Smocked clothing has been around for centuries and is a timeless way to add a bit of elegance to any ensemble.
The intricate stitching and delicate fabric are what set smocked clothing apart from other types of garments.
Unfortunately, this same detail also means that smocked clothing requires special care regarding washing.
With proper care and some basic steps, smocked clothing can be enjoyed for many summers to come!
How to Wash Smocked Clothing
Smocked clothing should be washed by hand or on a delicate cycle to prevent damage to the fabric.
Here are the two ways to restore the beauty of your smocked clothing:
- Machine-wash:
– Start by checking the care label. Some smocked clothing is dry clean only, so you must take it to a professional.
– If the clothing is machine washable, start by gently pre-treating any stains.
– Turn the clothing inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag before putting it in the washing machine. This will help protect the smocking from being damaged by the agitator.
– Use a gentle cycle and lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water or putting the clothing in the dryer, as this can damage the fabric and cause the smocking to lose shape.
– Once the cycle is finished, carefully remove the clothing from the mesh bag and hang it up to air dry. Never put smocked clothing in the dryer!
- Hand-wash:
– Add a small amount of mild detergent to a sink or basin of warm water.
– Gently agitate the fabric in the water to release any dirt or stains.
– Rinse the clothing in clean water until all the soap is gone.
– Finally, hang the garment on a line or drying rack and let it air dry completely.
With proper care, your smocked clothing will look beautiful for years!
Dry Cleaning vs. Water cleaning.
The most common method of washing smocked clothing is to dry clean it, but you can also water clean it.
So, which is the best option? It really depends on the fabric and the level of soiling.
- If the smocking is made from delicate silk or wool, then it’s probably best to take it to the dry cleaners.
- On the other hand, if the smocking is made from a sturdier fabric like cotton, then it can probably be washed in the machine.
- As far as soiling goes, if the smocked clothing is only lightly stained, then you can probably get away with spot cleaning or washing by hand.
- However, if the smocking is heavily soiled, then it’s best to take it to the dry cleaners.
In general, following caution when cleaning smocked clothing is always best since the wrong treatment can damage the fabric or cause the stitches to come undone.
Salvage the Colour of Your Wardrobe!
If you’ve ever had a smocked garment that bled color onto your skin or other clothing, you know how frustrating it can be. But you can do a few things to help prevent smocked clothes from bleeding.
First, always pre-wash new smocked items before wearing them. This will help to set the colors and reduce the risk of bleeding.
Secondly, be careful about how you store smocked clothing. If you’re keeping it for an extended period, wrapping it in acid-free tissue paper will help protect it from bleeding.
Finally, if you get a color bleed on your skin, quickly rinse the area with cold water and then apply pressure with a clean cloth.
But if the color is already bled, don’t despair – there are a few things you can do to try to salvage your garment.
- First, if the stain is still wet, try to blot it with a clean, dry cloth to remove as much of the excess color as possible. Once it’s dry, you can try using a spray-on stain remover or rubbing alcohol directly on the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before laundering as usual.
- If the stain is set in, mix up a solution of one part dish soap and two parts hydrogen peroxide. Rub it into the stain and let it sit for about 30 minutes before laundering. For stubborn stains, you might need to repeat this procedure several times.
- Bleach can also remove color bleed stains, but use non-chlorine bleach on colored clothes – chlorine bleach will worsen the stain! Soak the chaddi in cool water mixed with bleach for about 30 minutes before laundering. Always follow the care label instruction.
Following these steps can help keep your smocked clothes looking their best. Salvage your clothes today!
Use The Right Detergent For Smocked Clothes
You can use free and clear hypoallergenic laundry detergent. This laundry detergent is gentle on fabric and won’t cause irritation or skin sensitivities.
However, there are a few things to remember when deciding which detergent to use while washing smocked clothing.
- First, it’s essential to choose a gentle detergent that won’t damage the fabric.
- Second, you’ll want to avoid any detergents that contain optical brighteners, as these can cause smocking to yellow over time.
- Finally, it’s always a good idea to test the detergent on a small area of the garment before washing the entire piece.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to choose the perfect detergent for your smocked clothing.
Conclusion
Smocking is a great way to add a personal touch to your clothing. Not only is it unique, but it’s also very durable.
Unlike some delicate fabrics, smocking can withstand repeated washings without losing shape or color.
Additionally, smocked clothing requires very little ironing – simply hang it up to dry and give it a quick press if needed.
With proper care, smocked clothing can be passed down from generation to generation, becoming a cherished family heirloom. Enjoy this family-inherited gift!