Which man doesn’t want to look classy with a dress shirt at his workplace? And, if you are wearing it, then it will be getting dirty for sure. Hence, you will have to clean it and iron it to look great next time wearing the same shirt. However, you should choose the best shirt services for laundry and ironing. It is advised to avoid dry cleaning. Hand wash and gentle machine wash are the most effective methods to make your dress shirt last for several years and thus, it can look great with no dirt particle or stains.
Well, before we start guiding you with tips for cleaning, you should first need to recognize whether your shirt is ready for the wash or you can wear it one more time.
Does your shirt need the cleaning?
Neck and cuffs are the key parts which let you determine the need of a wash. However, there could be chances when you spill the coffee or some other beverages on your shirt. So, this is the time to wash your shirt at home or take it to the cleaner for washing and ironing.
Is it right time to wash the shirt?
Looking at the real need of washing is necessary for shirt cleaning, because this is the attire which doesn’t have a big life. The regular wash or dry clean can damage the cloth and reduce the life of the shirt as well. If you are wearing a shirt for a couple of hours, then you don’t need to wash it. But, if you are wearing it for about 10-12 hours in a summer day, then it is must to go for the washing. It all depends on how long have you been wearing it, how much you sweat, and where have you been wearing it.
Let’s take a look at the cleaning tips for your dress shirt or t-shirt to make them look great clean and crisp!
Wash & Iron The Shirt
If you don’t have sufficient time or want to save the time for other necessary work, then modern laundry services are better and inexpensive option for you to get your shirt cleaned. Generally, washing and ironing method is used for cleaning your shirt until you specify for the dry clean. Your shirt is washed in a normal washing machine with water and detergent and then it is ironed after drying.
Hand Wash The Shirt at Home
There is no more gentle way than hand wash for cleaning your premium shirt. You just need to wash in the water and detergent gently through hands. Scrub the collar and cuff parts gently to remove the dirt and deposits. Remove the detergent from shirt using normal water. Avoid hot water for washing and then air dry the shirt. After washing, iron your dress shirt according to its fabric type to shine it and remove the creases.
Dry Clean The Shirt
Some stains cannot be cleaned through easy wash. Sometimes yellow armpits need some other method of cleaning. In such circumstances, dry cleaning has become the necessity. Especially oil-based stains can’t be removed through normal wash. However, this method doesn’t damage the shirt, but is not effective in water soluble stains.
It is advised to go for the dry clean if it is really necessary and also wash it when it gets really dirty. Well, there are a few more things which you should keep in mind while washing your dress shirt.
Keep Distance from The Dryer
It is always good to air dry your shirt on a hanger. Avoid dryer to maintain the shirt’s life for longer. This can shrink the shirt and make it hard to iron. So, let your shirt dry in the air and wait for removing all the moisture and then iron it.
Bleach is Not Good for You
If you are applying bleach on a cotton or premium dress shirt, then it is very harsh on the stuff and can damage it.
Heat Can Cause Damage
It is also advised to avoid the hot water while washing. You should always wash your dress shirt in the cold water. Hot water is good for only socks.
Eventually, your shirt can look new and great if you have followed the right method for washing. Avoiding the harmful chemicals, solvent, and excessive use of detergent is helpful for the long life of the shirt.
Featured photo credit: Hanging Stuff via hangingstuff.com.au
