Crepe Fabric Care: This is what you need to know!
Crepe fabrics are quickly becoming the fabric of choice for fashion-forward designers and home decorators. Crepes are often used in modern, trendsetting designs that are creative, unique, and can be found in a variety of colors and patterns. Crepe fabrics have become a favorite because they drape beautifully, have a luxurious look and feel, and offer versatility and versatility. But one thing everyone knows about crepes is that they require care to maintain their beauty and quality.
Here’s how to care for your crepe fabric so you can enjoy it for years to come!
What is a crepe fabric?
Crepe fabric is a type of woven cloth that produces a lustrous effect on the surface. Crepe fabric is made from cotton or linen yarns, which are then interlaced to create an open weave. The crepe pattern provides a unique look and feel to the fabric.
The most common types of crepes include denim, chiffon, velvet, and silk. Crepes traditionally come in bright colors like red, orange and yellow but can also be found in darker tones like black and navy blue.
What you need to know before washing it
When it comes to washing your crepe fabrics, you need to be careful. There are a few things you should know before washing them, including how to avoid the most common mistakes and wash in cold or cool water.
- Don’t use hot water
Hot water can actually cause crepe fabrics to lose their beautiful drape and shine faster than cold or cool water. You should never use hot water when washing your crepe fabric for the first time either because this could cause those dreaded wrinkles which can be damaging to the fabric and make it look old and worn down.
- Don’t use detergent with bleach or chlorine
Bleach and chlorine can also be harmful to crepes. It’s important that you avoid using laundry detergent with these chemicals because they might stain your fabric as well as cause damage over time. So, stick to natural detergents like green laundry detergent instead of buying pre-made detergents at the store!
- Use lukewarm water
Since there is no hard and fast rule on how much heat temperatures you should put on your fabric, we recommend washing your crepe fabrics in lukewarm water instead of hot or cold waters so that they last longer and maintain their quality longer!
Care and maintenance after washing
- Take your crepe to the dry cleaners or use a professional cleaner
- Hang your crepe on a hanger and leave it off the floor
- When using a vacuum cleaner, hold the nozzle up and away from the fabric
- Use an iron with a low heat setting
- Clean your crepe with water before washing it in cold
- Don’t use fabric softener on your crepes
- Don’t walk on or rub crepe fabrics when they are wet- instead lightly pat down with dry hands
How to avoid wrinkles and stains
To avoid wrinkling crepe fabrics, hang them out of direct sunlight and make sure that they don’t touch anything. When you wash your fabric, make sure to use cold water, soak for about 10 minutes, then gently squeeze the fabric in a circular motion to release excess water. You can also use a mild detergent and rinse with cold water.
To avoid stains from food or drinks (we all know kids are messy), place your crepe fabric in the washing machine before the food stains are set into the fabric.
If your crepes have been stained by ink, there are a few options: put it in the dryer with some paper towels until it fades; add hydrogen peroxide to the wash cycle and leave it overnight; or put it in boiling water for about 15-20 minutes to remove the ink.
Taking care of your crepes means that you will enjoy them for years to come!
Cleaning tips for your crepe fabric
Washing is the most important part of caring for crepe fabrics.
When you wash your material, try to use a gentle detergent that will not leave a residue on the fabric. This will help keep the fabric soft and luxurious.
Avoid washing items of crepe freely since they are usually very thin. Instead, stitch the material to another fabric like thin cotton overnight.
You also might want to add a few drops of essential oils to aid in cleaning and maintain the fresh scent of your fabric, but be careful neither the fragrance of your scent nor the cleaning agents will stain it.
