LOVE YOUR LACE?

GUIDE TO WASHING YOUR FRAGILE FRIENDS(LOVE YOUR LACE)

“I consider lace to be one of the prettiest imitations ever made of the fantasy of nature.” rightly said by Coco Chanel, lace has been a symbol of feminine elegance and sophistication since time immemorial. LOVE YOUR LACE?
No wonder our most treasured garments are the delicate netted fabrics. However, to keep them just as alive as the first time you wore it, it is necessary to take up the lace-friendly method of cleaning them thoroughly.
Confused from where to start? Here is your go-to guide to washing your pretty lingerie and even your stunning saree border:

Step 1: CHECK YOUR LABEL

It is necessary to know whether your garment is machine-washable or not. Check the label or tag of each lacy piece you own before throwing them into the machine, otherwise, the harshness of the spin may cause tears and frays in your fabric.

Step 2: CHECK YOUR DETERGENT

It is best to use laundry soap, preferably a gentle one, if you are thinking of washing your fabric by hand.
If you still wish to use liquid detergent while washing by hand, ensure that it is a detergent designed for fragile fabrics. You may use the same liquid detergent if you are opting for a machine wash as well.

Step 3: WASHING

Washing lace can be done both in a washing machine and by hands. Go through what seems to be the perfect option for your lace:

How to wash lace by Hand?

 Fill a bucket or a washing bowl with lukewarm water, unless specified on any of the labels. Lukewarm water will not be as harsh as warm water for the fragile lace and would make sure the next step of soaking is done adequately.
 Once the garments are in the lukewarm water, let them soak in the water for about two to three minutes. You may gently swirl the water with your hands to speed up the process.

If you are using Laundry Soap to wash by hands:

• Rub the soap in your hands and let it create foam.
• Apply the foam evenly on each garment. Rub any areas which might have stains with extra soap, if required.
• Dip the garment once again in lukewarm water to remove the soap foam.

• Rinse the garment with tap water to clean up any leftover soap water.

If you are using Liquid Detergent to wash by hands:

• Read the instructions on using the liquid detergent beforehand. Use the amount as instructed, or a cap full will be sufficient for seven to ten garments. Pour the detergent in the bucket.
• Swirl the water to let the detergent bubble-up and create foam.
• Individually, gently plunge on the garment, rubbing on any stains to remove them. Do not stretch or scratch too much, as this can cause tearing and fraying in the fabric.
• Rinse each garment with tap water once they are thoroughly clean.

How to wash lace in a Washing Machine?

 If your garment has any trimmings on the edges, it is best to wash such pieces by hand, as they are at a higher risk of getting tugged.
 Stain Removal Tip: If there is any stain that cannot be removed with just a machine wash, pre-treat it with your detergent.
i. Let the stained area soak some water.
ii. Pour the detergent on the stained area as required and let it sit for about five to ten minutes.
iii. With a rubbing action, remove any stubborn marks. Do NOT tug, pluck, or pull harshly.
 It is important to clasp clips, button up any buttons, and close any zips on all of your lace clothing. This will ensure they don’t pull on to each other.
 Turn all your clothes inside out. This ensures a deeper clean.
 Put all your clothes in a mesh laundry bag. This eliminates the risk of the clothes getting stuck to the sides of the machine and ripping apart.
 Operate at the gentlest cycle of the machine.

Step 4: DRYING

 Do NOT tumble dry lacy fabrics. This may cause them to damage. DO NOT twist or stretch too much either.
 Instead, lay them flat on an even surface, or on a towel to dry. You may dry whites in sunlight as well, avoid the same for coloured lace though.
 If the garment has a specific shape, dry it in the same way. For example, it is best to let your brassiere’s dry it’s a natural shape. Clasp all hooks of the bra and hang them on a clothes hanger by its shoulder straps.

Ironing and removing creases: LOVE YOUR LACE? Avoid ironing any lace, as it may get burnt with the heat of the iron. If you still see any creases on the lace, you may stretch it a bit into its shape while it is still damp. Once dried, fold all lace clothing with as few folds as possible. Small items like underwear and bras can be kept as it is, without any folding. That will ensure its shape is intact and would eliminate the chances of having any loose elastic later on.

Laces, be it in intimates or outerwear, never miss to mesmerize anyone. The intricacy of the fabric is what makes it captivating. However, now that you know that the cleaning is just as less intricate, those fancy nets will sure be worn many more times throughout the week!

With that being said, Dhobi G is a go-to help for anything related to laundry. You may browse many more similar tips at https://blog.dhobig.com/. Visit Dhobi G at www.dhobig.com. Make sure to check them out on Facebook as well at https://www.facebook.com/DhobiGOnline/. Don’t forget to love
your lace the best way possible!