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    Expert Laundry Tips for Sparkling Results

    Want to give your favourite fabrics the TLC they deserve? You’re in the right spot. We’ve made caring for those special pieces simple, so you can keep them looking and feeling their best. From protecting colours to keeping shapes in check, these easy tips will help your wardrobe stay fresh without the fuss.

    How do I clean my sequins?

    Millions of unworn items are sitting in UK wardrobes simply because people aren’t sure how to clean them. We went out to ask Brits to about the problems they face when it comes to washing delicates.

    Whether it’s sequins, lace, feathers or satin, 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 clothes looking their best.

    What Brits struggle with the most when washing delicates?

    Know Your Washing Labels

    Understanding how to care for your clothes is essential. Here’s a quick guide to your laundry symbols:

    Washing symbols

    Max wash 30°

    Max wash 40°

    Max wash 50°

    Do not wash

    Hand wash

    Machine washable

    Synthetics cycle only

    Gentle/wool cycle only

    Do not wring

    Drying symbols

    Tumble dry low heat

    Tumble dry medium heat

    Tumble dry high heat

    Tumble dry allowed

    Permanent press

    Delicate/gentle

    Do not tumble dry

    Sorting your delicates

    Pre-treat stains

    Only a handful of Brits admitted to spot cleaning their delicate clothing. Here’re some quick tips on how to refresh your items without doing a full wash.

    1. Spot-treat stains with a gentle stain remover or a homemade solution.
    2. Avoid scrubbing too hard, especially on delicate fabrics.
    3. Leave it to soak a while before it goes into the washing machine.

    Use laundry bags

    Some Brits admit they have issues with delicates losing their shape. Mesh laundry bags are a simple solution to protect your clothes during the wash. This can help prevent stretching, snagging, and friction damage.

    Washing Specific Fabrics

    Lots of Brits have issues with sequins falling off, whilst others said they have ended up with water marks on velvet.

    Every type of fabric needs a tailored approach. We partnered with costume designer, Adele Mitchinson, who shared her top tips on how Brits should care for their clothes.

    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, as well as with Strictly Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebe on show costumes. Her expertise ensures delicate garments are properly cared for and last longer.

    Sequins:

    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.

    Embellished items:

    Treat as you would sequin garments, using hand washing or delicate cycle. Remember to turn inside out if putting in washing machine.

    Silk and satin:

    Never wring out. After washing, lay the garment on a clean towel, roll it up, and press gently to remove excess water.

    Feathers:

    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.

    Lace:

    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.

    Benefits of steam settings

    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:

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    How to steam clean your clothes

    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.

    Choose the right setting

    Set your steam cleaner to the lowest heat setting for delicate fabrics like silk and lace.

    Hang your garment

    Always steam garments while they are hanging, gently stretching the fabric while steaming.

    Maintain distance

    Hold the steamer about 15–20 cm away from the fabric to avoid excessive moisture and potential damage.

    Use gentle strokes

    Move the steamer in downward motions, allowing the steam to relax fibres and remove creases effectively.

    Steam hard-to-reach areas

    For challenging spots, steam from the inside out.

    Preheat the steamer

    For the best results, allow the steamer to warm up before you start using it.

    And that’s all there is to it. With these simple tips, caring for your delicates will be a breeze. So now you know what to do, go give those items you haven’t worn in ages the attention they deserve and enjoy a wardrobe that stays looking fresh and fabulous for longer.

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