Linen
Wash
- Read Care Label: Each Gorman garment comes with specific care instructions. Be sure to check the care label for guidance on how to best care for your item.
- Separate Colors: To prevent any color bleeding, separate your lights, darks, and colors before washing.
- Gentle Detergent: Use a gentle, non-bleach detergent to maintain the quality and vibrancy of your linen.
- Cold/Lukewarm Water: Wash in cold or lukewarm water, ideally 30 degrees Celsius or below. This temperature helps preserve the colors and fabric quality.
- Avoid Overloading: Avoid overloading your washing machine to allow enough room for proper movement of the fabric. This ensures a thorough and gentle wash for your Gorman pieces.
Dry
- Gentle Air Dry: For best results, gently air dry your Gorman linen garments by hanging them in a shaded area. This helps preserve the fabric and prevents colors from fading in direct sunlight.
- Avoid Tumble Dry: Steer clear of tumble drying whenever possible. However, if needed, use a low to medium heat setting and promptly remove your garments to minimize wrinkles and prevent any potential damage.
Storage
Preserving the quality of your Gorman linen pieces doesn't stop after wearing and washing. Here are some essential storage tips to ensure they stay fresh and vibrant:
- Clean and Dry: Before stowing clothing ensure they are clean and dry. This prevents the growth of mould or mildew and maintains the fabric's integrity.
- Breathable Cotton Bags: Use breathable cotton bags rather than plastic to store your Gorman linen garments. Cotton allows air circulation, preventing yellowing and maintaining freshness over time.
- Natural Deterrents: Use natural lavender sachets or cedar blocks to discourage moths and other pests.
- Cool, Dry Location: Store your linen pieces in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This helps prevent fading and discoloration.
Removing Wrinkles
Maintaining the effortless elegance of your Gorman linen pieces includes keeping them free from wrinkles. Here are some simple yet effective ways to manage wrinkles and embrace your garment's natural texture:
- Hang Straight After Washing: Hang your garments straight after washing to let gravity do its work and reduce the need for ironing..
- Steaming: Invest in a garment steamer to gently remove wrinkles from your Gorman pieces and extend the time between washes. Steaming is a quick, gentle and effective method to leave clothing fresh and crease-free without the risk of burning.
- Damp Towel: Place a damp towel on creases and gently press with a warm iron. The steam created will relax the fabric and make it easier to smooth out wrinkles.
- Mist and Hang: Lightly mist your garment with water and hang up. Creases will loosen and fall out as the fabric dries..
Stain Removal
Use a damp cloth and mild eco-friendly detergent to gently dab the stain. Do not rub the stain as it will damage the fabric surface. Avoid harsh chemicals or vigorous scrubbing, as these can damage the fabric.
Cotton
Wash
- Low Temperature: Wash your cotton garments at a low temperature, ideally below 30 degrees Celsius. This reduces the risk of shrinkage and helps preserve the color vibrancy.
- Gentle Detergent: Use a gentle, eco-friendly detergent designed for low-temperature washing for better performance and lower impact on your clothing.
- Similar Colors, Inside Out: Wash similar colors together to prevent color bleeding. Turn clothes inside out before washing to reduce colour fading and surface damage.
- Avoid Softeners and Bleach: Avoid conventional fabric softeners and bleach that can damage fabric and reduce its longevity. Consider natural alternatives like distilled white vinegar instead of bleach and a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, water and essential oils in place of fabric softener.
Dry
- Avoid Tumble Drying: Avoid tumble drying as this can accelerate the aging process of the garment, cause shrinkage, and consume a significant amount of energy.
- Hang Dry Immediately: After washing, air dry your clothing by hanging immediately. This is the most environmentally friendly option and helps preserve the fabric quality.
- Shake and Reshape: Before hanging your garments to dry, shake them gently to release wrinkles and reshape them as needed. This ensures they dry in their original form and maintain their appearance. Consider hanging garments that are prone to creasing on a clothes hanger to dry to reduce creases.
Storage
- Cool and Dry Environment: Store your cotton garments in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Fold or Roll Lightly: When storing your garments, lightly fold them or roll them to prevent crease lines. Avoid heavy folding or pressing as this can cause permanent creases in the fabric.
Removing Stains
- Act Quickly: Treat stains immediately to prevent them from setting into the fabric. Rinse stain with cold water straight away. Avoid using warm or hot water, as this may increase the chance of the stain setting.
- Gentle Detergent: If water alone isn't sufficient to remove the stain, apply a small amount of eco-friendly detergent to a damp cloth. Gently dab the stained area with the cloth, working from the outside of the stain towards the center. Avoid rubbing, as this may cause the stain to spread or set further. If using any stain removal products, always do a patch test on a part of the garment that will not be easily seen to ensure the product will not damage the fabric or fade colours.
Removing Wrinkles
- Shake and Shape: After washing, gently shake your garment and reshape it by hand. This simple step can often be enough to naturally remove wrinkles and restore the fabrics original look.
- Low to Medium Heat Ironing: If your garment requires ironing, use a low to medium heat setting. Start with the lowest heat setting and gradually increase if necessary, taking care not to apply too much heat to delicate fabrics.
Hemp
Wash
- Wash Sparingly: Hemp's inherent properties make it naturally antibacterial, antimicrobial, and breathable. Only wash your garment when absolutely necessary to preserve its quality and minimize environmental impact.
- Read Care Label: Each Gorman hemp garment comes with specific care instructions. Refer to the care label for guidance on how best to care for your unique piece.
- Separate Your Load: To prevent color transfer, separate your laundry into lights, darks, and colors before washing your hemp garments.
- Gentle Detergents: Use detergents that are gentle on clothing and the environment. Harsh chemicals can damage the fibers and harm ecosystems.
- Cool Wash: Maintain the integrity of your hemp fabric by washing it at a cold or warm temperatures 30 Degrees celsius and under. Avoid hot water as it can cause shrinkage and fiber damage.
- Gentle Spin Cycle: Protect the fibers of your hemp garment by hand washing or using a ‘delicates’ cycle with a gentle spin process and protective washing bag.
Dry
- Avoid Tumble Drying: Avoid tumble drying as it can cause shrinkage and misshapen your hemp clothing. Use gentler drying methods to protect the fabric.
- Lay Flat to Dry: Hemp is absorbent and becomes much heavier when wet as the fibres tighten, so hanging garments can distort the shape. To maintain the shape and minimize wrinkles, lay it flat on a clean surface or towel to dry in the shade.
- Stretch and Shape: While your hemp garment is drying, gently stretch and shape it to ensure it retains its original form to prevent distortion.
Storage
- Avoid Hanging: Hemp can drop and grow longer when hung on clothes hangers, which can ultimately lead to misshaping over time. Instead of hanging, fold or roll your hemp garments to maintain their original size and shape.
- Fold Carefully: When folding your hemp pieces, take care to avoid creasing or wrinkling excessively. Smooth out any wrinkles before folding or rolling clothes before storing them in a clean, dry place to prevent damage.
Care Tips
- Air Out Between Uses: Allow your hemp garment to air out between uses to refresh it and maintain its freshness.
- Warm Water for Stains: For stubborn stains, use warm water (not hot) when spot treating to help lift them effectively without compromising the fabric.
- Prompt Stain Removal: Act quickly to remove stains before they set. Spot clean and wash the garment immediately to ensure they don't become permanent.
- Iron Inside Out: When ironing your hemp garment, do so inside out or on the reverse side while it's still damp to avoid damaging the fabric.
- Heat for Shaping: Heat can help bounce your garment back into shape. If needed, use gentle steam or iron to reshape your garment into its original form.
- Natural Softening: Whilst your new hemp garment may feel stiffer at first,
- wearing your garment over time will naturally make it softer and more comfortable - adding character over the garments life cycle.
Denim
Wash
- Read Care Labels: Each Gorman denim garment comes with specific care instructions. Take a moment to read the care labels for guidance on how to best care for your denim.
- Wash Inside Out: To preserve the color and quality of your denim, wash them inside out to prevent fading and maintain the integrity of the fabric wash after wash.
- Wash Less Frequently: To maintain the fit of your denim aim to wash your denim garments no more than once every 10 wears. This will help extend the lifespan of your favorite pieces.
- Cold or Lower Temperature Wash: Washing your denim in cold water helps prevent fading, saves energy, and saves you money on utility bills. If you need to warm wash, use 30-40 degrees water instead of 60 degrees to save up to 30% on energy and help maintain the vibrant colour of your denim.
Dry
- Hang Dry: After washing, air dry your denim by hanging your denim garments or laying them flat to dry. Turn denim inside out to dry and avoid hanging in direct sunlight to avoid colours fading.
- Avoid the Tumble Dryer: Do not tumble dry denim as it can cause high levels of shrinkage and shape distortion as well as using a lot of energy.
- Prompt Hanging: Hang or lay your denim out flat to dry as soon as possible after washing to maintain garment shape and colour vibrancy.
Storage
- Fold or Hang: Denim can be safely hung, folded or rolled for storage. However, hanging is ideal for maintaining the shape of your denim and preventing wrinkles, especially for jackets or heavier denim pieces.
Care Tips
- Stain Removal: If you encounter stains on your denim, use a damp cloth or a toothbrush with a mild detergent to gently remove them. Avoid harsh chemicals or vigorous scrubbing, as these can damage the fabric.
- Air Out Between Wears: Allow your denim to air out between wears to refresh them and prevent odors from lingering. Hang them in a well-ventilated area for a few hours before wearing them again.
- Freeze Fresh? The idea that this kills bacteria has been debunked. We suggest that airing your denim out may be an alternative way to freshen denim up between washes.
- Wrinkle Removal If you need to press your denim, turn it inside out and use the iron or steamer on the reverse side of the fabric to minimize colour loss or overpressing which can give the fabric a permanently shiny look.
Knitwear
Wash
- Limit Washing: Overwashing knitwear can increase wear and tear. Wool possesses natural properties that resist dirt and odours. Take advantage of this and enjoy longer periods between washes. Where possible, consider washing your knitwear once a year at the beginning or end of the winter season and opt to air it out outside between wears to refresh it.
- Spot Cleaning: Address stains promptly with spot cleaning instead of subjecting the entire garment to unnecessary washing. This helps maintain the fabrics integrity and minimizes wear.
- Avoid Machine Washing: Machine washing can be harsh on delicate knitwear fibers. Instead, opt for gentle handwashing to ensure your garments receive the tender care they deserve.
- Handwashing: When hand washing knitwear, use a mild detergent and lukewarm water. Gently submerge your knitwear and swirl it around the water. Carefully squeeze the suds through the fabric and avoid wringing or twisting to prevent stretching. Rinse with clean water and remove any excess by rolling the garments in a white towel instead of wringing it out.
Dry
- Never Tumble Dry: Never tumble dry your knitwear as the heat and agitation can cause high levels of shrinkage and damage to the fibers. Your garment may become unwearable due to its much small size once it has been treated with this much heat.
- Pat Down with Dry Towel: After washing, gently pat down the knit with a dry towel to absorb excess moisture. Avoid wringing or twisting, as this can damage the delicate fibres.
- Dry Flat and in Shade: Hanging knitwear to dry usually leads to significant stretching and distortion due to the weight of moisture. Lay your knitwear flat to dry in a shaded area. Ensure you spread the knit to its original shape to prevent it from losing its form and to reduce color fading.
Storage
- Fold Instead of Hanging: To prevent your knitwear from losing its shape, fold or roll it neatly instead of hanging. Hanging will often cause knitwear garments to stretch and lose their form quite quickly.
- Moth Repellent: Consider storing your wool with natural moth repellent, such as those using cedar (there are plenty on the market), as moths like to snack on wool and leave large holes in your favourite items if given the chance.
- Regular Airings: If your knitwear will be stored for a long period, remember to air it out every few months. This helps prevent mustiness and keeps the fibers fresh.
General Care
- Pilling: Pilling is a natural occurrence with knitwear. You can remove it gently with a pill removing device or you can embrace it as a sign of your garment's coziness and character.
- Minimal Pressing: Only steam or iron your knitwear if absolutely necessary, and use a low temperature setting with a protective cloth between the iron and the garment to prevent damage. Always iron or steam on the reverse side of the garment.
- Repair with Darning: If you notice any holes or tears, consider darning to repair them. Darning is a simple technique that involves weaving new yarn over the damaged area to reinforce it.
- Needle Felting for Repairs: Needle felting can also be used to repair knitwear. This technique involves using a special needle to mesh loose fibers together, reinforcing weak spots and extending the life of your garment.
Wool (merino, alpaca)
Wash
- Check Care Label: Always refer to the care label on your garment for specific instructions tailored to its fabric and construction.
- Limited Washing: Wool garments typically only need to be washed once per year, ideally at the end of the winter season, unless visibly stained. This helps preserve the integrity of the fibers and minimizes environmental impact.
- Eco-Friendly Wool Detergent: Use an eco-friendly wool detergent designed specifically for delicate fabrics. These detergents are gentle on the fibers and environmentally conscious.
- Cold Water Hand Wash: Opt to gentle hand wash in cold water to protect the delicate wool fibers. Avoid hot water, as it can cause shrinkage and damage the fabric.
- Wash Separately: Wash your wool knitwear separately from other garments to prevent color bleeding or snagging.
- Avoid Harsh Actions: Do not bleach, soak, rub, or wring your wool knitwear, as these actions can damage the fibers. Instead, gently swirl the garment in the water to distribute the detergent evenly. You can remove excess water by gently rolling the knitted garment in a white towel (to ensure there is no colour transfer).
Dry
- Avoid Tumble Dry: Never tumble dry your wool knitwear as the heat and agitation can cause high levels of shrinkage and damage to the fibers. Your garment may become unwearable due to its much smaller size once it has been treated with this much heat.
- Roll in Towel: After washing, gently roll your wool garment in a clean, dry towel to remove excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting, as this can distort the shape of the knitwear.
- Lay Flat to Dry: Lay your wool knitwear flat to dry in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight. This allows the garment to dry evenly and prevents stretching or distortion.
- Ease Back into Shape: While your wool garment is drying, gently ease it back into its original shape if necessary. This helps maintain the proper fit and appearance of the knitwear.
Storage
- Avoid Hanging: Do not hang your knitwear as this will very likely stretch the wool fibers and cause the piece to grow lose its shape over time.
- Pest Control:
- Consider storing your wool with natural moth repellent, such as those using cedar (there are plenty on the market), as moths like to snack on wool and leave large holes in your favourite items if given the chance.
Care Tips
- Cool Ironing with Protective Cloth: If you need to iron wool use a cool iron and place a protective cloth between the iron and garment. Do this on the reverse side of the garment to prevent damage.
- Pill Removal: Use a pill removing device if you notice any pilling on your wool garment. However, remember that pilling is natural with wool and can be embraced as part of the fabric's character.
- Repair Techniques: If your wool garment requires repair, consider techniques such as darning or using a felting needle to mend any holes or tears. These methods can help prolong the life of your garment and maintain its integrity.
- Reshaping with Steam: Utilize the steam function of your iron to reshape your woolen garments. Gently steam the fabric while shaping it with your hands to restore its original form. Don’t expose the garment to too much heat, just give it a light steam.
Viscose
Wash
- Cold Hand Wash: Wash your garment by hand using cold water. Avoid using hot water, as it can cause the viscose fibers to shrink or become damaged.
- Use Mild Detergent: Use a mild eco-friendly detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as they can weaken the fibers and cause color fading.
- Wash Separately: Wash your viscose garment separately from other items to prevent color bleeding or damage from zippers or buttons.
- Avoid Rubbing or Soaking: Handle your garment gently and avoid rubbing or soaking it for extended periods. Excessive rubbing or soaking can cause the fabric to lose its shape or become distorted.
- Do Not Wring: After washing, do not wring out your garment to remove excess water. Instead, gently squeeze out the water by pressing the garment between your hands.
- Do Not Machine Wash or Spin: Do not machine wash or spin your viscose garment, as the spinning motion can damage the delicate fibers. Hand wash these garments to preserve the integrity of the fabric.
Dry
- Line Dry in Shade Immediately: After washing, promptly hang your viscose garment on a clothesline or drying rack in a shaded area. Direct sunlight can cause colors to fade and may damage the delicate fibers of the fabric.
- Alternatively, Dry Flat: If space permits, lay your viscose garment flat on a clean, dry surface to air dry. Spread the garment out evenly to maintain its shape and prevent wrinkles. Some viscose fabrics, such as viscose crepe, may benefit from being stretched back into shape during the drying process. Check the care label for more information.
- Avoid Tumble Drying: Do not tumble dry viscose garments as the heat and agitation can damage the fabric and cause shrinkage and shape distortion.
Storage
- Hung Up or Folded: Woven viscose garments can generally be safely hung or folded. Knitted viscose garments, however, may need to be folded or rolled to stop them from stretching.
- Cool and Dry Place: Store garments in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and moisture. Excess humidity can promote mold or mildew growth and may damage the fabric.
General Care
- Cool Iron on Reverse Side: If ironing is necessary, use a low heat setting on the reverse side of the garment to prevent damage to the delicate fibers..
- Avoid Direct Heat: Minimize exposure to direct heat sources, such as radiators or sunlight, as this can cause the fabric to shrink or become distorted.
- Handle with Care: When handling the garment, avoid pulling or stretching the fabric excessively, as viscose is prone to stretching.
- Avoid Abrasive Surfaces: Be mindful of surfaces that may snag or catch on the fabric, such as rough countertops or Velcro fasteners.
- Store Properly: When not in use, store the garment in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Hanging the garment on a padded hanger can help maintain its shape.
Stain Removal
- Act Quickly: Attend to the stain as soon as possible to prevent it from setting into the fabric.
- Blot the Stain: Use a clean, white cloth or paper towel to gently blot the stain. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain further.
- Spot Test: Before applying any cleaning solution, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration or damage.
- Use Mild Detergent: Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water to create a gentle cleaning solution.
- Apply the Solution: Dampen a clean cloth with the detergent solution and dab it onto the stained area. Gently work the solution into the fabric, starting from the outer edges of the stain and working towards the center.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After treating the stain, rinse the area with cold water to remove any remaining detergent residue.
- Air Dry: Allow the garment to air dry naturally. Avoid using heat or applying direct sunlight, as this can cause the stain to set or the fabric to shrink.
- Repeat if Necessary: For stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the cleaning process several times until the stain is fully removed.
- Professional Cleaning: If the stain persists or if you're unsure about treating it yourself, consider taking the garment to a professional cleaner who specializes in delicate fabrics like viscose
TENCEL modal
Wash
- Low Temperature: Wash your TENCEL/Modal garments at a low temperature, ideally below 30 degrees Celsius. This reduces the risk of shrinkage and helps maintain the vibrancy of the colors.
- Gentle Eco-Friendly Detergent: Use a gentle, eco-friendly wool wash detergent designed for low temperatures. These detergents are effective and gentle on TENCEL/Modal fabrics.
- Wash with Similar Colors, Inside Out: To prevent color bleeding and protect the fabric, wash your garments with similar colors and turn them inside out before washing.
- Avoid Softeners and Bleach: Avoid conventional fabric softeners and bleach, as they can damage the fabric and reduce its longevity.
- Hand Washing Preferred: Hand washing is the best and safest method for TENCEL/Modal garments. If machine washing is necessary, use a wool or delicate cycle with gentle agitation and low spin in a marine-friendly protective washing bag.
Dry
- Avoid Tumble Drying: Do not tumble dry your TENCEL/Modal garments. Tumble drying can damage the fibers and cause shrinkage.
- Hang Dry Immediately: Hang TENCEL/Modal garments immediately after washing to air dry. This is the most environmentally friendly option and helps preserve the fabrics integrity.
- Shake and Reshape: Gently shake garments to release any wrinkles and reshape them as needed before hanging to help them dry in their original form.
- Avoid Wringing: If you hand-wash your TENCEL/Modal garments, avoid wringing them out. Instead, gently press the water out of them with a dry towel to remove excess moisture.
Storage
- Knitted TENCEL Pieces: For knitted TENCEL pieces, it's best to fold them and store them in a drawer or on a shelf. This helps preserve their shape and prevents stretching.
- Woven TENCEL Pieces: Woven TENCEL pieces can generally be hung on clothes hangers if desired without losing their shape.
Wrinkle Removal
- Steam Method: The best way to remove wrinkles from TENCEL pieces is by using steam. You can use a garment steamer or simply hover a steamer attachment over the garment if you don't have a dedicated steamer. This gentle method helps relax the fibers and smooth out wrinkles without exposing the fabric to direct heat.
- Avoid Direct Heat: Never expose your TENCEL garment to direct heat, such as placing it directly on an ironing board or using a hot iron directly on the fabric. Direct heat can damage the delicate fibers of TENCEL.
- Use Iron with Caution: If you choose to use an iron, set it to a warm setting and gently press the garment. Avoid applying too much pressure or leaving the iron in one spot for too long to prevent heat damage.
Stain Removal
- Avoid Bleach and Harsh Stain Removers: Refrain from using bleach or harsh stain removers on your TENCEL garments, as these can damage the fabric.
- Immediate Rinsing: Act quickly by rinsing stains with cold or warm water as soon as they occur. This helps prevent the stain from setting into the fabric.
- Spot Cleaning with Wool Laundry Detergent: For stubborn stains, try spot cleaning by applying a small amount of wool laundry detergent to a damp cloth. Gently dab the stained area with the cloth, avoiding rubbing or scrubbing, as this can damage the delicate TENCEL fabric.
- Gentle Treatment: Handle stained areas with care and avoid aggressive rubbing or scrubbing, which can cause damage to the fabric. Instead, gently blot the stain to lift it from the fabric.
Synthetics (Polyester, nylon)
Wash
- Check the Care Label: Always refer to the care label on your garment for specific washing instructions tailored to its fabric composition.
- Cold Machine Wash: Wash your synthetic garments in cold water, preferably at a maximum temperature of 30 degrees celsius. Cold water helps preserve the integrity of synthetic fibers and prevents damage.
- Wash with Similar Colors and Inside Out: To prevent color bleeding and protect the fabric, wash your synthetic garments with similar colors and turn them inside out before washing.
- Avoid Soaking or Bleaching: Refrain from soaking or bleaching your synthetic garments, as these can damage the fabric and affect color vibrancy.
- Use Minimal Detergent: Avoid using too much detergent, as a full cup is unnecessary for synthetic materials and can leave behind residue.
- Reduce Spin Cycle: Reduce the spin cycle or rotation speed on your washing machine to minimize agitation as it can cause excessive wear on synthetic fibers.
- Wash Full Loads: Whenever possible, wash full loads of laundry to maximize water and energy efficiency.
- Opt for Shorter Cycles: Choose shorter washing cycles to reduce exposure to water and agitation and better preserve your synthetic garments.
Dry
- Avoid Tumble Drying: Avoid tumble drying whenever possible as the heat can affect the structural integrity of the garment eg. damaging pleat structure of a heat pressed pleated skirt. If necessary, use a low heat setting to minimize potential damage to the fabric.
- Do Not Wring to Dry: Do not wring out to remove excess water as this can cause stretching and distortion of the fabric.
- Dry Naturally: Use natural drying methods, such as line drying, to preserve the integrity of synthetic fibers. Synthetic materials often dry faster than natural fibres so your garment will dry relatively quickly when hung up to air dry.
Storage
- Folded or Hung Up: Woven synthetic garments, can be folded or hung safely. Synthetic knits should be folded or rolled to prevent stretching.
- Cool Dry Place: Hang your garment in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat and humidity can damage synthetic fibers and lead to deterioration over time.
Microplastics
- Washing Machine Filter: Consider installing a washing machine filter designed to capture microplastics released during the washing process. Regularly clean or replace the filter to maintain its effectiveness.
- Marine Friendly Bags: Use marine friendly protective washing bags designed to capture microfibers released from synthetic garments during washing. Ensure the bag is only half full to allow proper filtration.
- Cora Balls: Utilize ‘Cora Balls’, innovative laundry balls designed to catch microfibers in the washing machine, or source your local alternative.
- Collecting Microfibers: Place a container or tissue box near your washing machine to collect any visible microfibers that may be shed during washing, cleaning your machine regularly. Dispose of collected fibers in the bin to prevent environmental contamination.
- Ironing or Steaming: If needed, iron or steam your synthetic garments on the reverse side to reduce the likelihood of microfiber release.
Removing Stains
Act Quickly: Attend to the stain as soon as possible to prevent it from setting into the fabric.
Blot the Stain: Use a clean, white cloth or paper towel to gently blot the stain. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain further.
Spot Test: Before applying any cleaning solution, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration or damage.
Use Mild Detergent: Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water to create a gentle cleaning solution.
Apply the Solution: Dampen a clean cloth with the detergent solution and dab it onto the stained area. Gently work the solution into the fabric, starting from the outer edges of the stain and working towards the center.
Rinse Thoroughly: After treating the stain, rinse the area with cold water to remove any remaining detergent residue.
Air Dry: Allow the garment to air dry naturally. Avoid using heat or applying direct sunlight, as this can cause the stain to set or the fabric to shrink.
Repeat if Necessary: For stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the cleaning process several times until the stain is fully removed.
Professional Cleaning: If the stain persists or if you're unsure about treating it yourself, consider taking the garment to a professional cleaner who specializes in delicate fabrics like viscose
Specialty Fabric/Special Care
Wash
- Read Care Labels: Each Gorman garment comes with specific care instructions. Take a moment to read the care labels for guidance on how to best care for your piece.
- Limit Dry Cleaning/ Use Chemical-Free Dry Cleaners:
We try to make as many of our designs as possible washing machine and hand wash friendly to limit the need for dry cleaning your clothes. For any items that do need occasional dry cleaning, we recommend searching for a more eco-friendly chemical-free dry cleaner in your area. These dry cleaners tend to avoid using toxic chemicals such as Perchloroethylene (PERC) and instead use a range of dry and water-based wet cleaning methods. This is better for the environment and also better for your health as you won’t have these chemicals close to your skin.
- Cold Hand Wash: If the care label allows hand washing, use cold water and gently agitate the fabric and avoid harsh rubbing or wringing, which can damage delicate fibres.
- Mild/Eco-Friendly/Biodegradable Detergent: Use a gentle detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics. Look for mild, eco-friendly, or biodegradable options to minimize environmental impact.
- Use Washing Bags: If the care label on your garment allows for machine washing, consider putting it in a marine-friendly protective garment bag to prevent any embellishments from snagging on other garments and causing surface damage to fabric.
- Avoid Bleach, Soaking, or Rubbing: Refrain from using bleach, soaking the garment, or rubbing vigorously, as these actions can weaken the fabric and cause color fading or damage.
- Avoid Fabric Softeners: Do not use fabric softeners, as they can leave residue on the fabric and affect its texture or breathability.
Dry
- Do Not Wring: Avoid wringing out your garment to remove excess water, as this can cause stretching or damage to delicate fibers. If you need to remove excess water you can gently roll the garment in a white towel.
- Do Not Tumble Dry: Refrain from tumble drying your garment, as the heat and agitation of the dryer can be too harsh for specialty fabrics, leading to shrinkage or distortion.
- Line Dry or Dry Flat in Shade Immediately: After washing, promptly hang your garment on a clothesline or lay flat in the shade to dry. Direct sunlight can cause colors to fade and may damage the delicate fibers of specialty fabrics.
Storage
- Cool, Dry Location: Store your garment in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and moisture. Excess humidity can promote mold or mildew growth, which can damage specialty fabrics.
- Hanging: You can hang your garment on a sturdy clothes hanger to prevent wrinkles and maintain its shape. If the item is knitted or has fine delicate fabric you may need to store if folded to prevent stretching.
- Avoid Compression: Avoid compressing or overcrowding your garment in storage. This can cause wrinkles, creases, and deformation of specialty fabrics. Allow your garment to hang or rest freely to preserve its integrity.
Protective Cover: Consider using a breathable garment bag or cloth cover to protect your garment from dust and debris while in storage. Ensure the cover allows air circulation to prevent moisture buildup.
Stain Removal
- Act Quickly: Address stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting into the fabric.
- Blot, Don't Rub: Use a clean, white cloth or paper towel to gently blot the stain. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain further and damage the fabric fibers.
- Use Mild Solution: Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water to create a gentle cleaning solution. Test the solution on a hidden area of the garment to ensure it doesn't cause any discoloration or damage.
- Apply Solution: Dampen a clean cloth with the detergent solution and gently dab the stained area. Work from the outside of the stain towards the center to avoid spreading.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After treating the stain, rinse the area thoroughly with cold water to remove any residue.
- Air Dry: Allow the garment to air dry naturally. Avoid using heat or applying direct sunlight, as this can set the stain or cause color fading.
- Repeat if Necessary: For stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process multiple times until the stain is fully removed.
- Professional Cleaning: If the stain persists or if you're unsure about treating it yourself, consider taking the garment to a professional cleaner who specializes in specialty fabrics.