This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
When you embark on a well-deserved holiday, caring for your clothes may not be at the top of your priority list. However, giving your garments a little extra attention during your holiday can help preserve their quality, prevent damage, and keep you looking stylish throughout your trip. This article will provide some essential tips to ensure your clothes stay in excellent condition while away.
And the great news is that there is still an A&G 15% discount – AG15 on all Clothes Doctor products. So get shopping because you will not be disappointed with this brand. To go to Clothes Doctor website, click HERE.
Pack Strategically:
Before you leave, carefully plan your wardrobe based on the activities and climate of your destination. This will help you avoid overpacking and minimise the chances of wrinkled or damaged clothes. Consider versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched, and opt for wrinkle-resistant fabrics such as knits, jerseys, or synthetic blends. I recently have been won over to viscose as it is easy to wash, packs well, creases can be hung out on arrival, and is a cooling fabric. Many well-known brands are now using viscose.
Pre-Treat Stains:
Accidents happen, especially when enjoying outdoor activities or dining at unfamiliar restaurants. To prevent stains from setting, it’s crucial to treat them as soon as possible. Pack a small stain removal pen or carry a travel-sized detergent. Clothes Doctor has an incredible range of laundry products, many in travel-size containers. Their stain remover, Tough Love, is absolutely brilliant. I took a small amount with me on holiday recently as there is nothing worse than spilling something on one of your dresses and being unable to treat it before the stain sets in.
If you spot a stain on your clothing, then it’s important to deal with it as soon as possible. Some substances will come out more easily when wet but not dry. Use the hottest water that the care label will allow when removing stains. Pre-soak: Apply Clothes Doctor Tough Love stain removal directly to the stain, massage in gently with your fingers or a soft sponge, and then leave to soak in warm or hot water (if you can) for one hour. If the stain has faded but not totally disappeared, then repeat. When it’s totally disappeared, wash it by hand or by machine as normal.
Handwashing Techniques:
If you’re travelling to a destination without laundry facilities, mastering the art of handwashing is essential. Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and a gentle detergent, such as Clothes Doctor. Add a couple of capfuls of their Travel Wash, specifically designed for delicates. Agitate the water slightly so the detergent and the water mingle together. Swirl your clothes in the soapy water, paying extra attention to stained areas. Afterwards, rinse them thoroughly and squeeze excess water without wringing or twisting. Roll your garments in a towel to remove moisture before air drying them.
Protecting Delicates:
When it comes to delicate fabrics like silk, lace, or cashmere, extra care is needed. Separate them from rougher fabrics and wash them individually or place them inside a mesh laundry bag to prevent snagging. Avoid hanging delicate items to dry, as this can stretch them out. Instead, lay them flat on a clean towel or use a portable clothesline with clips to hang them gently.
The Eco Wash Discovery Set (currently £9.50) or travel range has the Eco Wash no. 4 for silk and delicates. These 50ml bottles keep your special fabrics protected, plus their small size fits into your hand luggage liquids!
Avoid Overexposure to Sunlight:
Direct sunlight can fade colours and weaken fabric fibres. Whenever possible, dry your clothes in the shade or indoors. If you need to hang your clothes outside, choose a covered area or use a portable clothesline with a cover to shield them from excessive sunlight. Additionally, be cautious when leaving your clothes on balconies or near windows, as they may be exposed to harsh UV rays.
Fold Instead of Roll:
While rolling your clothes may save space in your suitcase, it can also create deep creases and wrinkles. To maintain a neat appearance, try folding your garments instead. Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter, wrinkle-prone pieces on top. Layer them with tissue paper or plastic bags to reduce friction and minimize wrinkling during transit.
And if you really need to iron your clothes on holiday, I highly recommend Clothes Doctor no. 11 Steamer Water which has the most divine fragrance of Blue Lily and Bergamot. It kills 96% of bacteria and removes odour. It would be good to give your clothes a quick refresh whilst on holiday.
Caring for your clothes during your holiday doesn’t have to be a cumbersome task. Following these essential tips, you can keep your garments fresh, clean, and well-maintained throughout your trip. Remember to pack strategically, pre-treat stains promptly, master the art of handwashing, protect delicate fabrics, avoid excessive sunlight, fold instead of roll, and enjoy your holiday.
I cannot stress enough how much I am a fan of Clothes Doctor and their laundry products – I would not now wash my general laundry with anything other than their Basil & Mandarin Leaf Eco Detergent. And if you love it as much as me, then try the Basil & Mandarin Leaf Eco Conditioner.
To read my previous article about the other Clothes Doctor products, click HERE.