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    Expert Laundry Tips for Sparkling Results

    How do I clean my sequins?

    135 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.

    What Brits struggle with the most when washing delicates?

    Know Your Washing Labels

    Understanding your clothing’s care instructions in 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 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.

    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

    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.

    Washing Specific Fabrics

    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

    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:

    DIY gentle detergent recipe

    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.

    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.