Summer Weather Garment Care

It’s officially summer – which means it’s time to lather up, jump in and enjoy the warm weather. This time of year is notorious for introducing many additional products to our daily routine that can damage clothing items.

Here are some quick tips to minimize damage:

Antiperspirant

Potential Problem:

Build-up from deodorant and antiperspirant products can cause fiber damage and yellowing. Blue and green silk and wool are particularly prone. Aluminum chloride can weaken fibers in cotton, linen, rayon, and some synthetic blends, leaving holes during cleaning.

Clothing Care:

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. Avoid overuse and allow antiperspirant/deodorant to dry before dressing. Soiled garments should be washed or dry cleaned as soon as possible.

Sunblock and Suntan Lotions

Potential Problem:

Dyes and oils in suntan/sunblock lotions can stain clothing. This color loss or change may not appear until after you clean your clothes.

Clothing Care:

Avoid stains as much as possible by following the directions on the bottle. Allow lotions to dry before dressing and wash your hands before handling clothes.

Swimwear

Potential Problem:

Chlorine in pools, spas, and hot tubs can damage spandex used in swimwear.

Clothing Care:

Rinse your suit after wearing it and follow the care label’s instructions.

Self-Tanning Lotions

Potential Problem:

Self-tanners can discolor anything they touch. Light tan, brown, or yellow staining on the cuffs, collar fold, neckband, and upper button areas, are typical.

Clothing Care:

Follow the instructions carefully, be sure to wash your hands immediately following use, and allow your skin time to dry before dressing. If the product gets on your clothes, wash them as soon as possible, as these stains can be difficult to remove.

Insect Repellents

Potential Problem:

Repellents usually will not damage most fibers; however, some products contain alcohol and can cause color loss or color change on fabrics such as acetate and rayon.

Clothing Care:

Read the label carefully, especially if applying directly to clothing.