Usually, when we get a new outfit for our kids, we assume them to be indestructible. After all, they are made with kids in mind, right?! Sometimes I think the cuteness factor outweighs some of the common sense indestructibility. I also believe that we've been spoiled a little. We want our kid’s clothes to look clean and fresh out of the bag after every washing, regardless of wear and tear. We want maintenance-free articles of clothing. After all, why were the washer and dryer invented if clothing manufacturers want us to hand wash and hang to dry? We got enough work on our hands with children and everyday life responsibilities, and now we have to hand wash and hang dry! Really?!
Different fabrics and outfit embellishments require varied care to maintain their quality and integrity. All articles of clothing should have a tag or label attached somewhere on the inside outlining proper care and washing instructions. It’s a good idea to read them and follow them.
In my experience, most articles of clothing are made of mixed material fabric, generally a cotton-polyester with a touch of spandex. These fabrics will often tolerate machine washing on cold and tumble dry on low. Some fabrics, such as wool, will require dry cleaning to retain their shape and size. Delicate materials like silks and lace may need a gentle cycle or hand washing. These days, a popular embellishment on jeans is bling; special care may be required to preserve these sparkly elements. And stitched appliqués, as adorable as they are, do require special care if they are to retain their shape and cuteness!
I know that I don’t always follow washing instructions, and I’ve been known to read them after I’ve ruined an article of clothing. But, if the product manufacturers have included washing instructions that I did not follow, and my garment was ruined, I have no one to blame but myself. I’m learning not to throw away hard-earned money and read washing instructions before tossing
them into the washer. I’ve discovered that it is not difficult to hang up a shirt or dress to dry, and I can always run it through an air fluff cycle if needed. And if I decide I don’t want to mess with hand washing or dry cleaning, I just buy a different outfit.
Here are some essential laundering tips you might find helpful:
~ ALWAYS pre-treat stains before washing and double-check the stained clothing before running it through the dryer! Heat sets stains!
~ Always check pockets! Do you know how many rocks, markers, pens, screwdriver tips, candies, and chapstick tubes I washed?! Plenty!
~Try using a little less detergent. Harsh detergents can affect the lifetime of your clothes.
~If possible, opt for cold water instead of hot. Hot water can cause shrinking, but it is necessary for those extra soiled loads in some cases.
~And always read the instructions BEFORE washing your garment. It saves on headaches and frustration! I promise!