When the good weather arrives, you want to go out, don’t you?
Of course! The sun, the heat, the breeze… Everything invites you to dress for the occasion, with lighter and more pleasant clothes.
This type of clothing is usually made from natural and lightweight fabrics. Delicate fabrics that require a particular type of washing and a suitabledetergent.
This post will remove your doubts about the type of wash, temperature and use of the dryer for 3 of the most used fabrics during the months of May to August.
Sunny day fabrics: linen, cotton and silk
These are 3 of the most comfortable fabrics to wear when the heat sets in: linen, cotton and silk.
These three materials are used to make light and fresh clothes for spring and summer. But beware, the heat pushes you to change your clothes regularly, so it is normal for these delicate clothes to be washed often and, for this reason, you must take care of them.
Linen
Linen clothing is elegant and flattering. Washing linen clothes requires special care for their preservation.
Hand wash or machine wash?
If you decide to machine wash, choose a short program without spinning. If you prefer to do it by hand, don’t over-wring the garment. Always use a mild detergent .
Let it dry on a hanger, never in the dryer.
Iron the garment inside out while it is still slightly damp. For stubborn creases, place a slightly dampened handkerchief between the garment and the iron.
Silk
Silk is a delicate monofilament fabric used to make luxury clothing, lingerie, shirts and evening dresses, among other things.
In general, they are garments that have a particular shine that gives them elegance and a soft, pleasant and sensual touch.
Can silk get wet?
Yes, provided you follow these instructions:
Always wash in cold water, by hand and with detergent for delicate clothes. Just soak it in a basin for a few minutes and shake it a little, without twisting it.
Then dry it. You used the detergent that scents clothes, so let it air dry! However, hang the item of clothing on a hanger away from the sun so that it does not lose its colour.
If you have to iron the garment, always do it inside out, without steam and at a minimum temperature; easy, isn’t it?
Cotton
Cotton is a very versatile fabric, the most common in our wardrobe and of almost daily use.
Cotton garments are among the most resistant, but despite everything, among light fabrics, it is one of those to take the greatest care of.
The first recommendation, at least for the first wash of cotton clothes, is to group them by colour: light, dark and white.
By taking this precaution, you will preserve the brilliance of the colours.
If you choose a short washing program, for example delicate, your cotton clothes will last longer and be in better condition.
Want to see how they regain their original splendour and elasticity?
A good trick is to add a dose of starch to the wash, it is not necessary to do this every time, only when the clothes have been washed several times.
At what temperature should light fabrics be washed?
One of the most difficult questions is what is the best temperature for each fabric.
100% cotton garments shrink when washed at temperatures above 30°C. They may also discolour or become damaged.
Linen can be washed by hand or in the washing machine, but always in cold water or at a very low temperature. You should keep in mind that this type of fibre can shrink and deform under the effect of heat.
As you already know, silk must be handled with care, take advantage of its softness to relax. Soap for delicate laundry and cold water.
Washing at low temperature and respecting the environment
It is best to wash light fabrics and, in general, any fabric at a low temperature so as not to damage them. In addition, it also contributes to environmental protection and is a more sustainable energy-saving model.
Washing clothes at 30° rather than 60° saves up to 40% electricity.
Can we deduce that it is always better to wash in cold water?
And what about stubborn stains then?
And you, do you have any advice to share? Share your tips in comments and what your experience has taught you.
