There are many items in the home that are made of heat-resistant materials such as mittens, blankets, wool garments, curtains, and drapes. Like most things in the home, these items also pick up dirt or get dirty from regular human handling.
Ultimately, regular cleaning of these items is necessary.
However, it is important to know that the mode of cleaning heat resistant materials is different compared to regular fabrics. If you just use plain water and detergent to clean these items, you may permanently damage the surface, ruin the aesthetics, and even sometimes eliminate the functionality of the item.
Here are five tips for keeping your heat-resistant items clean:
1. Use a Detergent for Best Outcomes
Experts suggest that all heat-resistant items should only be washed with a detergent and not harsh solvents or other liquids. It is best to avoid soap altogether as it may ruin the surface of the fabric. All you need to do is apply the detergent and then proceed to use a washcloth to wipe the item gently.
Because there are many detergents available in the market, it is best to select one which has the least number of chemicals. Remember, the detergent should not be too strong as it could ruin the heat-resistant material completely.
2. Don’t Soak the Item
Heat-resistant items should generally not be soaked in any liquid for prolonged periods. This will damage the finish and ruin the texture of the fabric. If you do use water to wash, then use a wet wipe and limit the number of times you clean the item.
This is important because most heat-resistant fabrics take a long time to dry out once they get wet.
3. Always Read & Follow Labels
When you have a heat-resistant item, always read the label to determine the fabric type and if the manufacturer has already put in any precautions that should be taken when cleaning the item. You should also check the cleaning instructions because in most cases, they will specify what can and cannot be used to clean the item.
If there is no manual or instructions on cleaning, you can do some online research and find out what other users recommend for cleaning the material in question. If you still fail to find the proper cleaning instructions, call the manufacturer.
Just don’t experiment on your own as there is a risk you may ruin it completely.
4. Should You Dry Clean These Materials?
Many heat-resistant items are not meant to be cleaned at home because the chances are that the fabric may be ruined. Some of these items require dry cleaning. In most cases, the label on the product will state that. Heat-resistant materials that are often dry cleaned typically consist of gloves, especially oven mittens, curtains, blinds, and linen.
If you wash these items with regular detergent, the warranty may no longer be void. Also, the chances are that you will ruin the functionality of the item.
Finally, if you go to a dry cleaner, specifically ask them about heat-resistant products and cleaning. Not all dry-cleaning facilities are equal, and some may not have the necessary experience or equipment to clean your item properly.
5. Extreme Temperatures Must be Avoided
In general, when cleaning heat-resistant fabrics, maintain the water temperature to less than 35-degree centigrade or room temperature. While high temperatures do make cleaning easy and may help remove certain stains, the chances are that the high heat will damage the product.
If you have a dirty heat-resistant item at home that is not costly, such as mittens or gloves, it may be a lot cheaper and easier to discard them and buy a new pair. But for more expensive items, it is best to follow instructions properly.