Discover What Happens If You Put a Suit in a Washing Machine
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of garment care and ponder the consequences of a common household misstep: what happens if you put a suit in a washing machine? In this blog, we’ll walk you through the repercussions and how to dodge those tricky mishaps, ensuring your suits last long and continue to add to your style quotient.
Suiting Down: Shrinking Size
Suits are typically tailored from natural materials such as wool, cotton, or silk. When you toss these precious items into a washing machine, they come under direct contact with hot water, resulting in the fibers contracting. That’s right, your well-fitted suit might morph into a tight, misshapen ensemble, an absolute disaster, wouldn’t you say? But here’s something interesting: dry cleaning isn’t innocent either. It can cause minor shrinkage. Hence, proper care is the name of the game.
Color Erosion: The Fading Act
Another shocking outcome of what happens if you put a suit in a washing machine is that it might rob your suit of its rich, vibrant hues. Darker the color of your suit, the more likely it is to fade. Your prized possession might lose its sheen due to rough detergents and warm water temperatures, transforming into a pale, worn-out version of its former self.
Don’t Break the Button: Hardware Damage
Your suit’s buttons and zippers are not designed to endure the brunt of a washing machine. The zipper could snag on the fabric, leading to a jam or, even worse, a break. The buttons might suffer chips, cracks, or even fall off due to harsh detergents or high water temperatures. Now, who would want a suit with missing buttons or a faulty zipper?
Wrinkles in Time: Creases and Folds
If you were to ask what happens if you put a suit in a washing machine, you’d be told about another unpleasant outcome – unsightly wrinkles. The high-speed spin of a washing machine can lead to stubborn creases that might stick around. When you try to iron out these wrinkles, you might notice a strange texture and blemishes on the fabric, which is far from ideal.
Wear and Tear: Fabric Damage
Easiest isn’t always the best. Tossing your suit into the machine might be convenient but the fabric takes a hit. The constant rubbing, spinning, and agitation can result in abrasions, pilling, or even tears in the fabric. Damages like these could make your suit unwearable, leaving you with a hefty bill for repairs or even a replacement.
Dry Cleaning Vs. Washing Machines: Which Is Better?
The debate between dry cleaning and washing machines is a hot topic in the world of laundry. Some people swear by dry cleaning while others stick to their trusty washing machine. Let me clear up the confusion.
Dry cleaning uses solvents to remove dirt and stains from your clothes, which can be less harsh than water and detergent. Plus, dry cleaning reduces the risk of shrinkage and color fading, two major issues we’ve talked about.
On the other hand, washing machines can be harsh on your suit’s delicate fabric, leading to damages like shrinkage, color fading, and hardware damage. However, washing machines are often more accessible and less expensive than dry cleaning.
The bottom line? It depends on the type of suit you have. If your suit is made of delicate fabric, it might be better to opt for dry cleaning. But if your suit is made of more durable fabric, a gentle wash in the washing machine might do the trick.
How to Properly Clean a Suit: Easy Steps
If you’ve wondered about what happens if you put a suit in a washing machine, you might also want to know the best ways to clean your suit without damaging it. Let’s delve into that:
- Read the Care Label: Always check the care label before cleaning your suit. It provides specific instructions about the best way to clean the garment.
- Spot Clean Stains: If there are minor stains on your suit, consider spot cleaning. Use a mild detergent and a soft cloth to gently rub the stain away.
- Hand Wash: If your suit can be washed, opt for hand washing. Fill a basin with cold water, add a mild detergent, and gently wash your suit.
- Air Dry: Avoid using a dryer as the high heat can cause shrinkage. Instead, lay your suit flat on a clean towel to dry.
- Steam, Don’t Iron: Ironing can damage the fabric of your suit. Instead, use a steamer to remove wrinkles and refresh your suit.
- Store Properly: Once your suit is clean and dry, store it properly. Use a suit hanger and a suit bag to protect it from dust and damage.
FAQs
❖ Why shouldn’t I use a dryer for my suit?
Dryers use high heat which can cause shrinkage and damage the fibers in your suit. It’s recommended to air dry your suit instead to maintain its shape and quality.
❖ What kind of detergent should I use if I need to wash my suit?
Always opt for a mild detergent. Harsh detergents can strip color from your suit and damage the delicate fibers.
❖ Can I hand wash all types of suits?
Not all suits are suitable for hand washing. Always check the care label on your suit before washing it.
❖ How often should I clean my suit?
Ideally, you should clean your suit after every three to four wears. However, this might vary depending on how dirty the suit gets.
❖ What is spot cleaning?
Spot cleaning is a cleaning method where you clean only the dirty spots on a garment, rather than washing the entire piece.
❖ Is it okay to steam all types of suits?
Steaming is generally safe for all types of suits. However, it’s always best to check the care label first.
❖ Can I wash a suit jacket and pants separately?
Yes, you can. However, it’s best to clean them together to prevent color discrepancies.
❖ What kind of hanger should I use for my suit?
Use a suit hanger, which is designed to maintain the shape of your suit.
❖ How can I prevent my suit from fading?
Avoid harsh detergents and high water temperatures, as these can cause fading. Hand wash or dry clean your suit to maintain its color.
❖ Why does my suit wrinkle after washing?
The spin cycle of the washing machine can cause wrinkles in your suit. To prevent this, consider hand washing or dry cleaning your suit.
Good to know!!!!