As much as you want your dress shirts to look squeaky clean, they get dirty as soon as you start using them. The only way that you can extend its life is through proper care. There are many washing methods you can use for keeping your dress shirt in mint condition for many years to come.
Wash and Press
The most convenient way of cleaning dress shirts is by washing and pressing them. The process involves washing the dress shirt in the washing machine with water and detergent. Laundry services use special detergents, especially for delicate fabrics. Once washing is done, the excess water is removed from your shirt with the use of a spin cycle. Using an industrial shirt press, the damp shirt is simultaneously ironed to remove the moisture. This technique is convenient and it yields great results.
Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning is a method that prevents shrinkage. You can choose this method for getting rid of oil-based stains. The method also preserves your dress shirt by minimizing wear. When considering this method, you have to ask the laundry services provider about the ideal method you are going to use to treat stubborn stains because dry cleaning may not work well on water-soluble stains.
Additional Care Tips
Although many individuals are relying heavily on dryers when it comes to keeping clothes dry, there are still some exceptions that you need to be aware of. Drying dress shirts in the dryer is not recommended as it can cause damage. Air-dry the shirt on a hanger instead so you can prevent over-drying it. You can use the dryer for getting rid of the excess moisture. After this, you can dry your shirt completely by ironing it immediately. This technique will remove moisture and wrinkles at the same time.
Dress shirts can get stains, and there are easy ways to remove them without damaging your dress shirt. Treat stains with water or stain remover. Be sure to get rid of the stains as soon as you can. Use vinegar, seltzer water, dishwashing detergent, or lemon juice for removing stains before taking it to a laundromat. When dabbing solvents on stains, apply a light touch. The force can cause stains to penetrate deeply into the fibers of your garment.
While some practices being followed when washing dress shirts include using starch to keep garments crisp, experts recommend skipping this method as starch can get embedded in the fibers of your shirt. The starch can break down your dress shirt’s fibers over time. Dirty white dress shirts must be washed immediately to prevent premature yellowing. It is also recommended that you have a laundry service provider take care of your dress shirt to keep it in top condition.