How to Wash Men's Suits at Home

Summary

In this video, the Gentleman's Gazette shares a step-by-step guide on how to wash your suits at home using a washing machine, with the proper techniques to avoid damage. The video covers folding methods, mesh bags, suitable cleaning agents, and the importance of air drying instead of using a dryer. It also includes tips on hand washing, spot treatment, and removing wrinkles with a steamer. The presenter emphasizes the benefits of avoiding dry cleaning and offers advice for ensuring your garments remain in great condition. Finally, the video wraps up with outfit details and suggestions for accessories.

Takeaways

• 😀 Washing suits at home is possible with proper techniques and can save you money on dry cleaning.
• 😀 Wool suits can be safely washed in the machine if done correctly, without worrying about shrinkage or damage.
• 😀 Agitation, not water, causes wool to shrink or felt, so it's crucial to minimize agitation during washing.
• 😀 Proper folding techniques are essential to minimize damage and felting during the washing process.
• 😀 Garments should be folded tightly and placed in separate mesh bags to prevent excess movement in the washing machine.
• 😀 Use a gentle cleaning agent like wool and cashmere shampoo for wool suits or soap flakes for non-woolen suits.
• 😀 The Express cycle on your washing machine is generally safe for most types of garments when properly secured in mesh bags.
• 😀 Avoid using the dryer for wool suits to prevent felting; instead, lay garments flat to dry.
• 😀 To speed up drying, roll garments in a towel to remove excess water before placing them on a drying rack.
• 😀 A garment steamer is recommended for removing wrinkles from structured items like jackets, and an iron can be used to add creases to trousers.
• 😀 Hand washing is trickier than machine washing for suits, and spot treatment is better for minor stains without scrubbing.

Q & A

Why is washing suits at home considered risky, and how can it be safely done?

Washing suits at home is seen as risky due to the potential damage to delicate fibers and the structure of garments like suit jackets. However, by following specific techniques, such as proper folding, using mesh bags, and choosing the right cleaning agents, it's possible to wash them safely in a machine without damage.

Can wool suits be washed in a washing machine without shrinking or getting ruined?

Yes, wool suits can be safely washed in a machine if proper techniques are followed. Wool itself does not shrink in water; it's the agitation in the washing machine or dryer that causes wool fibers to felt. By securing garments in mesh bags and using gentle cycles, wool suits can be cleaned without fear of damage.

What are some common myths about washing wool garments, and how can they be debunked?

A common myth is that wool garments will shrink in water, but it's actually the agitation from a washing machine or dryer that causes wool to shrink or felt. Proper techniques, like using gentle cleaning agents and avoiding high agitation, can prevent this issue.

Why is it important to fold garments properly before washing them?

Folding garments properly before washing helps minimize excess agitation during the wash cycle, which could cause damage like felting. Folding helps maintain the shape and integrity of the garment while also reducing wrinkling and stretching.

What are the steps for folding a suit properly before washing?

To fold a suit properly, start by turning trousers or waistcoats inside out. Then, fold each garment using the method outlined in the video, finishing by rolling them tightly from the bottom to the top to minimize movement during washing.

Why is it important to use mesh bags when washing garments in the washing machine?

Mesh bags are essential to protect garments from excessive agitation, friction, or tangling in the washing machine. By securing garments in mesh bags, you reduce the risk of damage to the fibers, especially for delicate or structured items like suits.

What kind of detergent should be used when washing wool suits in the washing machine?

A gentle cleaning agent, such as wool and cashmere shampoo, should be used when washing wool suits. Soap flakes can be used for non-woolen suits. These detergents are formulated to clean without damaging delicate fibers.

What is the recommended drying method for wool suits after washing?

After washing, wool suits should be laid flat to dry on a drying rack to maintain their shape. The garments should not be placed in a dryer, as heat and agitation can cause felting. A clean towel can be used to remove excess water before laying the garments on a drying rack.

Can you use a dryer to dry wool suits after washing?

No, using a dryer on wool suits is not recommended because the heat and agitation inside the dryer can cause the fibers to felt, which would ruin the suit. Instead, drying should be done flat on a drying rack.

How can you remove wrinkles from a suit after it's dried?

A garment steamer is the best option for removing wrinkles from structured items like jackets. If you want to reintroduce a crease to trousers, an iron can be used. For general care, a clothes brush is also recommended to remove lint and fuzz.