Caring for your Boutique Clothing

Whether you just purchased your first boutique clothing item or have had some for awhile, you may be wondering how to wash, dry, and iron it and keep it looking like the day you bought it.  Most of the boutique clothing you will have will be made out of cotton quilting fabric.  Here is how I recommend the caring of your clothing items.  Other boutique owners may have different recommendations so always check with the person you are purchasing from on the care they recommend.

Washing your clothing item: 

I always wash my clothing in a cold water wash and cold water rinse.  Heat tends to shrink clothing, and also fades colors.  Make sure if you are using the washing machine as opposed to hand washing, to wash on a gentle cycle, especially if there are delicate trims, buttons, applique's, etc.  Some items should never be put into the washing machine and only hand washed.  Given that you probably spent a good chunk of change on that beautiful one of a kind boutique item it is probably best to hand wash. 

Detergent used may also make a difference in the fading of your fabrics.  I have been using Tide Original for years and years.  I let my mom do all the experimenting while I was growing up and she swears that Tide caused the least issues with our clothing.  I notice very little fading in our clothing, even with black fabric which is usually the most noticeable.  Use what is best for you, but if you don't think your detergent is doing so well you may want to change to something different so it doesn't ruin your clothing. 


Drying your clothing item:

Just as washing your clothing in warm/hot water, drying clothing with hot air can shrink and fade the fabric.  I recommend that boutique clothing should be air dried.  I do sometimes put my boutique items in the clothes dryer, but on a lower heat setting.  I cannot guarantee though, that if you use the dryer that you will not affect the quality of the garment. 


Ironing your clothing item:

I found this great video done by Shannon and Tiffany of Create Kids Couture  all about ironing your boutique clothing.  It's very helpful and I'm just going to let them do the explaining. So now you can properly care for your boutique items!  Hopefully this helps a little and you aren't so afraid of washing them.  Make sure you check out our next auction which is themed a Royal Teaparty set to take place this Friday, March 7th, through Sunday, March 9th, 2014.  See our Facebook page  to purchase your one of a kind boutique items this weekend!

This blog written by Robin of My Little Lady and Gentleman