Clothing Care Tips
Hi Friends,
Happy Earth Month! In celebration, we wanted to share our process for cleaning garments to help you maintain the quality of your pieces. Read on to learn about techniques and product recommendations that have worked well for us.
Any tips of your own? We’re always seeking ways to improve. Let us know if you have any suggestions in the comments section below.
xx
Subject Matter
Clothing Care Tips
Only wash garments when its needed
Garments sold by Subject Matter are hand washed or professionally cleaned to ensure our assortment is in the best possible condition. Once the item is part of your wardrobe, however, it’s important to use your judgment regarding when the item needs to be cleaned again. Washing garments too often can damage the fibers therefore decreasing the lifespan of the item. If a garment doesn’t need washing yet but could use a refresh, let the garment breathe outside or in a steamy bathroom with a fan running.
Pay attention to care labels.
Different materials require different approaches to care. Check the care labels for specific instructions. Alternatively, research tips based on the fabric content of the garment. We’ll be sharing specific material guides soon, stay tuned!
Minimize dry cleaning.
Most garments labeled “Dry Clean Only” do not need to be dry cleaned and can instead be washed on a delicate cycle or hand washed. The chemical-intensive dry cleaning process has negative environmental impacts and can be harmful to both the garment and the wearer’s skin. If dry cleaning is the only option, look for a local eco cleaners offering environmentally-friendly and nontoxic services.
Test garments for color-fastness.
Apply detergent to a hidden area on the garment and dab the spot with a clean white cotton cloth. If the color removes itself from the garment onto the cloth, it is best to have this garment professionally cleaned at an eco-friendly dry cleaners.
Wash garments inside out in cold water.
Wash garments inside out using cold water and a biodegradable detergent to minimize stress on the fabric. Items that are worn close to the skin such as underwear, towels, and sheets should be washed using hot water.
Wash synthetic fabrics in a guppyfriend bag.
Synthetic garments lose plastic particles. Particularly during washing, plastic fibers break off into the wastewater and so far cannot be filtered out efficiently. To prevent the fibers from polluting our water, wash synthetic pieces in a Guppyfriend washing bag.
Use biodegradable laundry products.
Garments sold by Subject Matter are washed by hand using Soak, an eco-friendly, biodegradable, rinse-free soap. For machine washing, we recommend looking for soaps made with biodegradable, plant-based ingredients. Bonus? Check to see if the brand has a refill program or uses plastic-free packaging.
Air dry.
Preserve the quality of garments, especially vintage, by hanging on a drying rack. For knits, lay flat to dry to prevent the garment from stretching. Run a fan to help circulate the air.
Store properly.
Store clean garments folded in a cool, dry place. Add dried lavender to the drawers or containers to freshen up the space.
Find a good tailor.
We recommend our customers work with a tailor to help fit vintage garments that may need slight adjustments. Find a local tailor to help with any repairs or alterations your wardrobe may require.