Tips
Tips
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What to know about down insulation? What to know about down insulation?
Ahh... we're already nostalgic for the summer season when we could leave the house with only sunscreen and our favorite dress for protection! Even though winter landscapes can be truly magical, leaving the house in 25 degrees below zero requires a bit more gear. When it comes to choosing a winter coat, a toooon of criteria come into play: style, color, length, material, insulation...
Let's talk about the latter: insulation. There are more and more different insulation technologies, some found across many brands while others are specific to certain brands – like LOLË and Sicily (to name just two) which have their own insulating technology. But one of the most common insulators on the market is, of course, down.
So, here we answer all your questions about it:
What is the function of down?
The function of down in a coat is to form an insulating barrier. How? By retaining the maximum volume of air which will then be heated by your body heat. Down is very fine and volatile, it is always mixed with feathers. These will help to disperse the down evenly throughout the coat.
What percentage of down should you choose?
Although all down-insulated coats contain feathers, it is the down that is the insulating element. So: the more down there is, the warmer it is. The percentage of down/feathers varies according to brands and models, starting from 50/50 (50% down and 50% feathers) up to the warmest being 90/10 (90% down for 10% feathers).
What is fill power?
It's not just the percentage of down/feathers that needs to be considered if you want a very warm coat. There's also what's called "fill power" (or loft, or fill power). This value is measured in volume. A good warm coat will, for example, have a fill power of 700. This number means that if you take 1 ounce of down, compress it and release it, it will occupy 700 cubic inches of space. This means that the higher the number, the greater the down's expansion capacity and therefore, the warmer the coat. More expansion = more air = more warmth.
What to do if your coat loses feathers?
It's inevitable: your coat will lose feathers. If you decided to open the lining of your coat (we don't recommend it!!), you'd be impressed by the quantity of feathers it contains. It's perfectly normal for a few feathers to escape during the first week you wear your new coat. Most importantly: if the feather isn't completely out, do NOT pull on it! By pulling it out you could create a small hole and other feathers would take advantage of it to escape. The ideal is to push the feather back inside. It's also possible that the loss occurs when the coat is more worn since, over time, the outer layer of your coat loses its original qualities. It is therefore important to wash your coat every season and even apply a new layer of waterproofing. WARNING!! Always read the label of the coat AND the waterproofing product carefully before applying it!
How to wash a down coat?
Before washing a coat (or any garment), whether it's insulated with down or anything else, you should ALWAYS read the label. Washing instructions are always indicated and it's very important to follow them. In the case of a real down coat, more often than not, dry cleaning is recommended. In some cases, it's possible to machine wash it and tumble dry it at a low temperature. It's also recommended to add tennis balls to the dryer to help fluff up the down. As for cleaning frequency, we recommend washing it once a year, ideally at the beginning of the season, before you start wearing the coat.
Ahh... we're already nostalgic for the summer season when we could leave the house with only sunscreen and our favorite dress for protection! Even though winter landscapes can be truly magical, leaving the house in 25 degrees below zero requires a bit more gear. When it comes to choosing a winter coat, a toooon of criteria come into play: style, color, length, material, insulation...
Let's talk about the latter: insulation. There are more and more different insulation technologies, some found across many brands while others are specific to certain brands – like LOLË and Sicily (to name just two) which have their own insulating technology. But one of the most common insulators on the market is, of course, down.
So, here we answer all your questions about it:
What is the function of down?
The function of down in a coat is to form an insulating barrier. How? By retaining the maximum volume of air which will then be heated by your body heat. Down is very fine and volatile, it is always mixed with feathers. These will help to disperse the down evenly throughout the coat.
What percentage of down should you choose?
Although all down-insulated coats contain feathers, it is the down that is the insulating element. So: the more down there is, the warmer it is. The percentage of down/feathers varies according to brands and models, starting from 50/50 (50% down and 50% feathers) up to the warmest being 90/10 (90% down for 10% feathers).
What is fill power?
It's not just the percentage of down/feathers that needs to be considered if you want a very warm coat. There's also what's called "fill power" (or loft, or fill power). This value is measured in volume. A good warm coat will, for example, have a fill power of 700. This number means that if you take 1 ounce of down, compress it and release it, it will occupy 700 cubic inches of space. This means that the higher the number, the greater the down's expansion capacity and therefore, the warmer the coat. More expansion = more air = more warmth.
What to do if your coat loses feathers?
It's inevitable: your coat will lose feathers. If you decided to open the lining of your coat (we don't recommend it!!), you'd be impressed by the quantity of feathers it contains. It's perfectly normal for a few feathers to escape during the first week you wear your new coat. Most importantly: if the feather isn't completely out, do NOT pull on it! By pulling it out you could create a small hole and other feathers would take advantage of it to escape. The ideal is to push the feather back inside. It's also possible that the loss occurs when the coat is more worn since, over time, the outer layer of your coat loses its original qualities. It is therefore important to wash your coat every season and even apply a new layer of waterproofing. WARNING!! Always read the label of the coat AND the waterproofing product carefully before applying it!
How to wash a down coat?
Before washing a coat (or any garment), whether it's insulated with down or anything else, you should ALWAYS read the label. Washing instructions are always indicated and it's very important to follow them. In the case of a real down coat, more often than not, dry cleaning is recommended. In some cases, it's possible to machine wash it and tumble dry it at a low temperature. It's also recommended to add tennis balls to the dryer to help fluff up the down. As for cleaning frequency, we recommend washing it once a year, ideally at the beginning of the season, before you start wearing the coat.
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Caring for your coat to prolong its lifespan Caring for your coat to prolong its lifespan
Buying a winter coat is not something to be taken lightly; we wear it nearly 5 months a year, we want it to be to our liking, but above all, to protect us effectively against harsh winters. On top of all that, it's often a financial investment. So no question of making a mistake! But once we've found the coat of our dreams... what to do to make it last year after year? Because yes, maintenance is necessary to ensure the longevity of your coat... but don't worry! I'm going to give you all the details you need to take care of your purchase properly!
**IMPORTANT**
Always read the item label carefully with the cleaning instructions!
--- CLEANING ---
- It is recommended to wash a winter coat once a year, ideally at the beginning of the season.
- If the coat is machine washable, follow the instructions provided on the coat's label.
- If the coat is dry clean only, choose a specialized cleaner.
- If the coat has a removable fur collar, remove it before taking it to the cleaner. If the collar is not removable, mention it to the cleaner so they can protect it during cleaning.
- Natural fur can be cleaned by gently brushing it dry, or with a little clean snow (snow helps to restore volume to the hairs).
--- STORAGE ---
- Store the coat in a garment bag, in a cool place.
- If the coat has a removable fur collar, remove it before storing the coat.
- A natural fur collar can be stored in a bag... in the refrigerator. (Yes, really! Heat is the #1 enemy of natural fur. The coolness of the refrigerator will help preserve its quality. DO NOT store it in the freezer!!)
- At the beginning of the season, once the coat has been cleaned (at the dry cleaner or in the machine, as appropriate), use a spray water repellent. Most coats are treated when purchased, but cleaning them can reduce the protection offered.
**CAUTION**
Choose a COLORLESS spray that is suitable for fabric AND leather! Also, be sure to protect your fur collar during application (remove it if you can).- Wait 4 to 6 hours before wearing the coat outside so that the product is completely dry.
--- LEATHER ---
If your coat is made of leather or partially leather (the sleeves, for example), it is important to take care of it.
- Choose a cleaner specializing in leather to avoid the risk of damage.
- Apply a leather moisturizing cream, at least once per season to help soften it and maintain its shine.
- Apply the cream to a clean surface: clean the leather beforehand with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
- Once the coat is creamed, use a water repellent spray, as suggested above.
It seems like a lot of maintenance when you read it like that... but it's quick to do and will help you keep your coat for many years! You can always contact us if you have any doubts or questions about the care of your purchase, and we will be happy to help you! The products mentioned, such as cream and spray, are also available in our stores.
Review our Facebook video on the subject:
Buying a winter coat is not something to be taken lightly; we wear it nearly 5 months a year, we want it to be to our liking, but above all, to protect us effectively against harsh winters. On top of all that, it's often a financial investment. So no question of making a mistake! But once we've found the coat of our dreams... what to do to make it last year after year? Because yes, maintenance is necessary to ensure the longevity of your coat... but don't worry! I'm going to give you all the details you need to take care of your purchase properly!
**IMPORTANT**
Always read the item label carefully with the cleaning instructions!
--- CLEANING ---
- It is recommended to wash a winter coat once a year, ideally at the beginning of the season.
- If the coat is machine washable, follow the instructions provided on the coat's label.
- If the coat is dry clean only, choose a specialized cleaner.
- If the coat has a removable fur collar, remove it before taking it to the cleaner. If the collar is not removable, mention it to the cleaner so they can protect it during cleaning.
- Natural fur can be cleaned by gently brushing it dry, or with a little clean snow (snow helps to restore volume to the hairs).
--- STORAGE ---
- Store the coat in a garment bag, in a cool place.
- If the coat has a removable fur collar, remove it before storing the coat.
- A natural fur collar can be stored in a bag... in the refrigerator. (Yes, really! Heat is the #1 enemy of natural fur. The coolness of the refrigerator will help preserve its quality. DO NOT store it in the freezer!!)
- At the beginning of the season, once the coat has been cleaned (at the dry cleaner or in the machine, as appropriate), use a spray water repellent. Most coats are treated when purchased, but cleaning them can reduce the protection offered.
**CAUTION**
Choose a COLORLESS spray that is suitable for fabric AND leather! Also, be sure to protect your fur collar during application (remove it if you can).- Wait 4 to 6 hours before wearing the coat outside so that the product is completely dry.
--- LEATHER ---
If your coat is made of leather or partially leather (the sleeves, for example), it is important to take care of it.
- Choose a cleaner specializing in leather to avoid the risk of damage.
- Apply a leather moisturizing cream, at least once per season to help soften it and maintain its shine.
- Apply the cream to a clean surface: clean the leather beforehand with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
- Once the coat is creamed, use a water repellent spray, as suggested above.
It seems like a lot of maintenance when you read it like that... but it's quick to do and will help you keep your coat for many years! You can always contact us if you have any doubts or questions about the care of your purchase, and we will be happy to help you! The products mentioned, such as cream and spray, are also available in our stores.
Review our Facebook video on the subject:
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How to care for your boots How to care for your boots
Ahhh, the snowy sidewalks, the slush, the calcium marks on your boots... the joys of winter, right! No, but back to the calcium, is there really a worse disappointment than seeing your beautiful winter boots ruined by salt? Because, believe me, salt can *really* ruin boots...
So before you get there, I recommend you carefully read these tips so your boots don't end up like mine!!
The first thing to know and remember is to always clean the boot before applying any product. When I say clean, I mean wiping the entire boot with a sponge soaked in lightly soapy water, including the sole (avoiding fur if there is any). This step is even more important when the boot is leather, because if you apply a wax for example or a cream to a dirty boot, the leather will absorb the dirt and that's really not what we want!!
Leather Boots
As evidenced by the photo of my boots destroyed by calcium, leather boot care is essential. The two products I consider paramount would be a waterproofing spray and a leather cream. A colorless waterproofing spray is really useful to have because you can use it on all leather colors, whether for your shoes, bags, or other accessories. I personally apply it as needed; if I know the next day's weather requires it, I apply a good coat in the evening so they have time to dry before wearing them outside. As for the cream, I apply a thin layer every two weeks, with a clean cloth and in circular motions. The cream will hydrate and soften your leather and prevent it from cracking like mine!!
Rubber Boots
Maintaining rubber boots is a little simpler, but still essential. I recommend cleaning the boot with lukewarm, lightly soapy water regularly, say once a week. This prevents calcium from accumulating and corroding the rubber. You can also use a waterproofing spray. Often (not always, so check carefully!!), waterproofing sprays for leather can also be used on other surfaces like fabric and rubber.
Fur
If your boots have a fur trim, be careful when spraying the waterproofing spray. I recommend trying to cover them with a plastic bag or a towel. If you find the fur dull or dirty, you can take a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water and gently wipe the fur to clean it. You can also gently brush it with a comb to remove knots.
**LITTLE TIP**
If calcium has left a stain on your boots, don't worry! It's not too late!! Whether your boots are leather or rubber, take a clean cloth and pour a tiny bit of white vinegar. Gently rub the stained area and rinse well with lukewarm water (especially leather!!). Warning: may leave you with a strong desire to eat salt and vinegar chips!!
There you go! Keeping your feet warm in winter is extremely important, so maintaining your boots is not negligible. Especially if you don't want to change boots every winter!!
Ahhh, the snowy sidewalks, the slush, the calcium marks on your boots... the joys of winter, right! No, but back to the calcium, is there really a worse disappointment than seeing your beautiful winter boots ruined by salt? Because, believe me, salt can *really* ruin boots...
So before you get there, I recommend you carefully read these tips so your boots don't end up like mine!!
The first thing to know and remember is to always clean the boot before applying any product. When I say clean, I mean wiping the entire boot with a sponge soaked in lightly soapy water, including the sole (avoiding fur if there is any). This step is even more important when the boot is leather, because if you apply a wax for example or a cream to a dirty boot, the leather will absorb the dirt and that's really not what we want!!
Leather Boots
As evidenced by the photo of my boots destroyed by calcium, leather boot care is essential. The two products I consider paramount would be a waterproofing spray and a leather cream. A colorless waterproofing spray is really useful to have because you can use it on all leather colors, whether for your shoes, bags, or other accessories. I personally apply it as needed; if I know the next day's weather requires it, I apply a good coat in the evening so they have time to dry before wearing them outside. As for the cream, I apply a thin layer every two weeks, with a clean cloth and in circular motions. The cream will hydrate and soften your leather and prevent it from cracking like mine!!
Rubber Boots
Maintaining rubber boots is a little simpler, but still essential. I recommend cleaning the boot with lukewarm, lightly soapy water regularly, say once a week. This prevents calcium from accumulating and corroding the rubber. You can also use a waterproofing spray. Often (not always, so check carefully!!), waterproofing sprays for leather can also be used on other surfaces like fabric and rubber.
Fur
If your boots have a fur trim, be careful when spraying the waterproofing spray. I recommend trying to cover them with a plastic bag or a towel. If you find the fur dull or dirty, you can take a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water and gently wipe the fur to clean it. You can also gently brush it with a comb to remove knots.
**LITTLE TIP**
If calcium has left a stain on your boots, don't worry! It's not too late!! Whether your boots are leather or rubber, take a clean cloth and pour a tiny bit of white vinegar. Gently rub the stained area and rinse well with lukewarm water (especially leather!!). Warning: may leave you with a strong desire to eat salt and vinegar chips!!
There you go! Keeping your feet warm in winter is extremely important, so maintaining your boots is not negligible. Especially if you don't want to change boots every winter!!
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New winter coat - knowing how to recognize your needs New winter coat - knowing how to recognize your needs
Buying a new winter coat - knowing your needs
There comes a time in life when you can't avoid the obvious... you need a new winter coat! This step might be a pleasure for some, but it can be a real nightmare for the majority. It's a significant purchase, financially speaking, and also because your winter comfort depends on it. What's worse than ending up with an expensive coat that leaves you freezing all winter? No thanks! Last year, I wrote an article giving three tips for enjoying winter, but this year I decided to go into more detail and create a small guide to assess your needs for making an informed purchase you won't regret!
The first step is to evaluate how you plan to use your coat. We agree that if you need a coat for work or for skiing, the choice won't be the same! Over the years, you can build a wardrobe with a coat for each need, like a chic one for work, a sportier one for winter activities, and a very warm one for everyday use. But let's be realistic, not everyone can afford to have 3 or 4 different coats. Some coats can meet several needs at once, like the Point Zero 8718535 with a removable lining to cover both cold and milder weather. You can also opt for a neutral, solid-colored coat (black, gray, white, or navy) and play with accessories to create looks adapted to your needs. As here, with the Salma-f6 coat from Soïa & Kyo, I had fun creating a more chic look for work and a more casual look for the weekend. As I've already said... it's all about accessories!
Bag left: Rudsak - Patna // Bag right: Matt&Nat - Gil
Okay, when I talk about a coat "suited to your figure", I'm not just talking about aesthetics. It's important that your coat fits your body correctly because otherwise you could A: be uncomfortable all winter, B: cut off air circulation and freeze all winter. You understand that this is not negligible, right? I wrote a blog last winter to guide your coat choice according to your figure. I invite you to read it for more details, but in short:
Slim waist: highlight it with a belt. It will also help prevent too much air from entering from below.
Strong hips or thighs: focus on details at the upper body, such as chest pockets or an imposing fur collar. A longer coat (mid-thigh or longer) will also flatter your figure and keep you warmer.
Broad shoulders: This is the opposite of the previous one. Opt for fewer details on top and more on the bottom, to balance it out. A coat with large pockets on the thighs will be a good option, especially with a more discreet fur collar.
And yes! Like it or not, a winter coat needs maintenance! The basic rule, when it's finally time to stop wearing it, is to store it in a garment bag, ideally not too squashed so the down doesn't flatten. Dry cleaning once a year is also recommended, when you take it out of the closet (you really need to choose your cleaner carefully, especially if the coat has fur or leather!). In short, if you're lazy and don't want to spend time on special maintenance, I recommend a coat like the Katlin from Soïa & Kyo (see photo below) simply because it has no fur or leather. So the only maintenance required is storage and dry cleaning. Plus, it's super warm (win-win).
I hope you can make the right choice now! And never forget that if you're unsure, the ENTIRE team, whether in-store or online, will be DELIGHTED to advise you and help you find the coat of your dreams ;)
Buying a new winter coat - knowing your needs
There comes a time in life when you can't avoid the obvious... you need a new winter coat! This step might be a pleasure for some, but it can be a real nightmare for the majority. It's a significant purchase, financially speaking, and also because your winter comfort depends on it. What's worse than ending up with an expensive coat that leaves you freezing all winter? No thanks! Last year, I wrote an article giving three tips for enjoying winter, but this year I decided to go into more detail and create a small guide to assess your needs for making an informed purchase you won't regret!
The first step is to evaluate how you plan to use your coat. We agree that if you need a coat for work or for skiing, the choice won't be the same! Over the years, you can build a wardrobe with a coat for each need, like a chic one for work, a sportier one for winter activities, and a very warm one for everyday use. But let's be realistic, not everyone can afford to have 3 or 4 different coats. Some coats can meet several needs at once, like the Point Zero 8718535 with a removable lining to cover both cold and milder weather. You can also opt for a neutral, solid-colored coat (black, gray, white, or navy) and play with accessories to create looks adapted to your needs. As here, with the Salma-f6 coat from Soïa & Kyo, I had fun creating a more chic look for work and a more casual look for the weekend. As I've already said... it's all about accessories!
Bag left: Rudsak - Patna // Bag right: Matt&Nat - Gil
Okay, when I talk about a coat "suited to your figure", I'm not just talking about aesthetics. It's important that your coat fits your body correctly because otherwise you could A: be uncomfortable all winter, B: cut off air circulation and freeze all winter. You understand that this is not negligible, right? I wrote a blog last winter to guide your coat choice according to your figure. I invite you to read it for more details, but in short:
Slim waist: highlight it with a belt. It will also help prevent too much air from entering from below.
Strong hips or thighs: focus on details at the upper body, such as chest pockets or an imposing fur collar. A longer coat (mid-thigh or longer) will also flatter your figure and keep you warmer.
Broad shoulders: This is the opposite of the previous one. Opt for fewer details on top and more on the bottom, to balance it out. A coat with large pockets on the thighs will be a good option, especially with a more discreet fur collar.
And yes! Like it or not, a winter coat needs maintenance! The basic rule, when it's finally time to stop wearing it, is to store it in a garment bag, ideally not too squashed so the down doesn't flatten. Dry cleaning once a year is also recommended, when you take it out of the closet (you really need to choose your cleaner carefully, especially if the coat has fur or leather!). In short, if you're lazy and don't want to spend time on special maintenance, I recommend a coat like the Katlin from Soïa & Kyo (see photo below) simply because it has no fur or leather. So the only maintenance required is storage and dry cleaning. Plus, it's super warm (win-win).
I hope you can make the right choice now! And never forget that if you're unsure, the ENTIRE team, whether in-store or online, will be DELIGHTED to advise you and help you find the coat of your dreams ;)
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Laundry: How to care for our clothes so they last longer Laundry: How to care for our clothes so they last longer
Nous recherchons tous des vêtements qui durent éternellement et dont la couleur reste aussi éclatante qu'au premier jour. Ahhh ce serait si merveilleux, mais soyons réalistes : la durée de vie de nos vêtements est loin d'être éternelle. Que ce soit une question de confection ou un banal accident de sauce tomate (oups), le facteur qui a le plus d'influence sur la durée d'un vêtement est la façon dont on l'entretient ou plus précisément, la façon dont on le lave. En gardant à l'esprit qu'il est préférable de laver les vêtements de couleurs similaires ensemble, je partage avec vous 3 astuces de lavage pour les blancs et les noirs !
Le noir
Nous avons tous déjà eu un vêtement noir qui est devenu gris beaucoup trop rapidement. Mes vêtements étant presque tous noirs, j'ai accumulé quelques astuces pour éviter la décoloration tout en gardant le même détergent que pour mes articles de couleurs ou blancs.
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Avec les vêtements noirs, il est super important d'éviter l'eau chaude. L'eau froide est votre meilleure alliée pour combattre la décoloration ! Si vous mettez vos vêtements à la sécheuse, il est important de les y laisser le moins longtemps possible parce que, comme l'eau chaude, la chaleur est dommageable à long terme. L'idéal reste de suspendre vos vêtements et de les laisser sécher à l'air libre !
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Laver vos vêtements à l'envers est aussi très efficace pour ralentir la décoloration !
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La première fois que vous mettez un vêtement noir (ou de couleur) dans la laveuse, ajoutez une tasse de vinaigre blanc (ou vinaigre de vin blanc) en plus de votre détergent. Le vinaigre aidera à fixer la couleur au morceau. Suivez ensuite les 2 astuces ci-dessus et vous allez vraiment voir une belle différence !
Le blanc
Nous avons tous déjà ressenti cette frustration de voir notre t-shirt blanc préféré virer au gris ou au jaune après trop peu de temps. Avant de le jeter, ou pour vos prochains achats de blancs, vous voudrez sûrement essayer ces trois astuces !
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Utilisez une lessive en poudre. Les lessives en poudre ou en capsules contiennent des agents blanchissants qui aideront à garder vos vêtements le plus blanc possible ! Un autre point positif, ils rejettent moins de tensioactifs (du pas bon) et sont donc un peu mieux pour l'environnement. En plus, ils sont plus faciles à doser !
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Contrairement aux vêtements noirs, le blanc nécessite de l'eau chaude pour éviter de jaunir et de devenir grisâtre.
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De la même manière qu'une tasse de vinaigre pour les vêtements noirs, ajoutez ¼ à ½ tasse de bicarbonate de soude (petite vache) à votre lessive. Le bicarbonate aura pour effet d'amplifier l'effet du détergent.
Une fois ces astuces en tête, rappelez-vous qu'avant de faire quoi que ce soit, vous devez toujours regarder l'étiquette informative sur le vêtement parce qu'elle vous guidera vers la meilleure façon d'entretenir votre morceau. Si l'étiquette suggère le nettoyage à sec seulement… il y a une raison !! Je suis la première à me dire « Bahhh, ça ne doit pas être si grave si je le mets dans la laveuse à cycle délicat, juste une fois… » Et bien oui, ça peut être grave ! Même à délicat, votre vêtement pourrait être affaibli et donc aura une durée de vie écourtée.
Alors voilà ! Avec toutes ces informations, vos vêtements resteront plus éclatants et vivront plus longtemps ! De quoi rentrer dans ses frais ;)
Nous recherchons tous des vêtements qui durent éternellement et dont la couleur reste aussi éclatante qu'au premier jour. Ahhh ce serait si merveilleux, mais soyons réalistes : la durée de vie de nos vêtements est loin d'être éternelle. Que ce soit une question de confection ou un banal accident de sauce tomate (oups), le facteur qui a le plus d'influence sur la durée d'un vêtement est la façon dont on l'entretient ou plus précisément, la façon dont on le lave. En gardant à l'esprit qu'il est préférable de laver les vêtements de couleurs similaires ensemble, je partage avec vous 3 astuces de lavage pour les blancs et les noirs !
Le noir
Nous avons tous déjà eu un vêtement noir qui est devenu gris beaucoup trop rapidement. Mes vêtements étant presque tous noirs, j'ai accumulé quelques astuces pour éviter la décoloration tout en gardant le même détergent que pour mes articles de couleurs ou blancs.
-
Avec les vêtements noirs, il est super important d'éviter l'eau chaude. L'eau froide est votre meilleure alliée pour combattre la décoloration ! Si vous mettez vos vêtements à la sécheuse, il est important de les y laisser le moins longtemps possible parce que, comme l'eau chaude, la chaleur est dommageable à long terme. L'idéal reste de suspendre vos vêtements et de les laisser sécher à l'air libre !
-
Laver vos vêtements à l'envers est aussi très efficace pour ralentir la décoloration !
-
La première fois que vous mettez un vêtement noir (ou de couleur) dans la laveuse, ajoutez une tasse de vinaigre blanc (ou vinaigre de vin blanc) en plus de votre détergent. Le vinaigre aidera à fixer la couleur au morceau. Suivez ensuite les 2 astuces ci-dessus et vous allez vraiment voir une belle différence !
Le blanc
Nous avons tous déjà ressenti cette frustration de voir notre t-shirt blanc préféré virer au gris ou au jaune après trop peu de temps. Avant de le jeter, ou pour vos prochains achats de blancs, vous voudrez sûrement essayer ces trois astuces !
-
Utilisez une lessive en poudre. Les lessives en poudre ou en capsules contiennent des agents blanchissants qui aideront à garder vos vêtements le plus blanc possible ! Un autre point positif, ils rejettent moins de tensioactifs (du pas bon) et sont donc un peu mieux pour l'environnement. En plus, ils sont plus faciles à doser !
-
Contrairement aux vêtements noirs, le blanc nécessite de l'eau chaude pour éviter de jaunir et de devenir grisâtre.
-
De la même manière qu'une tasse de vinaigre pour les vêtements noirs, ajoutez ¼ à ½ tasse de bicarbonate de soude (petite vache) à votre lessive. Le bicarbonate aura pour effet d'amplifier l'effet du détergent.
Une fois ces astuces en tête, rappelez-vous qu'avant de faire quoi que ce soit, vous devez toujours regarder l'étiquette informative sur le vêtement parce qu'elle vous guidera vers la meilleure façon d'entretenir votre morceau. Si l'étiquette suggère le nettoyage à sec seulement… il y a une raison !! Je suis la première à me dire « Bahhh, ça ne doit pas être si grave si je le mets dans la laveuse à cycle délicat, juste une fois… » Et bien oui, ça peut être grave ! Même à délicat, votre vêtement pourrait être affaibli et donc aura une durée de vie écourtée.
Alors voilà ! Avec toutes ces informations, vos vêtements resteront plus éclatants et vivront plus longtemps ! De quoi rentrer dans ses frais ;)
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