subject: How To Wash A Shawl Properly [print this page] When washing a delicate cloth such as shawl, the following tips should be considered to prevent damage of cloth: dry clean, use shampoo, apply conditioner, no to bleach, and stay away from direct sunlight.
Shawls are made of delicate materials like goat's hair, sheep's skin, and the like; therefore, proper caution must be given when washing them. Here are some tips on how to take care of shawls such as:
Dry clean
Dry cleaning is ideal for delicate clothes and those with persistent stains, which may include shawls, gown, suit, and stuffed toys. However, proper care should be given especially when fringes are present. Tighten them first because they may become untangled and may be caught inside the machine.
Prefer lukewarm water
Preferably, choose lukewarm water when washing since this will efficiently loosen dirt and stain if there is any.
Use shampoo
Since most of the shawls are made of animal's hair; therefore, it responds well to shampoo. Make certain that it has completely dissolved in lukewarm water before immersing the cloth. Soak it for few minutes before washing. Never scrub or use abrasive materials as these may cause damage. Rinse thoroughly so as not to leave any soap residues.
Apply conditioner
Just like your hair, you can apply a hair conditioner after using shampoo to soften the fabric. Since conditioner has an active ingredient intentionally made to smoothen out tangles, this can also even out fibers when applied to shawls.
Avoid wringing
Never wring the cloth to avoid wrinkling its shape. To remove excess water, squeeze it gently or hang it loosely to promote dripping.
No to bleach
In case you accidentally stained your white shawl, never attempt to use bleach since the fabrics are delicate. It may result to damage when exposed to harsh chemicals.
Separate colored from white
Always remember to separate colored from white ones before washing them to avoid discoloration. If you want to make sure, do colorfastness test prior to washing. Get a wet piece of cloth preferably white and rub it against the hem of the cloth. If the color does not transfer, it is categorized as colorfast; therefore, safe to combine with the other clothes. Since there are clothes that are dyed to produce a desired hue; therefore, vigilance is recommended when it comes to clothes sorting. This may appear to be a simple task, but very essential when talking about washing. Since not all manufacturers are honest about their products, some may tag their product as pure and natural fibers. Therefore, never trust the cloth labels at all times. It is still advisable to conduct a test to see for yourself.
Stay away from direct sunlight and heat
Direct heat can ruin the fabric; therefore, should be avoided. Since the cloth is thin enough, just allow the wind to dry it by hanging it loosely outside. If there is a need for you to iron it, place it under a blanket or any cloth before pressing to avoid direct heat contact.
