Clothing Care Routines for Mended Garments
A well-maintained wardrobe can last for years, reducing your need for constant clothing purchases and contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle. One vital aspect of clothing maintenance involves the proper care of mended garments. The aftercare process for repaired clothes is critical, particularly for heirlooms or valuable items with sentimental value.
Firstly, it’s important to understand how correct handling and maintenance extend the lifespan of mended clothes. By adopting suitable clothing care routines, your mended garments will retain their condition longer, demonstrate the excellence of the repair jobs, and continue to bring joy and comfort.
A crucial part of caring for mended clothes is delicacy. Bear in mind that a patched up piece may need more tender treatment than before it experienced damage. An item may weaken in the area of repair, so gentleness is key. Even professional mend jobs can falter under rough handling, so light, careful care is essential.
Always aim to adhere strictly to the cleaning instructions given. If the garment didn’t come with specific instructions, a few general rules apply. Opt for cold water washing. High temperatures will stress fibers, leading to more wear and tear. For machine washable garments, using the delicate cycle reduces the rough spinning that can cause stress and potentially undo or damage the mending work.
It’s advisable to use mild detergents or soaps over harsher chemicals, which can further weaken the fabric. Consider using specialized detergents for delicate fabrics if required. Avoid using bleach or color-removing chemicals, which could be particularly damaging to the thread used in the repair or color-matched patches.
Hand washing is highly recommended for mended garments, especially if they’re of delicate fabric or have intricate repair work. Gently agitate the fabric rather than scrubbing, focusing on the less delicate parts of the clothing. The patched area should be treated very gently to avoid undoing the mending work.
Drying mended clothes can be a crucial step as well. Where possible, avoid machine drying — the heat and tumbling motion can place considerable stress on the fabric. Instead, opt for air drying. Lay the clothes flat on a towel to preserve their shape, particularly if they’re knit items. For heavier garments, hanging them can sometimes stretch out the material, so flat drying may be better.
Ironing mended clothes should be done with caution. Avoid ironing directly over a patch or mended area as the heat may weaken the thread used, causing it to unravel. Consider using a cloth between the garment and the iron to reduce direct contact. If the garment is sensitive to heat, opt for steaming or pressing with a warm iron instead of a hot one.
In terms of storage, it’s essential to store your mended garments carefully. Hanging certain items may stress the fabric, particularly in the mended area. Knitted and stretchy style fabrics, for example, will benefit from being folded. Do not overcrowd your storage. Each garment should have enough space “to breathe” and to prevent material friction that can lead to further damage.
Moths can damage both repaired and healthy clothes. To protect your mended garments, consider using natural repellents, such as lavender or cedar. Alternatively, you can use mothballs, but keep in mind they do have a lingering odor some may find unpleasant.
Finally, regular checks for further possible damage are crucial. Routinely inspecting your mended garments ensures early detection should any thread show signs of breaking or any fabric show wear. Prompt repair can prevent minor damage from developing into something more significant.
In conclusion, maintaining your mended garment’s longevity depends greatly on optimized cleaning, washing, drying, ironing, storage procedures, and regular checks. While this may require some additional time and effort, the reward of preserving cherished pieces and creating a more sustainable wardrobe makes it time well spent. Apply these clothing care routines for your mended garments, and your clothes will maintain their essential character, durability, and function for years to come.
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Sources:
[1] “Clothing Care & Detergent Guide,” Tide, Accessed February 22, 2021, www.tide.com/en-us/clothing-care-guide
[2] “How to Care for Your Clothes,” Real Simple, Accessed February 22, 2021, www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/clothes-caring
[3] “How to Keep Your Clothes Looking New,” Consumer Reports, Accessed February 22, 2021, www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/04/how-to-keep-your-clothes-looking-new.
[4] “Mending Clothes: How to Repair Tears and Holes,” The Spruce, Accessed February 22, 2021, www.thespruce.com/mending-clothes-repair-tears-holes-2145786.
