Wash & Care
We've gathered our best tips to help you extend the life of your wardrobe favourites. Simple adjustments to your care routines can not only keep your favourites looking their best for longer but also minimize your environmental footprint from the use phase of your garments and extends its lifespan.
By following these simple tips, you can extend the life of your favourite clothes, reduce your environmental impact, and ultimately save you time and money.
Washing
Wash your garments only when truly needed. Not only does washing wear on your garments, but it also uses a lot of water and electricity. Often you can remove stains with a damp cloth or your old toothbrush, and you can refresh your garments by airing them instead of washing.
Wash at a low temperature.
The temperature stated on the care.
label is the highest possible washing temperature, but often a lower temperature is enough to clean your garments. Though note that textiles that need to be hygienically clean (e.g. bed linen) must be washed at 60 degrees.
Wash with similar colours and inside out to prevent your garments from fading or getting a worn-out look.
Ensure pockets are emptied, zippers are zipped, velcro is closet, and use a laundry bag when washing garments with delicate lace, embroidery, decoration, embellishment, or nylon tights to avoid garments snagging doing machines cycles.
Fill up your machine but don’t overfill it.
Otherwise, the machine won’t have enough room to wash your clothes properly. Use eco-labelled detergent and always follow the guide on the detergent to add the right amount. To avoid unnecessary wrinkles, empty your machine as soon as possible when finished.
Drying and Ironing
Ideally, hang your garments to dry instead of using a tumble dryer. Preferably outside. Hang coloured garments inside out to avoid fading from the sun, and hang white garments right side out, as the sun's bleaching effect will help keep them white. Not only does tumble drying wear on your garments, but it also consumes a lot of electricity.
If tumble drying is necessary, use dryer balls to shorten drying time and clean the filter regularly to maintain efficiency.
Dry your knitwear flat. Preferably on a towel to maintain shape.
Only iron your garments when needed. Not only does ironing wear on your garments but it also uses a lot of electricity. Often you can hang your garments in the bathroom while showering and use the steam to reduce creases.
Iron at a low temperature. The temperature stated on the care
label is the highest possible ironing
temperature. However, a lower temperature may not always be effective.
Iron inside out or use a steamer as it causes less damage to your garments.
Washing
Wash your garments only when truly needed. Not only does washing wear on your garments, but it also uses a lot of water and electricity. Often you can remove stains with a damp cloth or your old toothbrush, and you can refresh your garments by airing them instead of washing.
Wash at a low temperature.
The temperature stated on the care.
label is the highest possible washing temperature, but often a lower temperature is enough to clean your garments. Though note that textiles that need to be hygienically clean (e.g. bed linen) must be washed at 60 degrees.
Wash with similar colours and inside out to prevent your garments from fading or getting a worn-out look.
Ensure pockets are emptied, zippers are zipped, velcro is closet, and use a laundry bag when washing garments with delicate lace, embroidery, decoration, embellishment, or nylon tights to avoid garments snagging doing machines cycles.
Fill up your machine but don’t overfill it.
Otherwise, the machine won’t have enough room to wash your clothes properly. Use eco-labelled detergent and always follow the guide on the detergent to add the right amount. To avoid unnecessary wrinkles, empty your machine as soon as possible when finished.
Drying and Ironing
Ideally, hang your garments to dry instead of using a tumble dryer. Preferably outside. Hang coloured garments inside out to avoid fading from the sun, and hang white garments right side out, as the sun's bleaching effect will help keep them white. Not only does tumble drying wear on your garments, but it also consumes a lot of electricity.
If tumble drying is necessary, use dryer balls to shorten drying time and clean the filter regularly to maintain efficiency.
Dry your knitwear flat. Preferably on a towel to maintain shape.
Only iron your garments when needed. Not only does ironing wear on your garments but it also uses a lot of electricity. Often you can hang your garments in the bathroom while showering and use the steam to reduce creases.
Iron at a low temperature.
The temperature stated on the care
label is the highest possible ironing
temperature. However, a lower temperature may not always be effective.
Iron inside out or use a steamer as it
causes less damage to your garments.
Care symbols
Washing
A cross over the washing symbol means that your garment cannot be washed.
A hand symbol in a water bowl means that your garment must be hand-washed. Avoid rubbing, pulling, or wringing the garment. Instead, gently press out excess water.
A washing symbol with numbers indicates the maximum washing temperature. Wash at a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius.
One line under the washing symbol means that your garment should be washed on a gentle cycle in the washing machine. Wash at a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius.
A washing symbol with numbers indicates the maximum washing temperature. Wash at a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius.
One line under the washing symbol means that your garment should be washed on a gentle cycle in the washing machine. Wash at a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius.
A washing symbol with numbers indicates the maximum washing temperature. Wash at a maximum of 60 degrees Celsius.
A washing symbol with numbers indicates the maximum washing temperature. Wash at a maximum of 95 degrees Celsius.
Drying
A square with a vertical line inside means that your garment should be line dried.
A square with a horizontal line inside means that your garment should be laid flat to dry. Laying on top of a towel is preferable.
A cross over the tumble dryer symbol means that your garment cannot be tumble dried.
One dot inside the tumble dryer symbol means that your garment can be tumble dried at a low temperature (maximum 60 degrees Celsius).
Two dots inside the tumble dryer symbol mean that your garment can be tumble dried at a medium temperature (maximum 80 degrees Celsius).
Ironing
A cross over the iron symbol means that your garment cannot be ironed.
An iron symbol with a crossed-out steam symbol means that your garment cannot be ironed with steam. (maximum 120 degrees Celsius).
One dot inside the iron symbol means that your garment can be ironed at a low temperature (maximum 110 degrees Celsius). A steam iron may be used with caution.
One dot inside the tumble dryer symbol means that your garment can be tumble dried at a low temperature (maximum 60 degrees Celsius).
Two dots inside the tumble dryer symbol mean that your garment can be tumble dried at a medium temperature (maximum 80 degrees Celsius).
Professional Cleaning and Bleaching
A cross over the dry cleaning symbol means that your garment cannot be dry cleaned.
P inside a circle means that your garment ncan be dry cleaned using a hydrocarbon solvent. A dry cleaner knows how to handle the garment and use the correct solvent for optimal cleaning.
F inside a circle means that your garment can be dry cleaned using any solvent. A dry cleaner knows how to handle the garment and use the correct solvent for optimal cleaning.
W inside a circle means that your garment can be dry cleaned using a wet cleaning process. A dry cleaner knows how to handle the garment for optimal cleaning.
A cross over the W inside a circle means that your garment cannot be cleaned using a wet cleaning process.
A cross over the bleaching triangle symbol means that your garment cannot be bleached.
A triangle with two oblique lines inside means that your garment can be bleached, but not with chlorine bleach.
An empty triangle symbol indicates that your garment can be bleached with any type of bleach, including chlorine bleach. However, it is crucial to use minimal chlorine bleach and wash at a low temperature to avoid damaging the fabric.
Tips and tricks
Spot cleaning
01 – Stains in general
The sooner you treat a stain, the easier it will be to remove. However, don't panic - some stains may require multiple attempts. Be patient and persistent, and don't give up easily!
Generally, always begin by absorbing excess stain with plain paper kitchen towel. Make sure to follow the care instructions on the garments care label and to test any cleaning method on a hidden part of the garment to avoid any unnecessary damage. For delicate materials or stubborn stains, consider seeking professional help from a dry cleaner. They have the expertise and tools to handle even the most challenging stains.
02 – Ball point pen
Ball point pen ink doesn’t suit any garments. Luckily, the ink can be removed. If the strokes are fresh soak the stained area in whole milk for 12 hours and wash as usual. If you want to begin treatment of a dry or old stain place your garment on a clean absorbent surface. Dab the stain with a cloth dampened with Surgical spirit. Repeat until the stain is gone. Add a bit of clear dish soap and wash as usual.
03 – Blood
If the blood is fresh, rinse the stained
area under cold running water. Gently rub the stain with your fingers or a soft
cloth to remove as much blood as possible. Avoid using hot water, as it can set the stain. If the blood stain is dry, soak your garment in cold water with a bit of clear dish soap. After an hour gently scrub the stain with a soft brush, such as an old toothbrush.
If the stain persists, let the garment soak for longer. Afterwards wash as usual. If your garment is made with wool soak your garment in cold water with salt overnight instead. Use 2 teaspoons per litre of water. Afterwards wash according to the garment's care instructions.
04 – Chocolate
Wet the stained area with cold water and apply clear dish soap directly to the stain with a soft sponge as soon as possible. Gently rub the soap into the fibres of the fabric. Place the garment in an airtight bag for 6-12 hours to prevent the soap from drying. Afterwards rinse with cold water and wash as usual.
If you want to begin treatment of an old stain. Wet the stain with cold water and apply baking soda to both sides of the fabric. Gently rub the baking soda into the stain with your fingers. Continue rubbing until the stain disappears. Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.
05 – Coffee
If your coffee stain is fresh rinse the stain through from the back with cold water until the stain is gone and then wash as usual.
If the coffee stain is dry, start by rinsing the stain through from the back with cold water to ensure that the stain does not expand. Then, mix a bit of washing powder with a bit of cold water and pour it onto the stain. Let it sit for five minutes. Then, put the garments with coffee stains into a tub of water and rub the stain with your fingers. Let the garment soak for half an hour. Now the coffee stain should be as if sunk into the ground. Wash as usual.
If you want to begin treatment of an old coffee stain, start by wetting the stain well with liquid glycerine on both sides of the fabric and let it work for 6-12 hours in an airtight bag. Rinse the glycerine completely out of the fabric. Finally, wash as usual.
06 – Curry
Start by applying glycerine onto the curry
stain. Place the garment in an airtight bag to prevent the glycerine from drying. After 5-6 hours, pour some clear dish soap directly onto the stain and place the garment in the airtight bag again to prevent the soap from drying. After 5–6 hours, wash your garment as usual.
07 – Foundation
Apply clear dish soap directly to the foundation stain as soon as possible. Gently rub the soap into the fibres of the fabric. Place the garment in an airtight bag for 12-24 hours to prevent the soap from drying. Afterwards wash as usual. If the stain is very stubborn or old, you may dab a little surgical spirit on the stain and then wash it according to the washing instructions.
08 – Fruit juice
Fruit juice stains can pose a real challenge, especially on garments in delicate fabrics, but with a few tricks, you can remove them completely.
If your garment can withstand boiling water, boiling water is the most effective way to tackle a fruit juice stain. Simply place your garment on top of a sieve in the sink with the stain facing up. Pour boiling water directly onto the stain until the stain disappears. Afterwards wash as usual.
For garments that can't withstand boiling water or for more stubborn stains apply clear dish soap directly to the stain as soon as possible. Gently rub the soap into the fibres of the fabric. Place the garment in an airtight bag for 6-12 hours to prevent the soap from drying. Afterwards wash as usual. Use the same method if you want to begin treatment of an old stain.
09 – Grease
Grease stains from high-fat foods often leave stubborn marks on your garments. Fortunately, clear dish soap is an effective tool for removing these stains. Start by applying clear dish soap directly to the stain as soon as possible. Gently rub the soap into the fibres of the fabric. Place the garment in an airtight bag for 6-12 hours to prevent the soap from drying. Afterwards wash as usual. Use the same method if you want to begin treatment of an old stain.
10 – Greyish white
White garments often develop a greyish or yellowish tinge over time. The simplest, most affordable, and environmentally friendly approach is sun bleaching. By air-drying your white laundry in the sun, you can harness its natural bleaching power. The sun's ultraviolet rays act as a natural bleaching, effectively whitening your garments.
If the sun is hiding and your garment care label allows chlorine bleach, you
can prepare a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 10 parts cold water in a tub. Place your garment in the tub for at least two hours. After soaking, wash the garment as usual, following the care instructions on the label.
A tiny old spot on your white garments can be removed by gently dabbing with a cotton swab with chlorine. Place a plain paper kitchen towel underneath before starting dabbing with chlorine. Chlorine bleach can be harsh on fabrics, so use it with extraordinary caution.
11 – Lipstick
Apply clear dish soap directly to the
lipstick stain as soon as possible. Gently rub the soap into the fibres of the fabric. Place the garment in an airtight bag for 6-12 hours to prevent the soap from drying. Afterwards wash as usual. If the stain is very stubborn or old, you can dab a little rubbing alcohol (husholdningssprit) on the stain and then wash it according to the washing instructions.
12 – Mascara
For non-waterproof mascara, apply clear dish soap directly to the mascara stain as soon as possible. Gently rub the soap into the fibres of the fabric. Place the garment in an airtight bag for 12 hours to prevent the soap from drying. Afterwards wash as usual. For waterproof mascara, gently dap away the stain with a clean cotton cloth dipped in white spirit. If there is any remaining colour apply clear dish soap directly to the stain. Gently rub the soap into the fibres of the fabric. Place the garment in an airtight bag for 5-6 hours to prevent the soap from drying. Afterwards wash as usual.
13 – Nail polish
Place your garment on an absorbent surface. Gently dab the stain with oil-free acetone. Continuously absorb with a plain paper kitchen towel. Wash as normal. Don’t use acetone for garments containing acetate, for example: sportswear and lining.
14 – Redwine
Rinse the garment under cold, running water as quickly as possible. Use cold water, as hot water can set the stain. Let the water flow through the stain while gently rubbing the affected area with your hands or a soft cloth. Pour a small amount of dish soap directly onto the stain and place the garment in an airtight bag for 5-6 hours to prevent the soap from drying out.
Afterwards, wash the garment according to the care instructions on the label, using the hottest water temperature safe for the fabric. If the stain persists or you want to treat an older stain, carefully pour a small amount of glycerine over the stained area, ensuring it completely covers the stain. Place the garment in an airtight bag for 5-8 hours to prevent the glycerine from drying out. Afterwards, wash the garment according to the care instructions on the label, using the hottest water temperature safe for the fabric.
15 – Soy sauce
Take a clean, absorbent plain paper kitchen towel and gently blot up as much excess soy sauce as possible, acting quickly to prevent the stain from setting. Pour a small amount of white vinegar onto the stained area, making sure it covers the entire stain. Use a cotton swab or a clean plain cloth to gently dab the vinegar into the stain. Sprinkle a small amount of laundry detergent directly onto the stain. Gently rub the detergent into the fabric with your fingers. Rinse the stained area thoroughly with cold water until all traces of the detergent and the soy sauce stain are gone.
Avoid using hot water, as this can set the stain, making it more difficult to remove. Repeat the process if the stain is still visible, and then wash the garment as usual, following the care instructions on the care label.
16 – Sweat
Sweat and deodorant can leave yellow marks on your garments, especially on white and light-coloured garments. To remove these marks, create a thick paste by mixing 1 part baking soda with 2 parts of water. Apply the paste generously to the marked areas, ensuring it covers the entire areas. Allow the paste to sit on the marks for 2 hours. After 2 hours, scrub the marks with a mixture of water and lemon juice. You can use a soft brush or a plain cloth for this. Wash the garment as usual, following the care instructions on the label, using the highest water temperature safe for the fabric.
17 – Tomato sauce
Tomato sauce and ketchup stains can leave visible red marks on your garments. To remove a stain, apply clear dish soap directly to the stain as soon as possible. Rub gently to work the soap into the fibres of the fabric. Place the garment in an airtight bag for 6-12 hours to prevent the soap from drying. Afterwards wash as usual. If the stain persists or you want to begin treatment of an old stain, then white spirit can be a solution.
Apply a small amount to a clean white cloth and dab at the stain. Use another clean cloth to absorb the solvent and stain. Repeat until the stain is gone, then wash the garment as usual. Remember to test the use of white spirit on an invisible area of the garment to ensure it does not cause damage to the fabric.
18 – Disclaimer
All the advice has been tested by the team
in PIECES' head quarter. Following these tips is at your own risk. Be aware that some of your garments are delicate and may not withstand harsh treatment. For example, silk. If you are in doubt, always test the treatment in a less visible place first to ensure it does not damage your garments. For stubborn stains or delicate materials, it may be best to seek professional help from a dry cleaner.
Hacks and Shortcuts
01 – Prevent runs I nylon tights
If you discover loose threads or small holes in your nylon tights, you can easily prevent them from expanding. Apply some clear nail polish or hairspray directly to the open area of the run or hole on both sides of the tights. Be sure to cover the entire area where the fabric is weakened but only use a small amount of product to avoid staining or stiffening the entire tight. Let it dry completely before putting on your tights. This will give the product time to set and stiffen the fabric.
02 – Fix a stuck zipper
If your zipper isn't sliding smoothly or is stuck, you can easily get it working again. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly, lip balm, or a similar lubricant (even candle wax in a pinch) directly to the teeth of the zipper, both on the front and back sides. Work the zipper up and down a few times to distribute the lubricant. Repeat if the zipper starts sticking again. If your zipper is broken, a tailor or seamstress can replace your zipper.
03 – Protect white shirt collars from
makeup stains
Lightly apply hairspray to your white shirt collars before wearing. Focus on the areas that come into contact with your face, such as the inner collar and the neckline. Let the hairspray dry completely before putting on your shirt. Hairspray acts as a protective layer, preventing makeup from adhering to the fabric of your collar.
04 – Remove dust
Dust and stray hairs make especially dark garments look dirty and worn. Simply use a lint roller to remove dust and stray hairs from your garments, giving them a fresh, just-washed look.
05 – Remove peeling
With regular use, pilling will build up, making your garments look old and worn. Use an electric fuzz remover to remove pilling from your garments. This will especially leave your knits and sweatshirts with a smooth and fresh look. Always use the electric fuzz remover carefully to avoid damaging your garments.
06 – Store your knits flat
Avoid hanging your knitwear in your closet. The weight of the garment can cause it to stretch and lose its shape over time, leading to a baggy and misshapen appearance. Instead, fold your knit sweaters neatly and store them flat on a shelf or in a drawer, ensuring they retain their original shape and avoid becoming misshapen. By following this simple tip, you can help preserve the original shape of your knitwear and prevent it from becoming misshapen, ensuring it looks its best.
07 – Hide loose threads
To keep your knits looking their best, prevent further unravelling by carefully pulling loose threads to the inside of your knitwear. If you find it challenging to do this by hand, carefully insert a needle threader through your knit from the inside, right next to your loose thread. Thread the loose thread through the eye of the needle threader and gently pull the needle threader back, bringing the loose thread with it to the inside. Do not cut off the loose thread. Repeat this process for any other loose threads you find.
08 – Extend the life of your swimwear
After each swim, give your bathing suit a thorough rinse with cool, fresh water. This will remove salt, sand, sunscreen, or chlorine, preventing these elements from damaging the fabric over time. A quick rinse is often all you need; a full machine wash isn't necessary after every use. Before washing or rinsing, untie any straps on your bathing suit, ensuring they are fully clean and don't become tangled, preserving their shape and elasticity. To preserve the colour and vibrancy of your bathing suit, air-dry it inside-out, protecting the fabric from fading and damage caused by direct sunlight and heat. By following these simple care tips, you can keep your swimwear looking its best and lasting longer.
09 – Denim caring / Prolonging the life of your denim
Denim is known for aging gracefully, becoming cooler and more authentic looking over time. Developed as workwear, denim's durability is undeniable. To maintain the shape, colour, and texture of your favourite denim pieces, wash them as rarely as possible and avoid using the tumble dryer. We recommend you follow our recommendations for washing, drying, and ironing to prolong the life of your denim.
New denim, especially dark and black denim, may release excess dye and transfer colour onto lighter-coloured garments, shoes, and furniture. We recommend washing new denim by itself, wearing dark underwear and dark tops the first few weeks, and folding the bottom of your new jeans to avoid excess dye transferring onto your white sneakers. When doing this, the inside of the denim fabric is closest to the sneakers and therefore won't rub off as much.
Both sunlight and electric light may cause denim to fade or discolour. Store your denim inside out if your wardrobe is exposed to light to prevent fading. To prevent wrinkles, fold your denim along the seams when storing it in your wardrobe.
With use comes wear and tear. Belt loops are the weakest points of a pair of jeans. Use them only for your belt, not to pull on your jeans.
If your jeans need repairing, we encourage you to do so yourself or seek professional help. With proper care and repair your denim will age beautifully and serve you for years.