Washing mistakes can ruin a festive outfit: how to avoid them

You want to keep your favorite holiday clothes looking good for as long as possible. However, a simple washing mistake can ruin your Christmas party outfit.

Some expensive items can be damaged after the first wash. The Sun told us how to wash holiday dresses and shirts and published the top 10 rules to help keep things in perfect condition.

Rule 1

Dressmaking technologist Tim Balfour from Freemans shared his best tips on how to keep your hard-to-wash clothes clean during the party season. The first step is to assess whether your garment needs to be thoroughly cleaned or if stain removal is enough.

"If it's just a stain, spot clean the affected area so you don't have to wash the whole garment," Tim advised.

An effective way to remove stains is to clean them as soon as possible with a mild detergent. But be careful, as some stain removers, such as bleach, can damage delicate fabrics.

"It is recommended to treat the stain inside out from the back of the material, as treating the stain from the front can cause it to penetrate deeper into the fibers," Tim added.

Rule 2

Avoid washing delicate evening wear too often, instead ventilating it regularly. Sequined clothes can be damaged if you wash them in the machine.

"Excessive washing can damage less resistant fabrics, such as sequined tops. Regular airing can preserve the quality of the fabric and also freshen up the clothes," the expert emphasized.

Rule 3

Hand wash delicate items in cool water. Hand washing is also recommended for materials such as velvet, sequins, lace, and satin. Place the item in cool water with detergent and leave it for 30 minutes. Avoid excessive friction. Rinse thoroughly with running water and dry with a towel.

It is recommended to use cold water when washing clothes with glitter, as hot water can melt the glue used to attach the jewelry. Do not soak for longer than a few minutes as this may damage the beads. Water that is too hot can cause the jewelry to come apart, soften or crack.

Rule 4

If your clothes are labeled machine washable, it is better to put them in a laundry bag to avoid damage. You can choose a special mesh bag or a simple pillowcase.

Rule 5

Fabrics with prints and bright patterns should be washed inside out to preserve colors and material. This applies to both hand and machine wash.

Rule 6

Before washing, make sure that zippers are fastened, but leave buttons loose.

"If your delicate clothes have zippers, it's best to close them before washing. The teeth can catch the fabric and cause damage," Tim said.

Buttons on evening tops and dresses should be left loose, as fastening them can stretch the fabric.

Rule 7

Avoid using fabric softener when washing delicate items. Using too much detergent or fabric softener can affect the texture of some certain fabrics. It can also cause sequins and sequins to discolor.

Rule 8

If you wash clothes by hand, you almost automatically wring the fabric to get rid of excess water.

"Refrain from wringing out the water as this can cause deformation of the fabrics. Spinning can also cause beads, jewelry, and sequins to loosen or fall off. After washing, gently blot the excess moisture with a towel or place the garment between two towels and press lightly to get rid of excess water," advises Tim.

Rule 9

Put the garment on the dryer or hang it on a hanger to dry in the fresh air - this will prevent wrinkles and keep the shape of the garment. Avoid drying delicate materials in the drum, as this can cause shrinkage and damage to the garment.

Rule 10

Keep satin and velvet out of direct sunlight when drying. Dry items inside out to prevent discoloration and fading.

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