Before you try to clean something yourself, you need to take a look at the label. This is because there are certain kinds of materials and fabrics that are extremely difficult to clean at home, and which are best left to professionals. Garments which you should send to professional dry cleaners include:
• Suede
• Fur
• Feathers
• Velvet
• Taffeta
• Anything with delicate beading or stitching
Certain fabrics are actually able to withstand machine washing, in spite of what the clothing label says. These include:
• Linen
• Cotton
• Durable polyesters
To machine wash them, you'll first need to get your hands on a specialized mesh bag for washing delicates. Then, place the articles of clothing inside it, and put it in your washing machine. Use only cold water and a mild detergent, and set your washing machine to a gentle cycle. Once the cycle is complete, immediately remove everything from the washing machine and either lay them flat or hang them to dry.
'Dry clean only' fabrics which are able to withstand being washed by hand are:
• Cotton
• Wool
• Silk
This technique is a little bit more complicated than machine-washing, but once you get the hang of it, you'll never send the above fabrics to the dry cleaner again. Here's what you need to do:
1. Fill up a bucket or sink with cold water and add some mild detergent to it, before mixing it a little to make the water foamy.
2. Dip your garment in and out of the water until it is thoroughly soaked through. Use your fingertips to get the grime out of tough stains.
3. Drain the soapy water and refill it with clean cold water.
4. Keep dipping your article of clothing in the water until all of the soap is gone. Change the water once more if required.
5. Lay it on a clean white towel and push the water out. At this stage, it is very important not to twist the water out of your clothes, since doing so may damage them.
6. Place another white towel on top of the garment, and slowly roll the towel up and down, while squeezing gently. Repeat this for 3 to 5 times.
7. Reshape your clothing, and lay it flat on another towel to dry. Ensure that wool products are kept away from heat and direct sunlight.
Leather jackets can be quite sensitive, so make sure to read the label for any special instructions apart from 'dry clean only' before attempting to clean one yourself.
For light surface care, the best thing to do is to use a damp towel to remove any grime and dirt that may have accumulated, ensuring that you don't rub too hard. For tougher stains, a leather stain removal spray may come in handy.
You are also able to hand wash leather jackets by soaking them in a small basin filled with Castile soap or some dishwashing liquid. Then, gently rub the dirt out of the affected areas, and air it dry when you've finished.
Sources: thesecretyumiverse, wonderhowto
Images: depositphotos
Related Articles:
9 Tips to Care for Suede Boots
The Worst Washing Up Mistakes We Make
These Cleaning Hacks Are All You Need to Clean Your Home
Don't waste time on chores! Clean your home quickly and efficiently with these quick hacks.
Psst! Here Are Some Clothes' Tips Few Know About
These tips will allow you to keep your clothes in as good a condition as new!
Here's How to Clean Hard-to-Reach Spots In Your Car & Home
It's not nice when you can't get something in your house or car as clean as you want it to be, but as you will see, where there's a will, there's a way...
How Many Times You Can Wear Clothes Before Washing Them
Are you re-wearing your clothes more often than you should? Follow this guide.
Surprise Your Kids With This Fake Snow Recipe!
Learn how to make your very own snow from the comfort of your own home thanks to this brilliant guide.
Re-purpose Your Old Clay Pots Into Something Special!
Clay pots are rather mundane things if there isn't something quite spectacular growing out of them, but you can use them to make something amazing...
How to Spot a Liar with These 8 Tell-Tale Signs
It's actually really easy to tell if someone is lying to you. Follow this simple 8 part guide and you'll know who's telling porkies.
17 Common Cleaning Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Bathroom
Keep your bathroom spotless with significantly less effort by avoiding these 17 biggest bathroom cleaning mistakes people make all the time
Warning: Don't Put These in the Washer or Dryer!
The washing machine and the dryer are two very efficient inventions that help us a lot - but the following 9 items are best kept away from them.
The Smart Weight-Loss Tips No One Ever Told You
These simple daily changes can bring an avalanche of goodness to your body. I'm sure you've never heard at least half of these tips, but each and every one of them will have a small and meaningful effect on your weight loss.
5 Incredible Secrets 5-Star Hotels Use to Do the Laundry
Achieve outstanding results with these incredible laundry tips
Maximise Your Kitchen Space with These Clever Hacks
Use these clever ideas to turn your kitchen into a room that works for you, with easier access to everyday items and better utilization of space.
How To Prevent Roaches From Entering Your Home
Learn some useful tips as you struggle to keep roaches out of your home.
18 Must-Know Survival Hacks for Those Tricky Moments
These clever survival hacks can help save your life someday.
These YouTube Channels Are a Delight for Senior Citizens
Discover the best YouTube channels for seniors that offer a plethora of engaging and entertaining content.
Body Language Guide: 17 Mistakes We All Make
We give ourselves away all the time. Learn the common body language mistakes we all do so you can protect your inner thoughts.
The BEST Plants to Display in the Living Room
An abundance of plants is an evergreen trend in interior design. See which plants are best suited for a living room setting and learn to style them.
You Need to Wash Your Towel More Often Than You Think
With all the germs your towels may be harboring, here's how they should be washed.
Is Your Bathroom as Clean as It Could Be? Probably Not!
Is your bathroom as clean as it could be? Follow these 10 tips to ensure a cleaner bathroom.
21 Things a Burglar Could Tell You, But Certainly Won't
This post could save your possessions, or even your life, someday. That's why you have to make sure that you read it!
How to Reduce that Puffiness Your Face Gets in the Morning
Get to know the 6 most effective ways we were able to find to treat a swollen face in the morning.
Vicks Has So Many Different Uses. Here Are 8 of Them!
Vicks can be found in households across the globe. This is a very useful ointment which has many unique uses. Check some of them out here.
How to Beat Knee Pain While Going Up and Down the Stairs
Knee hurts while climbing stairs? These tips might just help.
WARNING! This Common Ingredient Could Be Fatal to Cats!
They say that curiosity killed the cat, but new studies now show that certain essential oils may kill your cats too if you're not careful. Learn why here...
I Use Grandma's Old Trick for Cleaning Copper Pots
This is how to easily clean your copper pots.
Keep the Bedroom Cool in the Summer Heat with These Tips!
Getting a good night's sleep during the hottest summer months doesn't have to be a challenge. With these clever easy tricks, you'll sleep like a baby!
10 Surprising Items You Can Clean in the Washing Machine
The washing machine can be useful for more than just clothes. 10 surprising items you can clean in the machine with no trouble.
How to Choose the Best Kitchen Sponge for Your Home
What things should you consider when choosing the best kitchen sponge for your home? This video explains...
Keep Your Jewelry Sparkling Clean With This Perfect Guide
Jewelry is quick to tarnish and lose its beauty. But don't despair - use these cheap and easy methods to clean it at home!
Incredibly Interesting Facts and Figures About the World
These facts and figures about the world are the most interesting you have ever read.
Bored of the Outlet Covers? Here's How to Paint Them Well
In this article, we'll learn how to paint and wallpaper plastic or metal outlet covers effectively and professionally.
Tip: All You Need to Know About Your Kitchen Knives
This handy quick cheat-sheet for home cooks gives you a quick run-down of what chefs know about their knives, explains the lingo, and gives some great advice!
How Observant Are You? Can You Spot What's Wrong Here?
So how's your observational skills and eye for detail? Can you identify what's wrong with this picture? See if you can spot all 21 mistakes.
Solve Common Issues With Your Clothes Using These 20 Tips
Keep your clothes in perfect condition with these nifty tricks!
More Seniors Should Wear Smartwatches, Here's Why
Smartwatches aren’t just for fitness enthusiasts; it can make for the perfect gift for seniors. Here’s why…
10 Things You Should Consider Doing Every Morning!
There are so many better ways to start your day than by following the usual routine. You can also get a little crazy and try these 10 unique strategies.
15 Reasons to Never Throw Away Used Corks Again!
There's no limit with what you can do with a simple collection of corks. Make your used corks useful again with these brilliant DIY ideas.
GUIDE: How to Turn a Towel into a Monkey, Swan or Snake!
If you think you know how to fold towels, you're wrong! This is how you do it. Now you'll see what an art form it really is. These towel animals are ace!
24 Simple But Genius Hanger Tricks to Use at Home!
Find out the many wonderful and useful tricks you can use a regular old hanger for!
IMPORTANT: Why You Should Wipe Down Your Phone Every Night
What exactly is lurking on your phone, and how should you go about cleaning it?
10 Everyday Home Hacks To Make Your Life a Breeze
These terrific life tips will make you wonder why you've never thought of them before...
What Happens to Your Breasts When You Don't Wear a Bra
What happens when you don't wear a bra? Here are 8 health benefits of not wearing a bra you may not know about.
This is One Useful Oil You Always Want to Keep Around
This article will share six different and particularly effective uses for sesame oil, which make it clear why every home should have this essential ingredient.
How Woodworking Can Create Additional Revenue for You
The best woodworking business courses teach everything from basic woodworking techniques to advanced marketing strategies.
Watch This and Become a Knot Expert!
Become a knotting expert with this educational guide. Some of these knots can be life-saving...
These Insane Motorbike Stunts Will Make You Doubt Your Eyes
Motorbike stunts that completely defy the laws of gravity!
You Should be Growing These 10 Healthy Herbs at Home!
Make your diet a lot healthier by growing these healthy and delicious herbs.