How Do You Wash Hemp Clothing?

Are you eager to learn the proper way to clean your hemp fabric garments? This well-researched article is filled to the brim with expert tips and advice on how to effectively wash, dry, and care for hemp clothing. You’ll find that these surprisingly simple and easy-to-follow instructions will ensure that your favourite hemp outfits stay fresh, vibrant and long-lasting. “How Do You Wash Hemp Clothing?” guides you through the entire cleaning process in a clear, concise manner. Enjoy reading and gaining these valuable insights today!

This image is property of deionescu.com.

Preparation

Preparing to launder your hemp clothing involves a couple of key steps to ensure you won’t damage your clothes during the process.

Check the care label

Before you even think about washing your hemp clothing, always make sure to check the care label first. Different companies can recommend different care procedures, and in order to ensure the longevity of your clothing, it’s crucial to follow these instructions. Look specifically for any mention of water temperature, type of detergent, and whether it’s machine washable or should be hand washed.

Sort your laundry

Sorting your laundry is another crucial step before washing. Hemp should typically be washed with other delicate items or fabrics that are similar in color. This is because some dyes used in hemp clothing can run in the wash and coloring other items of clothing. Remember to separate lights from darks, and heavily soiled items from less dirty ones to prevent unwanted staining.

Hand Washing

Now let’s explore the process of handwashing your hemp fabric.

Fill a basin with cold water

The first step to hand washing your hemp clothing is filling up a basin, sink or bucket with cold water. Cold water is ideal as it helps to maintain the integrity and color of your hemp clothing.

Add mild detergent

After preparing your cold water, it’s time to add some mild detergent. When choosing a detergent, opt for mild, non-chemical options as harsh detergents can damage the fibers and fade the color of your hemp clothing.

Soak the hemp clothing

Once your water and detergent solution is ready, it’s time to soak your hemp clothing. Completely immerse the clothing into the water and let it sit for a few minutes.

Gently agitate the clothing

After soaking, use your hands to gently agitate the clothing in the water. Be sure to be gentle to avoid stretching or damaging the fibers.

Rinse in cold water

After you’re done washing, thoroughly rinse your hemp clothing in cold water. This will ensure that all the detergent is washed out.

Machine Washing

While hand washing is recommended for most hemp clothing, some can be machine washed. If the care label permits, here is how you proceed.

Use a gentle cycle

Machine wash your hemp clothing on a gentle cycle. This is to protect the fibers from excessive wear and tear that can occur in other cycles.

Use cold water

Always use cold water when washing your hemp clothing in a machine. Similar to hand washing, cold water maintains the integrity and color of your hemp clothing.

Turn the clothing inside out

Before throwing your clothes in the machine, turn all hemp clothing inside out. This minimizes the friction of the outer part of the fabric against other clothes during washing and helps to prevent fading.

Use mild detergent

Just like in hand washing, use mild detergent when machine washing hemp clothing. Avoid using any bleach or harsh chemicals

Avoid fabric softeners

Fabric softeners are typically not needed for hemp clothing and can cause residue buildup. Instead, opt for white vinegar as a natural alternative.

Drying

The best way to dry your hemp clothing is by air-drying.

Air dry

Hemp clothing dries beautifully in the open air. Hang clothes to dry or place them flat on a clean, dry towel.

Avoid direct sunlight

Although air drying is recommended, avoid direct sunlight as it can cause colors to fade and fibers to break down over time.

Hang or lay flat to dry

Depending on the size and shape of the item, you can either hang it or lay it flat to dry. Just be sure that the item is fully dry before you fold or store it.

Avoid using a machine dryer

Although it might be tempting to toss your hemp clothes in the dryer, resist the impulse! Machine drying can cause hemp clothing to shrink and can harm the fibers over time.

This image is property of www.sympaticoclothing.com.

Stain Removal

Of course, accidents can happen and you might find yourself needing to remove stains from your hemp clothing.

Treat stains before washing

Always pretreat stains before washing your hemp clothing. This will make the whole washing process much easier and more efficient.

Use a stain remover

Use a dab of stain remover on the spot and gently scrub it using a soft cloth or brush.

Spot clean with mild detergent

For a homemade remedy, mix some mild detergent with water and apply it to the stain. Gently rub it in and let sit before rinsing.

Ironing

Ironing hemp clothing can be a little tricky.

Check the care label

Again, first make sure to check the care label. Some hemp garments might be wrinkle-free and won’t need ironing at all, while others might require specific iron settings.

Use a low heat setting

If you do need to iron, remember to use a low heat setting to prevent any possible damage or burns to the fabric.

Iron the clothing inside out

When ironing your hemp clothing, it can be beneficial to turn it inside out first. This will protect the outer surface of the garment from lightening, scorching, and getting shiny patches potentially caused by the heat.

Storage

Properly storing your hemp clothing can contribute significantly to its lifespan.

Clean the clothing before storing

Hemp clothing should be cleaned and thoroughly dried prior to storing it. This prevents the growth of mold and keeps your clothes fresh.

Fold and store in a cool, dry place

Fold your hemp clothing neatly and store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid stuffing clothes as this can lead to wrinkles and creases.

Avoid hanging for long-term storage

For long term storage, avoid hanging your hemp clothing as it can cause the fabric to stretch and potentially lose its shape.

Removing Odors

Hemp is known for its ability to resist mildew and odors, but in case your clothing requires a little freshening up.

Air out the clothing

Allow your hemp clothing to air out for a bit. Hanging it in a well-ventilated area can do wonders to remove any unwanted odors.

Use baking soda

Baking soda is a great natural deodorizer. Lightly sprinkle some on your clothes, let it sit for a few hours, then dust it off or gently shake your clothes out outside before wearing.

Spot treat with vinegar solution

If there are any stubborn smells that won’t go away, create a mild vinegar solution (one part vinegar to three parts water) and do a spot treatment where needed.

Tips for Longevity

Taking good care of your hemp clothing includes being mindful of a few simple practices.

Avoid overwashing

Hemp gets softer the more you wash it, but an excessive amount of washing can shorten its lifespan significantly. Try to wash your hemp clothing only when really needed.

Avoid harsh chemicals

Harsh chemicals can break down the natural fibers of your hemp clothing, causing it to wear out faster. Always opt for natural, mild detergents and stain removers.

Avoid high heat

High heat can cause shrinkage and damage the fibers in your hemp clothing. Therefore, always use cold water for washing and low heat for ironing. It’s better to air dry rather than using a dryer.

Avoid abrasive scrubbing

Abrasive scrubbing can also damage the fibers of your hemp clothing. When treating stains or hand-washing your items, always be gentle and mindful about preserving your garment’s quality.

Final Thoughts

Hemp clothing is famed for its durability and eco-friendliness. As with any clothing, hemp requires some specific care – but by following these instructions, you’ll ensure you’ll be able to enjoy your clothing for many years to come. Being gentle is the main game, respect the fabric, and it will serve you well. Choose cold water, avoid harsh chemicals, and always remember to check the care label. Happy washing!