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This is a collaborative post.
A great looking men’s suit can make a lasting impression, let it be for a business meeting, your regular work attire or an occasional wear for weddings and other elegant occasions. The trouble with it though is, that you cannot just chuck it into the washing machine like most garments. Keeping it clean and fresh can feel like a challenge if you need it often, especially when dealing with delicate fabrics and stubborn stains. This article will share five best tips for cleaning mens suits Melbourne to keep them looking sharp and stylish.
1. Dry Clean Regularly
Dry cleaning helps remove dirt and stains without damaging the fabric. Suits are often made from delicate materials like wool, which can shrink or lose shape in water. This case, the only way to fully clean the suit is dry cleaning only. But even suits of other man-made fabrics can benefit from regular dry-cleaning.
It’s recommended to dry clean your suit every 3-5 wears, depending on how often it’s used. This keeps the fabric fresh and free from oils or sweat.
2. Spot Clean Stains Immediately
If you spill something on your suit, it’s important to act quickly. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove the stain.
For small stains, use a clean cloth to gently blot the area without rubbing, as rubbing can spread the stain. If it’s a grease stain, sprinkle a little soda bicarbonate or cornstarch on it, wait a few minutes, and then brush it off.
For other stains, use a stain remover made for delicate fabrics. Spot cleaning helps keep your suit looking clean without the need for frequent dry cleaning.
3. Use a Clothes Brush
A clothes brush is a great tool for maintaining the appearance of your suit. It helps remove dust, dirt, and lint that may accumulate on the fabric. A fabric roller is also a good option.
Gently brush the fabric in a downward motion to keep it looking neat. Regular brushing prevents dirt from embedding into the fibers, which can damage the fabric over time.
Be sure to use a soft brush designed for suits to avoid damaging the material.
4. Avoid Overwashing
Overwashing can cause the fabric to wear out and lose its shape. Dry cleaning is the best option, but even that should be done sparingly.
If you wash/dry clean your suit too often, it can also lose its color and start to be shiny on elbows and knees. Instead of washing, hang your suit up after wearing it to let the fabric breathe. Fresh air is also helpful when airing a suit: just hang it outside in the shade when it’s nice and breezy outside.
For a quick refresh, you can use a natural fabric freshener spray.
5. Steam, Don’t Iron
Instead of ironing your suit, use a steamer to remove wrinkles. Again, ironing will damage the fabric and will make it look shiny and worn. Ironing can also do immediate damage to the fabric, if the temperature is too high.
Steam gently lifts wrinkles without putting pressure on the fibers, helping your suit stay smooth and crisp. Hold the steamer a few inches away from the fabric and allow the steam to work its magic. True, you will need to invest in a quality steamer as not all of them are good and strong enough for steaming suits.
Steaming also helps refresh the fabric by removing odors. (It’s basically a mini shower for clothes.)