cleaning and storage

[wsevans3]

looking for tips on best ways to clean my kilt and store it when not being worn. many thanks

[GrainReaper]

You can spot clean little mishaps with just a bit of water and some dabbing, you can carefully clean one with a bit of baby shampoo and cool to tepid water in your bathtub too, lay it flat and walk on it carefully to clean the wool, rinse the same way and then press the water out between towels on the floor being mindful of the pleats. Another option is basting the pleats and taking it to a knowledgeable dry cleaner who can properly clean and press a kilt.

Storage wise I use the two hanger method, fold kilt in half, use two clip style hangers (I get mine cheap at IKEA) and clip them to the waistline on both sides and fold both halves together and hang up.

[wsevans3]

many thanks!!

[GrainReaper]

I hope the hanger description made sense, a picture would have helped... But alas I haven't one handy. I could take one if you need one

[Mikilt]

As I have a mortal fear of moths, in addition to keeping my space clean, I keep mine in "The Vault"

Hung on hangers, inside a pillowcase, inside a suit bag, inside a hanging linen garment bag with cedar inside and out.

[wsevans3]

no it made sense no problem. i appreciate it.

[Mikilt]

I hope the hanger description made sense, a picture would have helped... But alas I haven't one handy. I could take one if you need one

Is this what you mean? This is the way I do it.

[GrainReaper]

Is this what you mean? This is the way I do it.

That's exactly it! I knew I saw it somewhere here, I never had luck scoring free hangers from stores but I found nice wood ones from IKEA for like a dollar each that work great! As for moths, here in luxurious Lake in the Hills, they aren't allowed in city limits, we prefer to keep out the insect riff-raff LOL

[Pleater]

I gently pat and waft water through the fabric when washing a kilt in the bath - or any woollen garment - I knit and crochet too so my home would be wool central for moths.

I usually use hair shampoo or shower/bath products to wash wool, hoping that the 'parfum' will put moths off the scent, then a cup of white vinegar in the final rinse water to counteract the alkaline detergent.
Once rinsed I allow the garment to drain on a rack across the bath before putting it into shape. The rack is a basic bath top airer which can sit either /\ over the bath or be laid = so once the draining stops I set it up /\ and lay the garment over the top, straightening the pleats, and finally I put it onto hangers - but only when it has reached the very slightly damp stage. By ensuring the pleats are straight at that point they rarely require any further attention.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Katia]

Anne, do you baste the pleats before you hand-wash?