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or continue shopping if you're happy. Accept & close135 million unworn items are sitting in UK wardrobes simply because people aren’t sure how to wash them. We went out to 2,000 Brits to uncover their challenges when it comes to washing delicates.
Whether it’s sequins, lace, feathers or satin clothes, caring for these fabrics can feel like a challenge. But don’t worry, AO has all the expert advice you’ll need to keep your delicate clothes looking their best.
Understanding your clothing’s care instructions in essential. Here’s a quick guide to your laundry symbols:
Only 9% of Brits admitted to spot cleaning their delicate clothing. Here’s some quick tips on how to refresh your items without doing a full wash.
A quarter of Brits admit they have issues with delicates stretching out of shape. Mesh laundry bags are a simple solution to protect your delicate items during the wash. These prevent stretching, snagging, and friction damage.
A sixth of Brits had issues with sequins falling off, whilst 1 in 10 said they have issues with water markets on velvet.
Each fabric type needs a tailored approach. We partnered with costume designer, Adele Mitchinson, who shared her top tips on Brits should care for their different fabrics.
With over 25 years of industry experience in costume design and making, Adele has worked on live theatre productions including Six the Musical, Footloose, and Elf and has worked with Strictly Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebe on show costumes. Her expertise ensures delicate garments are properly cared for and last longer
For large sequins, spray with white vinegar before hand-washing in cold water using a gentle detergent. For small sequins, turn garments inside out, use a laundry bag, and wash on a cool delicate cycle. Always air dry.
Treat as you would sequin garments, using hand washing or delicate cycle. Remember to turn inside out if putting in washing machine.
Never wring out. After washing, lay the garment on a clean towel, roll it up, and press gently to remove excess water.
Spot-cleaning with a damp cloth, avoiding excessive moisture. For full washes, hand wash gently in cold water. Lay flat to dry away from heat and sunlight.
Use the handwash programme on your washing machine on a cool wash. Use gently non-biological detergent. If you do wash by hand, don't rub the fabric as you could damage the lace. Lay lace items flat to air dry. Don't hang them, as if stretched whilst wet it could distort and damage the delicate fabric.
Why not try a washing machine that uses steam? They release vapour into the drum either at the start of the cycle, during it or towards the end, depending on the model.
Here’s how it can help:
Haier i-Pro Series 3 HW80-B16939S8-UK 8kg Washing Machine with 1600 rpm - Graphite - A Rated
Hisense 3 Series WFQA1214EVJMT 12kg Washing Machine with 1400 rpm - Titanium - A Rated
Hotpoint NSWA 1146 WW UK 11kg Washing Machine with 1400 rpm - White - A Rated
Hotpoint Anti-Stain NSWM 846 W UK 8kg Washing Machine with 1400 rpm - White - A Rated
Hotpoint ActiveCare NM111046WDAUKN 10kg Washing Machine with 1400 rpm - White - A Rated
Hotpoint NSWA 946 WW UK 9kg Washing Machine with 1400 rpm - White - A Rated
Hisense 3 Series WFQA8014EVJMT 8kg Washing Machine with 1400 rpm - Titanium - A Rated
Hotpoint NSWM 946 GG UK 9kg Washing Machine with 1400 rpm - Graphite - A Rated
Hisense 3 Series WFQA1014EVJMT 10kg Washing Machine with 1400 rpm - Titanium - A Rated
Hotpoint NSWA945CWWUKN 9kg Washing Machine with 1400 rpm - White - B Rated
For a homemade, eco-friendly detergent mix together 250 ml distilled white vinegar, 250ml water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
Mix vinegar and water. Gradually add baking soda to avoid bubbling over. Use this solution to clean delicates and remove odours.
Only 8% of Brits admit to steaming their clothes. Steam cleaning is perfect for refreshing outfits between washes and reducing the need for ironing as it releases wrinkles and odours from your clothing.
Set your steam cleaner to the lowest heat setting for delicate fabrics like silk and lace.
Always steam garments while they are hanging, gently stretching the fabric while steaming.
Hold the steamer about 15–20 cm away from the fabric to avoid excessive moisture and potential damage.
Move the steamer in downward motions, allowing the steam to relax fibres and remove creases effectively.
For challenging spots, steam from the inside out.
For the best results, allow the steamer to warm up before you start using it.
Tefal IXEO Power All-In-One QT2020G0 Handheld Garment Steamer - Black / Copper
Russell Hobbs Steam Genie 27220 Handheld Garment Steamer - Jade Green
Russell Hobbs Steam Genie Aroma 28040 Handheld Garment Steamer - Grey
Morphy Richards Express Steam 361000 Handheld Garment Steamer - White / Blue
Russell Hobbs Steam Genie 2-in-1 28370 Handheld Garment Steamer - Blue / Rose Gold
Russell Hobbs Steam Genie Essential 25591 Handheld Garment Steamer - White
Russell Hobbs Steam Genie Easy Store 26740 Handheld Garment Steamer - Black / White
Tefal Pure Tex 4 in 1 DT9530G0 Handheld Garment Steamer - White / Blue
Breville VIN430 Handheld Garment Steamer - White / Gold