To Do or Not To Do - Laundry & Natural Fibers
By Guest Blogger Nichole Bainer of Modern Saint Living.
I was connected with Nichole some months ago and have been using her textile tonic for over a month with good results. I will let her share her laundry tips. Enjoy!
Doing the laundry was something many of our elders didn't take lightly. There were lots of rules compared to today's one-step high-tech washing machines. This is because natural fiber clothing was more prevalent in society before synthetics took over the apparel industry in the 1900s. Natural fibers require presence, education, and patience to care for each garment. But, the benefit is caring for a garment that last for years to come.
Wool Garments
Wool is a self-cleaning fabric, so it doesn't need laundering often. Spot treat stains with a stain stick bar rather than washing the entire garment. When machine washing, use cold water on a hand wash setting or hand wash. To freshen the garment lay on a drying rack outdoors in the sun. (Note: set washing machines on 'no' or 'low' spin since spinning wool can encourage its stands to bind together. Agitation may change the wool's appearance, look and feel.)
Silk Garments
Silk is a hand wash only fiber. To wash, fill a basin with cool water and a gentle natural detergent. Soak the garment and then use slight agitation before gently squeezing to release excess water and try flat on a clean towel.
Cotton Garments
Cotton lasts longer when washed in cold water and on a gentle wash cycle. Air drying these garments adds longevity to the garment.
Linen Garments
Linen does not have positive ease (or give), so minimum agitation is best. Select the gentle setting on the washer or hand wash using a gentle natural detergent and air dry only.
Natural Garments Overview
Washing less means garments last longer. Use my Textile Tonic between washes. To use the tonic, simply spray onto the garment (especially in the underarm area and neckline) and allow the garment to dry. To dry the garment, hang or drape over a drying rack.
All fibers are best washed with like fabrics and colors only. Do not mix your loads with garments that have hardware (snaps, buttons, etc.) or place these garments in a mesh bag to shield the other garments. Natural fibers are an investment in our wardrobe, health, and environment. With extra TLC these garments will be able to be passed down for generations to come.
Psst
Look out for a review of Nichole's Sustainable Fashion Review of my closet. She helped me trim down, think of how to wear what is left, and remove the anxiety of keeping too many clothings, many I can't even fit into! I also took some clothing to a local thrift shop. I will share sales updates and what it feels like to remove weight from my closet while ensuring the clothing won't go into the garbage cycle.
