So, you’ve never really thought about how to wash your tights, huh? Well, it’s about time you did! Because with the right care, you can significantly extend the lifespan of those leg-huggers.
We’re well aware that our delicate wool sweaters and silk blouses need special treatment, but what many don’t know is that even tights demand their own special wash routine. The fact is, if you wash your tights the right way, they’ll stand by your side much longer. But if you casually toss them into a colorful laundry mix, well, snags are practically inevitable. We’re here to spill the beans on the secrets of tights laundering and how you should pamper those lovely leg accessories from now on.
Care Tip #1: Don’t wash tights in hot water
While socks and undies can handle a hot bath, tights don’t play nice with heat, especially if we’re talking silk stockings. You should give them a gentle spa day at a maximum of 30 degrees in the delicate cycle. And don’t let that spin cycle get too crazy. Better yet, hand-washing them is even more tender loving care.
But here’s the good news: Nylon tights (the most common kind) are a bit tougher. You can toss them into the washing machine at 60 degrees if they’ve seen some rough times.
Care Tip #2: Use a laundry bag
Just like we baby our bras in a laundry net (you can snag one on the cheap from Amazon), it’s time to do the same for our tights. That net acts as their personal bodyguard.
If you toss your tights into the washer without this trusty net, alongside clothing with zippers, buttons, studs, or other tricky stuff, you might find them coming out with little holes or battle scars. Snags will have a field day.
So, the best bet is to wash tights only with other smooth-textured items. And if you’re fresh out of a laundry net, a knotted pillowcase can do the trick.
Care Tip #3: Use the right detergent for tights
Tights should be bathed in the soft caress of liquid wool or delicate wash detergent to prevent fading. Believe it or not, hair shampoo is also a superhero in tights-washing.
What you should definitely avoid is fabric softener, as it’s the villain behind your tights losing their shape. And by the way, since fabric softeners are the bad guys for the environment, use them sparingly if you must.
Care Tip #4: Don’t put tights in the dryer
After their bath, tights shouldn’t be wrung out or tossed into the dryer. That’s a recipe for stretchiness.
Instead, hang them on a laundry line to air-dry. And one more thing: Don’t let them sunbathe on the radiator; it could bleach their color.
How often should you wash tights?
The answer is actually quite simple – it depends on how often you wear them!
If you only wear your tights once or twice a week, then it’s probably best to wash them after each use. This will help keep bacteria at bay and make sure they stay looking their best for longer. On the other hand, if you wear them multiple times in one week, then washing every two to three wears is ideal. This will ensure that any dirt or oils from your skin don’t build up too much over time and cause damage to the fabric of the tights themselves.
Of course, if something gets spilled on your tights, or they start smelling funny before their next scheduled wash day – go ahead and give them an extra rinse! It never hurts to be extra cautious when taking care of our clothing items, so we can get as much life out of our beloved pieces as possible.
We hope these tips have been your secret weapon against the dreaded ‘snag-monster.’ For more life hacks and household tips, be sure to swing by truly-fab.com regularly!
Also interesting:
What denier to wear in summer?
Is there a front and back of tights?
Which DEN to wear depending on weather?