need to find the label on it and read the recommendations for caring for the product. Important information is encoded on the tag in the form of symbols. It concerns the temperature regime, the possibility of washing in a machine, and ironing features.
You need to remember that it is strictly forbidden to subject products made from the following fabrics to automatic processing:
- leather;
- suede leather;
- velvet;
- natural silk.
Some products are completely contraindicated for contact with water.. In this case, they are either dry cleaned or handed over to professionals.
How to wash in a machine and by hand at home?
To ensure that the dress does not change its original color and shape after washing, you need to approach this process responsibly.
Three factors must be taken into account:
- Type of matter.
- Product color.
- The presence of decorative elements.
In such situation It is better to use liquid detergents, since they are quickly washed out of the fabric fibers. If the stains are complex, then pre-soaking in a soap solution is recommended.
Velvet
Velvet is a fabric with a cut pile, the basis of which is silk threads. A dress made of this material is distinguished by its unique elegance, it is highly breathable and quickly absorbs moisture. Its main disadvantages: the product collects dust, takes a long time to dry, and fades in the sun.
Important information:
- machine washing is not allowed;
- the safest way to get rid of dirt is dry cleaning or hand washing;
- washing restrictions: water temperature – up to 30 degrees, hand spinning and ironing are prohibited;
- the product cannot be rubbed with a brush or hands;
- The optimal detergent is washing gel.
Instructions:
- Dilute the cleaning solution in cool water.
- Soak the velvet dress in it, turning it inside out.
- Leave for 30 minutes.
- Use a soft sponge to remove any existing dirt.
- Rinse the product. To do this, you need to fill a basin with water and lower the item into it, gently squeeze it several times, and change the water. The procedure is repeated until foam stops forming.
Silk
Natural silk is represented by interwoven threads of fibroin and sericin. A dress made of this material is highly breathable, absorbs moisture well, and is not afraid of water.
Important information:
- washing in a machine is possible, but only on a special program (silk mode);
- spinning must be turned off;
- the safest way to get rid of dirt is hand washing at 30 degrees;
- stubborn stains can be removed with alcohol or table vinegar solution;
- restrictions when washing a silk dress: boiling, treatment with alkaline compounds is prohibited;
- Silk should not be dried in direct sunlight, as this will damage the strength of the fiber.
Washing instructions:
- Dilute liquid detergent in a basin.
- Soak the product for 20 minutes.
- Wash the dress. You can rub it with your hands, but not with a brush.
- Rinse the product, but do not wring it out.
- Let the water drain and send the item to dry.
You can remove particularly stubborn stains using table vinegar. Apply it to a cotton pad and gently wipe the stains before washing. The procedure is repeated until the contamination completely disappears.
Black and white so it doesn't fade
If you wash a black and white dress according to the rules, it will not fade or stain.
Important information:
- Machine washing is not allowed. The product is processed only by hand, regardless of the type of fabric.
- Restrictions when washing a black and white dress: water temperature up to 30 degrees, spinning is prohibited.
- Preference should be given to liquid detergents. They should not contain bleaches (if the entire product is intended to be washed).
Instructions:
- pour water into a basin, dissolve the detergent in it;
- soak the product for 10-20 minutes;
- wash contaminated areas by gently rubbing them with a brush or by hand;
- the more delicate the fabric, the less intense the impact should be;
- rinse the product and send it to dry.
If it is necessary to bleach the white collar or frills on a black dress, then wash them separately using an oxygen stain remover.
Pleated
The pleated dress has many folds. To prevent them from unraveling, you need to wash and dry it according to the rules.
Important information:
- preference is given to hand washing using a nylon stocking;
- after removing dirt, do not wring out the dress;
- You can dry a pleated item only in a vertical position.
Washing instructions:
- Dilute detergent in water.
- Twist the dress into a tube and place it in a nylon stocking.
- Soak in soapy water for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse the item and leave it to dry in a stocking, hanging it vertically. When the water has drained, the nylon can be removed.
If there are stains on the dress, they are cleaned in advance, before the main wash.
Satin
A satin dress consists of silk or semi-silk threads and has a shiny outer surface.
Important information:
- Preference is given to hand washing.
- The water temperature should not exceed 30 degrees.
- The satin cannot be rubbed with a brush or hands. Any dirt is removed with a cotton pad.
- Wash the dress by turning it inside out.
Washing instructions:
- pour water into a basin and dissolve liquid detergent in it;
- soak the dress in a foam solution;
- after 30 minutes, rinse the product;
- when the water has drained, the item is sent to dry.
Stains can be removed using any alcohol composition, for example, using cologne or vodka.
Processing is carried out only from the wrong side, before the main wash.. Apply alcohol to a cotton pad and wipe the contaminated area several times.
With sequins
The sequin dress is trimmed with small flat or shiny scales of different shapes. They are fastened with threads. Therefore, such a product must be washed carefully.
Important information:
- Machine washing is not recommended. If it is impossible to avoid it, then use a special mesh.
- Restrictions when washing dresses with sequins: water temperature should not exceed 30 degrees, spinning is prohibited.
- Use only liquid detergents that will not remove the shine from the sequins.
- Contact with water is kept to a minimum.
Washing instructions:
- completely dissolve the detergent in cool water;
- soak the dress for 5 minutes;
- gently shake the product;
- Rinse the item several times in clean water.
Leather
Leather dresses look very impressive, but require compliance with certain care rules, including:
- Machine washing is not allowed. Preference is given to dry cleaning. If this is not possible, the product is processed manually.
- Important restrictions: do not use hot water, do not scrub with a brush, do not squeeze.
- For processing, only gels or liquid concentrates are used.
Washing instructions:
- fill a basin with water and dilute the detergent composition in it;
- soak the dress for 15 minutes;
- wipe the surface with a soft sponge;
- Rinse the product and let the water drain.
Dry the item away from sunlight and heat sources, in a horizontal position.
Linen
A linen dress is not too picky to care for. It is known that when wet, the strength of the fiber increases by 20%. This fact allows you to wash it in a machine without fear.
Important information:
- Any washing method is suitable, but linen fibers should not be allowed to come into contact with alkalis;
- white things can be boiled;
- Any detergent is suitable, but the presence of chlorine in their composition is undesirable.
Algorithm of actions:
- Place the product in a washing net if it has additional decorative elements that may come off.
- Pour the powder into the washing machine compartment.
- Select the “cotton - gentle wash” program, or make the settings manually. Spin the item at speeds up to 600 rpm. The temperature can be set to maximum.
- After the cycle is completed, the item is sent to dry by hanging it on hangers.
At water temperatures above 60 degrees, flax fibers can shrink by 0.5 sizes.
Made from polyester
Dresses made from polyester are durable, stain-resistant, and stains can be easily removed. A certain amount of natural fibers is always added to the composition of the material.
Important information:
- Any washing method is acceptable.
- Restrictions: water temperature should not exceed 40 degrees, it is not recommended to use bleach.
- To prevent the fabric from becoming electrified, fabric softener is added to the detergent.
- Polyester items do not wrinkle, so after washing they just need to be shaken off and dried flat.
Algorithm of actions:
- place the product in the washing machine;
- pour detergent into the compartment;
- select the “synthetics - gentle wash” program;
- you can manually adjust: water temperature 40 degrees, spin – no more than 500 rpm;
- wait for the cycle to complete and send the item to dry.
Knitted, “noodles”
The noodle dress is made of elastic knitwear. It stretches well and fits the figure. It must be washed correctly so that it does not lose its original characteristics.
Important information:
- The yarn balance can be anything: cotton, viscose, wool, acrylic, polyester, etc. Therefore, first you need to read the information indicated on the label.
Wash the item according to the recommendations for the specific type of fabric.
- If it is not known what material the item is made from, resort to universal instructions.
- The only recommendation is that the item should not be twisted so that it does not lose its shape or stretch.
Universal instructions for gentle washing noodle dresses:
- collect water in a suitable container; its temperature should not exceed 40 degrees;
- dilute the washing powder in a basin until it is completely dissolved;
- soak the item for half an hour;
- wash existing stains by hand;
- rinse the product;
- Without squeezing the dress, allow excess water to drain.
Dry the “noodles” on a flat surface, do not hang them on hangers.
Viscose
A viscose dress is made from artificial fibers, which are not very durable. When wet, this figure becomes even lower (strength drops by 60%).
Important information:
- preference is given to hand washing;
- do not rub or wring out the item;
- do not use home remedies (ammonia, vinegar, soda) to remove stains;
- soften the water using fabric softener.
Algorithm of actions:
- Pour warm water into a basin (up to 35 degrees).
- Dissolve liquid detergent.
- Immerse the product in the soapy solution and lightly knead it to remove accumulated dust from the fibers.
- Rinse the fabric under running water, let it drain and send the dress to dry.
Machine washing of viscose items is contraindicated.
Suede
Suede is a delicate natural fabric that does not tolerate contact with water. It is recommended to remove dirt from the dress using a steam generator.
Algorithm of actions:
- hang the product by the hangers;
- treat contaminated areas with a steam generator;
- clean the item with a special brush;
- dry the product without removing it from the hanger, fluff the pile by ironing it with your palm in the opposite direction.
Velor
Velor is a wool or cotton fabric with a fleecy shiny surface. Dresses made from it look very impressive, but require careful handling.
Important information:
- the high density of the fabric allows it to be washed in a machine;
- the item does not shrink or stretch, so it can be wrung out, but at low speed;
- It is recommended to avoid ironing.
Algorithm of actions:
- Turn the item inside out.
- Turn on a suitable washing mode (delicate, gentle, wool). The water temperature should not exceed 30 degrees, and the spin should not exceed 500 rpm.
- Pour liquid detergent into the powder compartment.
- Start the wash cycle.
- Remove the item from the drum and send it to dry.
Wedding
It is not recommended to clean a wedding dress yourself, as the risk of damaging the product remains high. It is best to entrust the washing of expensive items to professionals.
If it is not possible to go to dry cleaning, and the dress needs cleaning, then It is recommended to process it manually.
The water should be cool - no more than 30 degrees. For washing, use only liquid detergent.
Rub contaminated areas with a soft sponge. This applies to both the corset and the hem. For stubborn stains, it is recommended to use a gentle bleach.
He will tell you more about how to carefully wash a wedding dress and remove stains from it. this article.
Brilliant
A dress covered in sequins looks impressive, but to prevent it from fading after washing, You need to familiarize yourself with some rules:
- Minimize contact with water and detergents.
- Do not rub or wring out the item.
- Do not machine wash the product.
- Process the dress only from the wrong side.
- Do not exceed the temperature of 30 degrees.
Algorithm of actions:
- pour cool water into a basin;
- dilute a weak cleaning solution;
- soak the dress for 5 minutes, gently pressing it with your hands;
- rinse the item, wrap it in a terry towel and leave for 15 minutes;
- dry the product by hanging it on a hanger.
For gentle washing, you can use baby shampoo.
How to dry?
Dry the dress after washing need according to the following rules:
- The room should not be too humid, as this will delay the drying process.
- Outdoors, water evaporates faster, but it is important to protect the product from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
- Items made from delicate fabrics are laid out on a flat surface. Coarser materials can be placed vertically, hanging by hangers.
- Do not dry your dress on a radiator.
Most often, the product is not wrung out after washing; the water is allowed to drain on its own. To speed up this process, you can wrap it in a terry towel. This way the water will be absorbed faster.
When should you go to dry cleaning?
You should contact a dry cleaner if you cannot get rid of dirt at home.. Most often, professionals are trusted with valuable items, such as wedding dresses, items made of suede and genuine leather.
Such organizations have existed on the market for a long time, so they have many positive reviews. The cost of the dress washing service depends on the complexity of the task. Prices start from 600 rubles and above.
What to do if the item shrinks?
If the dress shrinks, You can stretch it in the following way:
- Soak the product for 20 minutes in a weak vinegar solution (for 10 liters of water you will need 3 tablespoons of 9% vinegar).
- After 15 minutes, remove it, squeeze it lightly and place it on a horizontal surface.
- While drying, stretch the dress in the desired direction.
This method allows you to increase the product by 1 size. Woolen items can be stretched best. Dresses made of cotton and linen react worse to the procedure.
A lot of useful information on how to stretch a dress that has shrunk after washing and how to prevent the product from shrinking in the future is presented in this article.
Important Tips
To ensure that your dress is washed successfully, The following recommendations must be followed:
- Before cleaning, turn the product inside out;
- do not use products containing bleaching components for black and colored items;
- preference should be given to liquid detergents;
- Do not wash white and colored items together.
You will find maximum useful information about washing clothes and various fabric products Here.
Video on the topic
The video will show you how to wash a dress made from various fabrics in a washing machine:
Conclusion
You need to wash your dress as soon as it gets dirty. An indispensable condition for careful care is taking into account the type of material from which it is sewn..
Having decided on the composition of the fabric, you need to follow the existing instructions. This will keep the item clean and extend its service life.