HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SERAPHINA GARMENTS

Washing

Cotton and linen

The best way to wash cotton and linen and to prevent your garments from losing their colour is to hand wash them in cold water. If using the washing machine, always use a cold wash. For stains use natural treatments like vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, alcohol, and even egg yolk. Rub in a small amount while the surface is still moist, and then leave it to set for 5–7 minutes. Then very gently rub the stain between your fingers again to help loosen it and rinse thoroughly with cold water.

Silk

The best way is to hand wash your silk.   Always use a gentle washing detergent specifically designed for washing wools, silks or delicate fabrics.  Biological and non-biological detergents (including colour detergents) are not suitable for washing silk.

Dissolve the washing detergent in lukewarm water (max 30°C). Add the garment and gently agitate it, very lightly rubbing any stains. Gently squeeze the excess washing water out (do not wring or twist as this will damage the fabric). Rinse the item in changes of lukewarm water until all soap residue has been removed.

You can add a few tablespoons of distilled white vinegar to the rinse water and to neutralise alkali traces and dissolve soap residue. Lay the garment on a clean dry towel and gently press the water out of the fabric by rolling it up in the towel.

Drying, ironing and care

Air drying is always best for your garments and for the planet. Cotton and linen are fairly tough fabrics and can be ironed at higher temperatures without the risk of shininess or burning.  Silk should only be ironed when absolutely necessary; it is better for the garment to allow it to dry naturally, hanging on a thick, shaped hanger to remove any creases.

It’s best if you store your garments by hanging it up rather than folding. For the best results, invest in thick, shaped hangers rather than wire ones.

Silk, linen and cotton are organic fabrics. They can also become the prey of clothes moths and silverfish. I n order to ensure that you favourite garments are safe, don’t leave your dirty clothes lying around for too long – keeping on top of your laundry is one of the best methods of stopping moths becoming a problem. Declutter your wardrobe – more space between clothing means there’s less of a chance that moths can eat through multiple garments at once. Vacuum every corner of your wardrobe. Many people never think to vacuum inside their cupboards, but this is where the moths and silverfish will be hiding.  Cedarwood is a great natural moth deterrent: if you don’t want to invest in a cedarwood wardrobe, try a few cedarwood balls in a muslin bag tied to your hanging rail with a pretty ribbon.