How To Wash Your Clothes

Knowing how to wash your clothes is an important part of any adult’s life. Hopefully, your mum gave you a few tips before you moved out, and you’ve probably picked up some more throughout life. But nonetheless, there’s bound to be one or two items in your wardrobe that leave you confused when they get a little dirty.

Whether it’s your favourite wool jumper or your suit trousers that only come out on special occasions, everything needs washing eventually. So Mainline Menswear has put together this handy guide for when you’re down to your last pair of underwear, and you have no choice but to dig out the washing detergent.

Easy washing

Underwear, t-shirts and jumpers are all fairly straightforward. You can wash them all together at 30 or 40 degrees, and you can tumble-dry them afterwards. But be safe and remember to stick to a white wash and a coloured wash. It might not matter if your underwear turns pink, but your favourite white tee becoming your favourite pink tee isn’t a great idea.

Moderate washing

Jeans are the next step up on the difficulty ladder. But our top tip can save you a world of trouble – turn them inside out! Turning your jeans inside out before throwing them in a 30-degree wash will stop the colour from running. Meaning your black jeans will stay black and not end up a faded-grey colour. Once your jeans are clean, it’s best to let them dry naturally or on a radiator. Using a tumble-dryer can shrink your jeans, and if you didn’t buy super skinny jeans you don’t want super skinny jeans.

Towels and knitted clothing, like jumpers or scarves, should be washed between 20 and 30 degrees. Use fabric softener to stop towels from becoming rough and knitting from fraying, and then hang them up to dry. This will allow the water to evaporate from the material steadily, and won’t alter the shape or style of your clothing.

Harder washing

Shirts and suit trousers are the most complicated things to wash. Shirts can go in the washing machine, but make sure it’s a cold wash and a delicate spin cycle. If necessary, you can scrub the collar with cool water beforehand, to stop the build-up of starch making your collar hard and uncomfortable. Then hang them up to dry with a few buttons fastened to hold the shape.

Suit trousers can also go in the washing machine, on the same wash as shirts if absolutely necessary. But it’s really best to hand wash your suit trousers. Leave them to soak in cool water with laundry detergent for about ten minutes, and then you can gently scrub away any marks or stains. Again, hang them up to dry to they keep their shape.

With both, iron when still very slightly damp, as this will allow for the creases to set into suit trousers for longer.

Trainers can be tricky. If you’re thinking of putting shoes in the washing machine, read our comprehensive guide.

Don’t wash

Of course, there are some clothes that you should simply never wash. Dry clean only applies to suit jackets and coats. As with all things, there are times when we just have to hand it off to a professional, and this is one of them. Don’t risk washing your suit jacket if you don’t know how to, you’ll just end up ruining it and will have to buy a new one.

The most important thing to remember when washing your clothes is to know what you’re doing beforehand. Read the label, and if in doubt ask your wife or your mum – there are certain things women just know! But if you follow these guidelines you’re sure to end up looking smart and clean.

Mainline Menswear sells all the above-mentioned clothes at affordable prices, so visit our website to get yourself a new look, especially if you’ve ruined all your other clothes in the washing machine!