Luxurious items come at a (no-so) secret cost: extra care for a long life of quality use. When we invest in our luxurious pieces, we are not only investing an extra cost upfront, but also the unspoken cost of time and energy that comes with owning them. Let’s get into a quick guide on how to care for these items so they last a lifetime, and maybe even another.
First and foremost, as with every other area of life, preventive care is always the best way to care for you or your belongings. Being proactive and cautious can often eliminate or minimize the need for further care and attention, or even repairs, in the worst-case scenario.
Suede:
Suede is a beautiful material, its soft texture being a reason it is so loved. But keeping it clean and soft can be a challenge, especially if it gets exposed to any unfavorable elements. Here are quick tips to keep it in good condition:
- Use approved and proper products only
- Use a protectant spray, reapplying annually
- Master your brushing technique to keep the nap soft and free of dirt
- Dry suede naturally and away from sunlight
- Do not agitate stains! Take it to the professionals to minimize any possible damage.
- Store in a dry, cool place in a bag, away from sunlight, to keep color and cleanliness.
Leather:
You take care of your skin, and your leather products need skin care, too. These items should get attention and care twice a year, or more, depending on the usage, to keep them in tip-top shape:
- Use a soft, damp cloth or one with leather cleaner to wipe dust and dirt off. For stubborn spots, lather with saddle soap for a better clean.
- Use conditioner every 3-6 months, depending on usage, to prevent cracking.
- Let dry naturally, without heat or sunlight.
- Avoid harsh chemicals, excessive water, and heat sources to prevent any major damage.
- Store in a cool, dry place out of sunlight, in a bag to keep shape and cleanliness.
Silk:
Before doing anything, check the garment’s tag to see if it is dry clean only. If it is, there is your answer! It is a common belief that you cannot take care of silk yourself, and that’s what deters some from owning any. While it is a difficult fabric to care for, there are a few at-home tips to share, but we do recommend always consulting a professional first:
- Delicately hand-wash in cold water with specialized detergent
- Do not wring. Roll the garment in a towel to get excess moisture, and lay flat or hang on padded hangers away from direct sunlight to dry.
- If needed, iron on low heat while still damp
- Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and in breathable garment bags to avoid moisture buildup.
Wools and Cashmeres:
When it comes to cashmere, some people stay away because they are worried they will damage their luxurious sweater. While there is some understanding of this sentiment, wool and cashmere items are easier to care for than one may think:
- Hand washes in cold water with a gentle or specialized detergent, avoiding squeezing or wringing, as that damages the fibers.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water until no suds are left.
- Do not wring. Roll the garments in a towel to get excess moisture, and lay flat away from direct sunlight to dry.
- Use a steamer to remove any wrinkles, never an iron.
- Store folded and in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, to ensure shape and texture.
- If stains occur, take the item to the dry cleaner for proper care.
Metals and jewels:
While metals seem sturdy and strong, they require more care than meets the eye to keep them as strong and beautiful as they were the day you got them:
- Remove jewelry before showering, swimming, cleaning, and performing harsh tasks that may damage it.
- Apply lotions, makeup, hairspray, and oils before wearing jewelry to keep shine and finish.
- Store items in pouches to avoid scratches and air exposure.
- Use specialized clothes and cleaners for your metals, cleaning and polishing them at least twice a year, maybe four times a year for everyday items like wedding rings.
When in doubt, take it out. Always allow the professionals to do what they were trained to do: it’s why they exist, and their jobs are so important. Instead of risking creating a bigger problem, take it to a cobbler, dry cleaner, or specialist for some proper TLC. But hopefully, these tips can help you to avoid those trips! While spring cleaning this year, be sure to show your luxuries a bit of love, too!
