Cleaning Lace and Delicates

There are many different kinds of materials that people can use to help add a touch of elegance to any room in the home. Whether you are using a lace tablecloth, silk sheets, or even linen drapes you are going to need to clean them every once in a while. You could possibly pay someone an arm and leg to clean them for you, or you could do it yourself. Before you begin doing this though, you are going to need to know the right way to handle each of the different types of delicate fabrics.

1. Choose a Cleaner. The first thing that you are going to need to do is select a fabric cleaner. You are going to want to use one that is specifically formulated to work with delicate fabrics. Otherwise you are going to end up using something that might just eat away at the delicate fabric fibers.
2. Wash. When washing fabrics such as lace, the idea of using a washing machine should be thrown right out. This is not to say that a washing machine won't get it clean, but it may not be as careful as you might like, and could end up damaging the fabric. Begin washing your delicates by filling a sink, or your tub with cold water and the delicate fabric cleaner. Let the fabric soak for a few minutes. After soaking, begin agitating the water by moving the fabric around with your hands. Do this for a few minutes, being sure that you follow the manufacturer's directions if you happen to have them.
3. Rinse. Empty out all of the soapy water from the tub or sink and begin refilling it with cold water. If you have the manufacturer's directions, be sure that you follow them as appropriate. If not, then simply repeat this step as needed until all the soap has been rinsed out.
4. Dry. Always dry your delicate items by either spreading them out on a flat, even surface or on a clothes line outside. Either way you simply want to air dry them.
5. Store. One of the integral parts of cleaning your delicate fabrics is how you store them. You want to ensure that you are going to store these fabrics in a well-ventilated area that offers protection. The linen closet would be the perfect place, and you want to avoid using such things as cedar chests (since the cedar seems to attract unwanted pests) and plastic bags (which only tend to dry out the fabrics and make them brittle).