What to Wash at Home and What to Leave to Professionals

Home textiles need proper, regular care to preserve their qualities and bring coziness and comfort to your home for years. Every item is different, however, and not everything that fits easily into a household washing machine should be washed there.

For effective washing at home, it helps to know a few basic rules. As a general guide, dry items should fill no more than two-thirds of the drum, while a dryer should be filled to around one-third. When there is too much textile in the machine, it may not wash, rinse or dry properly. The appliance instructions and the care label on the item should always take priority.

The products we use for care can sometimes be aggressive and shorten an item’s lifespan. Expensive does not always mean better. Finding the right detergent and washing cycle can take some experimentation, but it is always important to follow the care instructions on the label. In our blog, you can find a separate guide to caring for bed linen based on ten years of our experience.

Duvets and pillows — professional care is best

Bulky duvets and pillows are difficult to wash thoroughly at home. Even when they fit inside the drum, their filling may not have enough room to be cleaned and rinsed properly.

Drying is another challenge. Moisture left inside can create favourable conditions for bacteria and mould. Down- and feather-filled items may also develop the unpleasant smell associated with damp feathers.

For this reason, duvets and pillows are best given professional care.

Bulky throws — it depends on the size

A small throw can be washed at home if the manufacturer’s instructions allow it. A large item, however, often does not have enough room in the drum to wash and dry properly.

If you have to push a throw forcefully into the washing machine, it is better to leave it to professionals.

Towels and robes — suitable for home washing

Towels and robes generally wash well at home. The key is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and choose the correct temperature.

If the care label allows it, tumble drying can help restore a towel’s pleasant softness and fluffiness.

Bed linen — regular care at home

Bed linen can be washed regularly at home. Avoid overloading the drum and select a cycle that suits the fabric composition.

If you would like perfectly clean, fresh and smooth bedding with a hotel-like finish, professional care can help achieve that result.

A simple rule

If a textile is large, bulky, delicate or difficult to dry completely at home, it is better to turn to professionals.

Proper care does more than maintain cleanliness: it helps keep your favourite textiles beautiful, fresh and pleasant to the touch for longer.

Do not forget mattresses either — they also need periodic care. This is where professional cleaning can be especially helpful.

Home me × MINK — we create home textiles you will want to love for years, and we know how to care for them properly.

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