A lot of love and time goes into crafting handmade garments and frequently these items get passed down as heirlooms to others over time. The problem with handcrafted apparel is that it may require special care and handling when laundering, in order to preserve stitching, details, and fabric. 

You can take measures to wash and care for these garments in a way that will help them last for years to come. Take care of your handcrafted and handmade clothing with these tips. 

Shrink the Fabric 

The best way to care for handmade clothes begins when you start making them: wash and pre-shrink the fabric first. Washing the fabric in warm water before sewing allows for maximum shrinkage, which ensures the garment stays truer to size over time and laundering. Use a tumble dryer but don't dry your fabric with other garments; the hardware, buttons, and zippers can cause damage to your fabric during the cycle. 

Store Carefully 

Once you have constructed your garments or are storing keepsake items, make sure that they are out of any direct sunlight. A dark closet is best but use garment bags if need be; silk is especially vulnerable to UV rays and will fall apart over time. Store knit apparel in drawers rather than hanging in bags or in a closet so they don't stretch out. 

Skip the Dryer 

When it comes to washing and drying delicate clothing, hang dry instead of tumble dry. The hot settings of a dryer can bake and compromise your handcrafted clothing fast. It breaks down the fibers of the fabric and always poses a risk of shrinkage. Line dry when possible but remember to keep out of direct sunlight to prevent damage. 

Wash your Wool 

Keep some tips and tricks in mind when caring for wool. Modern wool fabrics are fine to be washed and dried at home, but vintage or high-end wool fabrics need to be dry cleaned. Wool dries fast and can be restored by hanging it in fresh air outside or in a ventilated spot rather than subject the wool to the rigors of regular laundering. 

Mind the Moths 

Whether your wool is modern or vintage it will attract moths. Use moth repellents, like cedar chips or mothballs, in your closet or drawers to keep your clothes from being eaten by these pests. Tuck a sachet or two in with your items if you are sensitive to the smell of these moth repellents. 

Go Pro or Wash Less 

Basically, your handcrafted clothing is going to last longer if you launder it less frequently, and other perks of this practice are saving water and cutting washing costs. A professional cleaner will pay attention to the fibers in the fabric and treat them gently, while at home, clothing takes a beating even when you use gentle cycles on your machines. 

Get in the habit of wearing your handcrafted items more than once, hanging or storing them when done, and laundering infrequently, or simply take these pieces to your dry cleaner each time you wear them - the choice is yours. 

Don't have a dry cleaner? Don't drop your clothing and belongings at any cleaning company you happen to find; do some research. Check customer feedback and online reviews for reputation, satisfaction, and expertise before trusting them with your apparel. 

Take special care of your handcrafted clothing or heirloom garments with the professional services of Crystal Cleaning Center; for customers in the region, this is the perfect way to ensure your sentimental pieces get the care they deserve. Furthermore, having these items professionally cleaned may add years to the garment's life.