Laundry never seems to end, especially when a whole family or department is involved. While you may be able to do the laundry on autopilot, this will not work if you have items of clothing that require special care. Clothing with embroidery or patches should be cleaned according to specific instructions in order to preserve these items. Knowing how to properly care for clothing with patches can save headaches later on for those who work as EMS responders, fire fighters, or police officers.
Handmade or machine embroidered designs are a great way to stand out! They're perfect for personalizing gifts, professional uniforms, or adding a pop of color to your wardrobe. However, how should embroidered clothing be maintained? One of the primary advantages of embroidered garments is that their designs last longer than those of other types of garments, such as screen printed one. Even the best embroidery jobs can deteriorate over time if not properly cared for.
PATCHES CARE:
When attached to a garment, patches can be washed GENTLY. If you need to wash a garment with patches attached, hand wash the garment to avoid snagged patch threads. If you must machine wash the garment, turn it inside out and secure or close any zippers, hooks, or other items that could snag the patch threads during the wash. Wash in cold water on the gentle cycle. Tumble dry or hang dry (on the lowest heat setting). If you only iron the patch on, the adhesive may become loose during machine washing.
WASHING:
Most patches can be washed in the washing machine if they are handled carefully before being placed in the machine. This reduces the likelihood of the patch becoming ripped in the washer while washing. If you are unsure whether you can wash your garment in the washing machine, hand washing is always an option. It is not recommended to use chlorine bleach or optical brightening agents. If washing requires bleach, use non-chlorine bleach as directed on the label. Machine wash in cold water. Washing cycle that is gentle. If color residue appears in the water, rinse with lukewarm and then cold water several times until the rinse water is clear.
STAINS:
Before washing the garment, check the patches to see if they are stained. Certain types, such as fire department patches on uniforms, may attract dirt and debris. If the patch becomes dirty, you should clean it before washing the garment. You can remove dirt and stains by using a toothbrush or other
small brush, dish soap, and cold water. Remember to scrub gently to avoid trapping dirt deeper into the fibers. Cleaning as much dirt off as possible this way will help it come out much cleaner when washed.
DRYING:
Some patches, particularly embroidered ones, can be dried. Clothing with more permanent patches, such as police patches, should be durable enough to withstand a low-temperature drying session. Remember to dry your clothes on a cool setting. If you need to iron a patched garment, remember to cover it with something to protect it. By doing these things, you can extend the life of your patch and avoid having to replace it.
IRON:
Cotton and denim fabrics are the best for iron-on patches because they can withstand heat. Polyester, nylon, leather, and other stretchy fabrics do not hold up well to high heat (which is required to melt the glue on the back of the patch) and may burn or become discolored when ironed.
We also strongly advise using a thin towel over the patch (in between the patch and the iron) to protect the patch threads during the ironing-on process, as some irons heat up faster than others and can melt the threads (especially metallic thread which has a lower melting point).
BOTTOM LINE:
Most patches can be washed in the washing machine if they are handled carefully before being placed in the machine. You should start by turning the garment inside out. Beaded clothing is a gentle art piece that must be handled with great care. Because so much time and effort these have gone into creating beautiful stitches, they deserve to be properly washed, dried, and stored. Please follow our recommendations to preserve the splendor of your embroidered masterpieces.
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