wood kilts and dry cleaners

**Confused.Nihilist** · 8th February 08, 04:32 PM

I'm taking my wool kilt to the dry cleaners soon. Is there anything that I need to be aware of first? Is there any concern for the pleats or buckles?

**Chef** · 8th February 08, 04:45 PM

Be very careful!!!

First does the kilt really need to be cleaned? If it just really needs to be pressed don't get it cleaned. The chemicals used are very bad for a kilt. They remove the lanolin from the kilt. The more you have it cleaned the faster it will wear out and the easier it will get dirty.

Make sure the cleaner you are using is familiar with a man's kilt. Many are not and they can absolutely ruin an expensive kilt. A numpty with the hot presses used at a cleaners can be a disaster for the pleats. If you don't feel comfortable with the cleaner after you talk to them try to find another. In the past I have suggested that you locate a local piper or pipe band and find out where they get their kilts done.

If you can't find someone who has done real kilts, one consideration is to have basting stitches put into the pleats before you take it to the cleaners. This will protect them.

To repeat however, does it really need to be cleaned. Spot cleaning can take care of most problems.

**Kiltman** · 8th February 08, 05:25 PM

Originally Posted by Chef

Be very careful!!!
If you can't find someone who has done real kilts, one consideration is to have basting stitches put into the pleats before you take it to the cleaners. This will protect them.

To repeat however, does it really need to be cleaned. Spot cleaning can take care of most problems.

Basting the pleats in is absolutely essential. A kilt should not be pressed like a woman's skirt that is pleated.

**Panache** · 8th February 08, 05:57 PM

Being that few on XMTS are familiar with wood kilts, I have changed your title to "wool kilts"

Cheers

Jamie

**Ozman1944** · 8th February 08, 06:14 PM

Just curious; How about hand washing (cold) in "Woolite", then rolling dry in towells, positioning the pleats, then air dry? The cleaning is my main avoidance of wool kilts.

**Chef** · 8th February 08, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by Kiltman

Basting the pleats in is absolutely essential. A kilt should not be pressed like a woman's skirt that is pleated.

I agree if the cleaner does not know how to press a kilt. I am lucky enough to have a cleaner that knows how to properly press a kilt by hand.

Another option is to contact the original kilt maker. I know some will handle the cleaning of kilts they have made.

**Cawdorian** · 9th February 08, 06:53 AM

A good friend of mine is the Quartermaster for one of the large pipe bands here in Atlanta. I asked him if they had a dry cleaner who cleaned or pressed their kilts for them. He told me "never send a kilt to the cleaners, just give it a good brushing every now and then and if you have a spot on the kilt, only spot clean it".

He also told me that he pressed his own pleats because he doesn't trust anyone else with them. Use the proper wool pressing method using a pressing cloth and iron.

Words of wisdom from a gentleman who is responsible for the care and feeding of about 150 kilts.

**turpin** · 9th February 08, 11:41 AM

Check out this thread about washing a kilt. Lots of good ideas

I think there is also a tutorial by the Wizard of BC about pressing. One of the best ot there.

**Jock Scot** · 10th February 08, 03:40 AM

There is some sage advice in the threads above. As they advise,be very careful.

**Phil** · 10th February 08, 07:28 AM

Originally Posted by Panache

Being that few on XMTS are familiar with wood kilts, I have changed your title to "wool kilts"

Cheers

Jamie

Nothing to do with this I suppose? - http://www.woodenkilt.com/

Be very careful as others have said. A light spongeing or spot cleaning might do the trick.