How to wash a shawl

A down shawl is one of the most delicate items, requiring careful care. The fine down fibers must be washed carefully, following the instructions and recommendations. Below, we'll explain how to wash a shawl at home without damaging or tearing it.

Hand or machine wash?

The first question that arises when you need to refresh a down item is whether to wash it by hand or in a washing machine. It's not recommended to wash a down shawl in a washing machine, even if your machine has super-delicate cycles like "Down," "Wool and Silk," or "Hand Wash." Leaving the shawl in the drum for an extended period, especially when it's rotating, can damage the item.

After machine testing, the shawl will stretch and lose its original appearance.

The most dangerous are the perforated surfaces inside the drum and the ribs, which can damage delicate fabrics in one way or another. It's quite possible that a single machine wash won't significantly damage the shawl, but repeating this process two or three times will ruin the item. So, to the question of whether to machine wash a shawl or hand wash, the answer is definitely hand wash!

Washing instructions

Before we dive into the basics of washing a shawl, let's review the steps needed to hand-wash this delicate item. These steps will then help us clarify some of the nuances of the process. So, how do you hand-wash a shawl?

• First, take the shawl in your hands, shake it well, and then comb it using a massage comb with rounded teeth.
• Next, take a fine-toothed wooden or plastic comb (preferably wooden) and comb the item again. The teeth should not be sharp or have any burrs.

Be careful when combing, do not touch the loops or pull out the threads.

• Fill the bathtub with as much water as possible. Don't skimp on water, otherwise the wash will be ineffective. The water temperature shouldn't exceed 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) and should feel cool to the touch.
• Dissolve the laundry detergent in water.
• We dip the shawl into the solution for a short period of time. You can't soak the product for a long time, as this will ruin it; 10 minutes will be enough.
• Using very gentle movements, begin washing the shawl. This washing will resemble rinsing, as rubbing the shawl is practically impossible.
• Next comes the exhausting rinsing process. Rinsing must be done quickly to prevent the garment from sitting in the water for too long, and you'll need to change the water several times. Thorough rinsing is the key to a high-quality wash. It's crucial to remember that the shawl should be washed and rinsed in water that's approximately the same temperature, about ±5°C (5°F), otherwise the temperature difference will cause the shawl to shrink significantly.
• When you rinse for the last time, add a capful of wool conditioner to the water to make the item soft and fluffy. Otherwise, the freshly washed shawl will feel like a washcloth. By the way, you can prepare DIY homemade fabric softener, the shawl will definitely not be damaged by it.
• Next, you need to drain the water and let the water drain off the shawl. Then, the washed shawl needs to be dried, but we'll talk about that a little later.

Now we've smoothly approached the basic rules for washing a shawl, which should never be neglected. They're very simple, so everyone will understand them straight away.

1. You must not pull the shawl by the corners, even accidentally, as this will inevitably deform the product.
2. Never pour laundry detergent directly onto your shawl. Dissolve the detergent in water first, then place the garment in the solution.
3. Turning on the water too much and then throwing a shawl under it is also unacceptable. It is not allowed to rinse the product under the shower.
4. Under no circumstances should you rub the shawl's folds against each other, as is done when hand washing. The garment won't survive such mechanical stress, and even if it does, its appearance will deteriorate.

What detergents should I choose for washing?

Contrary to popular belief, a shawl isn't particularly picky when it comes to detergents, but there's a rule: no powdered detergents. And especially avoid using detergents containing optical brighteners, enzymes, or other chemicals. Any eco-friendly liquid laundry detergent will do, as will liquid soap, soap shavings, and even hair shampoo. In fact, many housewives even prioritize shampoo over hair shampoo.

If you use soap shavings, pour boiling water over them before washing to dissolve the soap. Then you can pour this paste into a previously prepared container of water.

It's been proven time and again that loose powder causes the delicate downy surface of a shawl to curl, leaving it tattered. This shawl is then only suitable for wearing at home; you wouldn't be able to show it off in public! Those who have already had a bad wash ask: how can I restore the item, or at least make it less ugly? The answer is clear: there's no way. The solutions suggested by users on specialized forums are, to put it mildly, ineffective. So it's best to do things right from the start.

How to dry the product

Drying your shawl will require a somewhat unusual method, as hanging it on a line with other items will stretch it and ruin it. What does "unusual drying" mean? This item should be dried on a special frame or simply on the floor. The trick is to stretch the shawl slightly on the frame and then hold it there until it's completely dry. Only then will the item retain its pre-wash shape.

You can attach the shawl to a frame or to the floor using regular pushpins. The main thing is that the place where you will dry the shawl meets certain requirements:

• no direct sunlight;
• should be warm, dry and ventilated;
• no artificial heat sources, such as batteries, fireplaces, heaters, etc.;
• No drying cabinets, and especially no tumble dryers, it is best to dry the product at room temperature.

To help the shawl dry faster, place a dry sheet or terry towel under the frame to absorb most of the moisture. When the sheet becomes wet, remove it and replace it with another one. Two sheets are usually sufficient.

So, we've figured out the best way to wash a shawl: by machine or by hand. It turns out that hand washing is the only viable option. We've briefly described the entire process of washing a shawl, along with expert advice on the subject. We've also looked at the best detergents to use and what to do with the shawl after washing. So, if you're thinking of washing such an item, read this article and go for it—you're almost certain to have a great time. Good luck!

   

Readers' comments