When traveling its crucial to care for natural fiber clothing properly to ensure their longevity and maintain their luxurious feel. Natural fibers like Merino wool, cashmere, and linen are expensive for a reason. They’re just so luxurious and known for their softness, breathability, and durability. There are some other fun facts which you might like to know.
Here are some general tips for caring for natural fibers at home or on the road:
Read the Labels: Always check the care instructions on the label. Different fibers may require different care methods so what is safe for one may not be safe for all.
Hand Wash or Use Gentle Cycles: Hand washing is usually what I do. Super mild detergent especially made for natural fibered clothing and accessories. Grab a bucket or a big bowl and fill it with cold water (never let them soak). Just gently agitate the garment. If you prefer to use a washing machine, select a short gentle cycle with cold water and use a laundry bag to protect the fabric.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Harsh chemicals like bleach and even regular detergents can damage natural fibers, so it’s best to avoid them. Instead, opt for gentle, pH-neutral detergents specifically formulated for delicate fabrics. There are more and more brands available these days. Read the ingredients and avoid flashy marketing tag lines like “All Natural”. What the heck does that really mean? Nothing actually so, read the ingredients in the detergent.
Dry Flat: After washing, reshape the garment and lay it flat to dry. DO NOT hanging natural fiber clothing, they will stretch out of shape and be unrecognizable once they have dried. Also, keep the garment away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent fading and damage. They will shrink in heat.
Store Properly: Store natural fiber clothing in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use an organic, toxic free, odorless insect and moth repellant. Avoid hanging all knitted garmets, as they can stretch over time (and create large holes in odd places). Instead, fold them neatly to maintain their shape.
Here is a step-by-step guide for laundering natural fiber clothing while traveling:
Step 1: Assess the Fabric Before washing your natural fiber clothing while traveling, check the care label to determine the recommended washing method.
Step 2: Spot Clean If there are any visible stains or spots on the garment, spot clean them using a gentle detergent and a soft cloth. Gently blot the stain until it lifts, being careful not to rub too vigorously, which can damage the fabric.
Step 3: Hand Wash Fill a sink or basin with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent suitable for delicate fabrics. Submerge the garment in the water and gently agitate it to remove dirt and oils. Let the garment soak for only a few minutes, then rinse it thoroughly with clean water until no soap residue remains. DO NOT use fabric softener.
Step 4: Towel Dry After washing, gently press the excess water out of the garment using a clean towel. DO NOT wring or twist the fabric. This will stretch and tear the fibers. Just gentle squeeze it with twisting. You just want to get all of the excess dripping water out. This will reduce the drying time and will prevent mildew.
Step 5: Air Dry Lay the garment flat on a clean towel or drying rack to air dry. Again, don’t hang. Allow the garment to dry completely before wearing or packing it away.
Step 6: Pack Carefully When packing, I prefer to turn them inside out and fold neatly to maximize space in my luggage and minimize wrinkles and creases. If possible, place them in a garment bag or packing cube to protect them during travel.
By following these steps, your favorite pieces will last forever. Happy packing !