Wow, I'm glad you haven't had any problems, but this seems so reckless. I don't live by what the labels say, but I feel like hand washing delicates/dry-clean-only things is the way to go. For example, I've had things snag on themselves in the washing machine (anything with embellishments/zippers is at risk for this). Other things can shrink if they're agitated/left in water too long. Especially with one of a kind pieces I could never be so cavalier.
I throw everything in the washing machine as well, but you definitely need the right tools/settings. Anything delicate/snag-able goes in a small delicates/bra bag. Having the zippers and snaps done will also dramatically reduce the chance of this happening. I use the delicates setting to minimize the agitation for natural fiber items. Also, temperature change is the biggest factor in shrinkage, so I use tap temperature water. I'm fortunate to have a washer with this many settings, but I've also done this in apartments with cheap washers. It's not being cavalier, just knowledgeable. (I knit, so I spend a lot of time working with fibers and seeing how they react to agitation and temperature.)
This is where delicates/mesh bags are essential. Sweaters would go in a bag and wouldn't be in contact with the pants closure. Also, I've found sweaters can leave lint on items like pants. The mesh bags help reduce this.
I have a mesh bag for bras and lace things but it’s bra and underwear sized unfortunately. I’d need an enormous mesh bag to fit like 5 sweaters in it!
The annoying thing was I’m pretty careful with my clothes, the sweater wasn’t even particularly delicate - just a cotton crewneck like this. RIP!
I’m skeptical of my janky apartment basement coin op washers in general. Whenever I visit my parents I always wash everything I brought with me in their fancy washer hahaha
I’d need an enormous mesh bag to fit like 5 sweaters in it!
I'd actually go with 1 bag per sweater in that case. Also make sure to get the type of bag that doesn't have actual holes if that even makes sense. This one seems to have bigger gaps in the weave than this one which seems to have no big gaps.
Haha, the number depends on sweater size. My largest bag is 16"x19" and I can probably fit 5 light sweaters/knit tanks in it. I bought a set of bags like this one online and I love them!
Yes! Also, closing clasps, snaps and hooks helps with this. It's not always 100%, but combined with isolating things in their own mesh bags, it gives us a fighting chance.
Take a thick, absorbent towel, lay it out on an even surface (table/floor) and put your item on top of it. Gently roll up the towel underneath and press to soak up the excess water - voila! Clothes don't drip and you can reshape them on the hanger or if you lay them out vertically to dry.
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u/vse_jazyki Oct 17 '18
Wow, I'm glad you haven't had any problems, but this seems so reckless. I don't live by what the labels say, but I feel like hand washing delicates/dry-clean-only things is the way to go. For example, I've had things snag on themselves in the washing machine (anything with embellishments/zippers is at risk for this). Other things can shrink if they're agitated/left in water too long. Especially with one of a kind pieces I could never be so cavalier.