Washing a skirt in a washing machine

A wool and drape skirt allows you to look elegant and feminine even in winter. There's just one caveat: caring for these items is much more difficult than summer knitwear. Can you machine wash a skirt? What's the proper cleaning procedure? Is it safe to iron? We'll answer all your questions with step-by-step instructions and expert advice.

Let's collect information about the skirt

Before purchasing a new wool skirt, many questions arise regarding its subsequent washing. But in reality, there is nothing insurmountable in cleaning this product – the standard rules for caring for delicate fabrics “apply” to it. If you have previously cared for woolen clothes, there will be no difficulties.

There's no difference in the style of skirt. Mini, maxi, pleated, pencil, bell, or tulip—it all depends on personal preference and body shape. The shape of the skirt has virtually no impact on washing instructions.

In any case, before washing, the first thing to do is read the care label. The manufacturer provides all the details for home care on the label, using symbols to describe the information. The recommended cleaning method is determined by the images on the label:

• a tub with your hand dipped in it – hand wash only;
• a bath with numbers in the center – maximum water heating temperature;
• square crossed out vertically – vertical drying without spinning;
• empty circle – dry clean only;
• A crossed-out triangle means that the use of bleaches is prohibited.

If there is an image of an empty circle on the label, then the skirt cannot be washed - dry clean only!

There may be other symbols that must be deciphered before washing. Many symbols are labeled with words, but for accuracy, it's best to look up the image online. After that, simply follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

How to wash it properly?

If the manufacturer's label is missing or the information on it is illegible, you'll need to take another approach. In this case, follow the standard washing instructions for wool items. Here are a few basic recommendations:

• Do not wash in water heated above 35 degrees (at high temperatures, woolen items shrink significantly, even if they contain synthetic fibers);
• do not stretch the wool, do not twist it or rub it too much (the knitting can be easily damaged);
• When washing in a washing machine, select only a delicate cycle, but it is better to give preference to hand washing;
• place in the drum in a special protective bag;
• use liquid detergents without bleaches and abrasive components;
• Add a softening conditioner to the powder dispenser (a homemade alternative is a little table vinegar).

Wool or drape skirts are washed in warm water heated to a temperature of 30-35 degrees.

It's important to thoroughly rinse the detergent out of the skirt by running a double rinse or constantly changing the water until the water runs clear. Do not wring the wool; simply roll the garment into a roll and gently press it. Dry woolen items vertically and naturally, hanging them by a belt over a bathtub or basin to allow the water to drain freely.

Kilt-style skirt

The skirt with pleats causes the most concern when washing. Pleated items wrinkle more quickly and may lose their original appearance when tumbled. To prevent this, it is worth following a few rules:

It is recommended to hand wash pleated skirts only!

• hand wash only;
• do not wrinkle or rub, taking care to maintain the integrity of the folds;
• pre-soak the kilt: dissolve the detergent in warm water, dip the skirt into the solution and leave for 15-20 minutes;
• add conditioner to remove static electricity from the item;
• rinse and change the water until it becomes clear;
• Do not wring out miniskirts, but hang them by the waistband to allow water to drain freely;
• Long skirts should be lightly pressed, pressing along the length, so that the fabric does not stretch under its own weight.

If you follow standard recommendations, the pleats will remain intact and safe. A safer option is to fold the pleats, baste them with thread, place the kilt in a narrow laundry bag or stocking, and wash it on a delicate cycle. This will keep the garment clean and perfectly flat, saving you on ironing.

How to iron correctly?

But a skirt doesn't always look its best after washing. Often, even with gentle care, wool creases and wrinkles, necessitating ironing. Ironing wool garments is not contraindicated, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• It is better to iron wool skirts when they are semi-wet;
• Turn the item inside out before ironing;
• it is enough to heat the iron to medium temperature (2 points);
• Iron only through gauze, otherwise shiny marks will remain on the surface of the skirt;
• When ironing, moisten the material with a spray.

The ironing order is as follows: first, iron the lining, then the waistband, and then the main part. The folds are best ironed using cardboard blanks placed under the fabric. Modern steamers are ideal, as they remove creases without touching the garment. After ironing, it's recommended to hang the skirt indoors for 10-15 minutes, then put it away in a closet.

   

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