Handle With Care This Holiday Season
Holiday outfits often feature delicate fabrics, special finishes, and festive details that don’t handle everyday washing very well. A little extra care can keep your favorite pieces looking just as good after the holidays as they did the first time you wore them.
Common Holiday Fabrics That Need Extra Care
Holiday clothing often includes materials that require gentle handling, such as:
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Velvet & velour
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Silk & satin
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Sequins, beads, and metallic threads
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Lace & sheer fabrics
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Wool sweaters & cashmere
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Faux fur trims
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Delicate knits
Each of these fabrics reacts differently to water temperature, agitation, and detergents - which is why "regular wash" is rarely the right choice.
Step 1: Always Check the Care Label First
It sounds obvious, but the care tag is your best defense against laundry mistakes.
Look for:
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Water temperature (cold is safest for most delicates)
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Wash method (hand wash, gentle cycle, or dry clean only)
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Drying instructions (air dry vs low heat)
If the label says "dry clean only", washing at home can permanently damage the fabric - especially with structured garments, velvet, or heavy embellishments.
Step 2: Turn Delicates Inside Out & Use Mesh Bags
For items safe to wash at home:
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Turn clothing inside out to protect the outer surface
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Place items in a mesh laundry bag to prevent snagging
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Never overload the washer - delicates need room to move
Mesh bags are especially important for sequined tops, lace dresses, and anything with beads or embroidery.
Step 3: Choose the Right Detergent
Standard detergents can be too harsh for festive fabrics.
Use:
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Mild or delicate detergent
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No bleach
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No fabric softener (it coats fibers and dulls shine)
For silk, satin, or wool, a detergent specifically labeled for delicates is best.
Step 4: Cold Water & Gentle Cycles Only
Heat is the enemy of delicate fabrics.
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Wash in cold water
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Select gentle or delicate cycle
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Avoid heavy agitation and long wash times
This helps prevent:
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Shrinkage
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Fading
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Warping
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Loose threads or broken embellishments
Step 5: Skip the Dryer (Most of the Time)
High heat can destroy festive fabrics quickly.
Instead:
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Lay flat to dry for sweaters and knits
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Hang dry for dresses and blouses
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Keep items away from direct heat or sunlight
If a dryer is allowed, use low heat only and remove items while slightly damp.
When It’s Best to Let Professionals Handle It
Some holiday outfits are simply better left to professionals - especially if they are:
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Heavily beaded or sequined
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Made from silk, velvet, or wool blends
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Structured or tailored
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Expensive or sentimental
At Tip Top Laundry, our Wash-Dry-Fold Drop-off and Pickup & Delivery services handle delicate items with proper sorting, temperature control, and fabric-safe detergents - so your holiday outfits stay flawless.
Holiday Laundry Made Easy with Tip Top Laundry
Between parties, family gatherings, and busy schedules, laundry shouldn’t add stress to your holidays.
✨ Let Tip Top Laundry do the work for you.
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Gentle care for delicate fabrics
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Clean, professional handling
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Drop-off or convenient pickup & delivery
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Trusted by Glendale families year-round
👉 Focus on celebrating — we’ll take care of the laundry.