Brums are avoiding washing 11 million clothing items due to laundry confusion

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Millions of delicate garments are sitting unworn in Birmingham wardrobes, with research revealing that 11 million items are left untouched simply because their owners are unsure how to wash them.

A new survey uncovered the nation’s biggest laundry dilemmas when caring for delicate fabrics. Whether it’s sequins, lace, feathers or satin, many Brummies avoid washing them altogether out of fear ruining them.

New research from AO.com revealed that 21% of people in Birmingham have had their delicate items shrink in the wash, while 13% said their garments have stretched out of shape. A further 15% reported their clothes fading after being washed, and 11% have had sequins fall off their garments.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

To re-educate the population, AO has partnered with costume designer Adele Mitchinson, on expert advice on how to actually wash those special items in your wardrobe, without the fear of ruining them.

What Brits struggle with the most when washing delicatesWhat Brits struggle with the most when washing delicates
What Brits struggle with the most when washing delicates

With over 25 years of industry experience in costume design and making, Adele has worked on live theatre productions including Six the Musical, Footloose, and Elf and has worked with Strictly Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebe on show costumes. Her expertise ensures delicate garments are properly cared for and last longer.

How to rescue your wardrobe: Adele Mitchinson, costume designer and delicates expert provides her top tips:

  1. Know your labels – “Understanding your laundry symbols is essential to caring for your delicates. A top tip is to print out a laundry symbol guide and stick it inside your cupboard where you keep your detergent. That way when you’re looking at your clothes, it’s easy to figure out whether they need to be handwashed or put on a low temperature.”
  2. Spot-clean instead of over-washing – “With only 10% of Brummies admitting to spot-cleaning their delicates, many are missing an easy trick. Use a gentle stain remover or a homemade solution of white distilled vinegar, water and baking soda for small stains. Make sure not to scrub especially on fabrics like lace or feathers. Let the solution soak before washing.”
  3. Invest in a laundry bag – “A simple mesh laundry bag can stop fabrics from stretching, snagging or getting damaged. With 13% of Brummies struggling with their delicates losing shape, this simple investment could save your favourite garments.”
  4. Fabric-specific care – “Different fabrics require different care. For large sequins, spray them with white vinegar before handwashing them in cold water. For smaller sequins, turn the garments inside out, put them into a laundry bag and wash them on a cool delicate cycle. Always air dry. For lace, use your machine’s handwash setting or wash by hand with non-bio detergent. Always lay flat to dry rather than hanging, as if stretched whilst wet it could distort and damage the delicate fabric.   When it comes to silk and satin, the trick is to never wring out. Lay them on a clean towel, roll it up and gently press to remove excess water. To avoid watermarks when washing velvet, opt for gentle steaming or spot-cleaning. Stick to spot-cleaning with minimal moisture when looking after feathers. Lay flat to dry, away from heat or sunlight.”
  5. Steam, don’t wash – “95% of Brummies don’t steam their clothes, but steaming is an easy and effective way to refresh delicate fabrics without the risk of damage. Steaming loosens stains, reduces wrinkles, and kills bacteria, making it a great alternative to washing.

Many modern washing machines come with built-in steam functions, though different brands use different names for them. These steam cycles help refresh clothes without excessive agitation, making them ideal for delicates. They use less water and energy than a full wash cycle.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In light of these findings, AO has created a laundry tips hub to help Brits look after their delicates. The hub features expert laundry tips and hacks to care for your beloved garments - https://ao.com/athome/lifestyle/cleaning-tips/expert-laundry-tips-for-sparkling-results

Related topics:
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice