The humble dressing gown has become even more of a wardrobe hero this winter. With temperatures dropping and energy prices rising during the cost of living crisis, they’ve become a key way to keep warm in an effort to save on heating costs.
While it’s tempting to put yours back on the hanger after each use, there are actually a few important reasons why you should keep this wardrobe essential clean and fresh, especially during the colder months.
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“Because we’re more than likely to wear them over clothing instead of on their own, they’re less likely to come into direct contact with things like body sweat and therefore less bacteria from our bodies,” says Karl Huckerby, a housekeeping expert. by Spare and Square.
“However, they are now more likely to come into contact with external dirt and bacteria, including everything from food spills to makeup and cleaning products.”
So how often should you wash your dressing gown?
According to the experts at Boux Avenue, you should wash your dressing gown after four times for hygienic reasons.
“As with all clothing, when you wear a dressing gown, the item is often near your armpits and sweat, which can cause bacteria to spread. You need to wash it regularly because sweat can be acidic and damage the dressing gown.” explains Siobhan Hayman, the brand’s apparel technologist.
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But if, like many of us, your dressing gown has become your favorite everyday garment to keep you comfortable, Huckerby recommends throwing it in the washing machine once a week.
“Washing at 30 or 40 degrees is favorable for many when washing a dressing gown once a week, but it’s crucial to have the right cleaning tablets in order for it to be clean enough,” she explains.
“Robes can be difficult to dry in cold weather, but you should always follow the cleaning instructions for your dressing gown to determine whether or not you use the dryer. Wise, so air drying is recommended.”
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If you don’t want to wash your dressing gown once a week or don’t feel like doing it, Huckerby says you can clean your dressing gown.
“This is where you clean the spots that are dirty instead of the whole thing,” she explains. “This is a great idea for those who wear dressing gowns over clothing, as it helps remove any spills or other stains without the need to throw the entire dressing gown in the wash.”
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The experts at Boux Avenue have put together a Dressing Gown Care Guide for fluffy dressing gowns and even satin bathrobes.
Follow these six steps and get the best results for your dressing gown after every wash:
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Ideally, wash your fluffy dressing gown every four times.
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Wash it all yourself, VIP style.
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40 degrees is the best temperature: any higher temperature risks damaging the soft fibers.
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Use a mild cleanser and go easy on the dosage.
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Once washed, do not tumble dry.
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Line or air dry your robe and hang it up whenever you’re not wearing it.
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The advice is similar for satin dressing gowns, only they should be washed a little more often during the hotter months.
When it comes to ironing the bathrobe, set the temperature at 40-65 degrees Celsius, turn the bathrobe inside out and gently press the fabric.