Delicate Lace - the right care

It can be difficult to know how certain fabrics should be washed, and lace is one material that needs to be looked after particularly carefully. Lace and tulle come in different materials, shapes and colours, so it is important to follow the care instructions on the label.

However, there are also some general rules to follow when washing your lace to keep it looking its best for longer:

• Always separate your lingerie into lights and darks before washing.

• Use a washing bag. This will ensure that delicate lace is not damaged by other garments.

• Do not use more detergent than is necessary.

• The temperature should be no higher than 40°C.

• Hand washing is recommended for very old or fine lace.

• It is best to use mild detergent for delicate lingerie.

• Avoid using fabric conditioner – it softens Lycra and reduces the sheen of materials like silk and wool.

Never wash coloured lingerie with washing powder that contains blue grains. These grains attack the dye and lighten your laundry.

Use special washing powder for whites when washing white lace products. This type of powder contains a bleaching agent and stops whites from going grey. This means that natural colours and light yellows belong with your coloured laundry.

White underwear can also yellow if exposed to strong sunlight for too long, so it’s better to dry your white items in a shady place.

Silk is very delicate and needs special care. If the washing instructions say that you can wash your silk products in the machine, you should always use a laundry bag and special detergent. If in doubt, hand washing is recommended.

First separate your laundry into lights and darks. Use the temperature specified on the care label. The temperature should be no higher than 40°C. Overly hot washing damages the fibres and shape of the item. Lower washing temperatures also protect the environment and save you money. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the amount of detergent to use.

When hand washing, use lukewarm water with a small quantity of a detergent that is recommended for the material. Allow the products to soak for a short time, then rinse your lace underwear with cold water. Your underwear should not be left to soak for too long, as it will soon lose its shape. Always avoid rubbing and using brushes when hand washing. If your lingerie is heavily stained, rub it together gently or use a foam sponge and detergent paste. You should also take care when wringing out. Hand washing should always be left to air dry.

We recommend air drying your lingerie. Ideally, you should use a drying rack. Never dry delicate lingerie on the radiator, in direct sunlight or in the tumble dryer – lace containing elastane is not heat-resistant. The high-quality fibres will melt in the heat and the underwear will lose its shape, colour and elasticity.

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