How to Care for Boutique Clothes

I figured I should write a blog about this topic as I have never discussed it before and caring for a handmade garment requires special care from what you purchase from a store.

I use 100% Cotton Designer fabrics. Why? Well, first, I demand quality products for my customers. I use these fabrics because they are thick, sturdy, and can hold up to toddlers and young kids. Secondly, cottons are a great choice for wash-ability and, hello, they are cotton so they are breathable and perfect for all seasons! Finally, the choices in fabric designs are far superior to that of other fabrics. And if there is anything I know about my customers, they LOVE choices!

For the past couple months by daughter has been wearing about 90% boutique clothes and I have been following this regimen when I wash the clothes. So far her clothes still look brand new and are not faded.

1. I only wash the clothes in cold water. Warm or Hot water has a tendency to shrink clothes and fade the colors. This is especially true with boutique clothes.

2. For stains you may get, I spot clean using Shout where needed. My daughter has been very BAD to her boutique clothes, but no one can tell thanks to Shout--no this is not promotional, although I could help them make an awesome commercial starring my daughter. lol. I have also used Resolve with great success!

3. Now the MOST important part. I hang dry all my clothes and highly recommend it! Oh dryer, how I love thee, but let me count the ways as to why you are never to see my boutique clothes again:

• You toss my hard work around  like you don't give a damn! You've even been known to snag some things. Did you ever think about what this does to the seams on my heart the clothes ?
• When you toss the clothes around, you create static cling. I wish to wear my clothes not have my clothes wear me.
• You are too sexy HOT for my boutique clothes and they can not handle you. All that heat causes them to fade, and worse yet, shrink. I know you don't have any children--that I know of--but they grow like weeds and boutique clothes are too expensive to take that chance. Oh and that piling. You can keep it!
• Did I mention you are expensive to keep up?

But what about the stiff feeling I am left with when I air dry? I know that's what you are thinking right now. Well I have a couple solutions.

• You can use fabric softener in the washing machine. 
• You can use vinegar in the washing machine.
• Fluff dry on cool for 10 min. when they are done line drying

If you simply must dry your your clothes in the dryer dry it on the absolute lowest heat setting and take them out immediately.

I hope this post was informative and helpful...if nothing else at least a little entertaining! Let me know if you have any tips or tricks you do!