Vacuum Cleaner?

[Tobus]

Maybe vacuum with a brush attachment but I sure wouldn't want the fabric sucked up the hose a bit. Probably would pull the weave out of shape.

I just hand brush after wearing.

Is there any concern about long-term wear on the fabric from all that friction of brushing? Will it cause pilling, frizzing, or fraying over the course of many years? I want to be sure my good wool kilts could be heirlooms in 30 or 40 years. Will brushing or vacuuming with a brush attachment affect this?

[Bugbear]

Is there any concern about long-term wear on the fabric from all that friction of brushing? Will it cause pilling, frizzing, or fraying over the course of many years? I want to be sure my good wool kilts could be heirlooms in 30 or 40 years. Will brushing or vacuuming with a brush attachment affect this?

I think brushing is fine, for wool, Tobus. This is only from what I have read on the forum and some clothing care sites; I'm ignorant... In one of my threads, Nanook said a goat hair brush, or something like that, should be used.

I was really just wondering if the vacuum cleaner would damage the kilt in some way that I don't understand. I guess it would if it sucked the kilt down the hose.

I did clean around the mouth area of the Dust Buster before using it on the kilt; might have had dirt or something on it.

[Riverkilt]

Don't see how hand brushing a wool kilt would cause any more "damage" to the garment than hand brushing a wool suit.

No clue about the vacuum and brush - the vacuum brushes seem much softer than brushes intended to brush wool suits/kilts

[azwildcat96]

Sorry, I just can't get past the word "haboob" to really give any advice... ...and I have heard it said over and over again on network TV this Summer.

[Bugbear]

* Shrug * That's what their called.

[Pleater]

Quite a few vacuum cleaners have an adjustment on the hose to reduce the suction, or a dial on the body of the device which actually slows it down.

These are useful for more delicate things, or you can use the 'conservator' method of fixing a ladies stocking or tights over the nozzle with a rubber band to hold it and then brushing with a small household paintbrush whilst holding the nozzle close to catch the dust.

Man made fibre fabrics will be marked by abraision more easily than all wool ones, but the surface of wool will show where it has been rubbed if it is not done evenly.

Brushes should be soft and the bristles long enough so the handle doesn't touch the fabric, and be wary of small burrs on a metal bristle holder as they can cause damage if they catch a thread.

I've more often used a vacuum cleaner on such things as lady's lacy bonnets or artificial flowers, and prefer to use a damp sponge on wool garments, after shaking them outside in the fresh air.

The sponge should be just damp - I used to work for the inland revenue so when I squeeze - - the pips squeek.

Drawn lightly over the surface in even strokes it picks up the dust and anything loose - it needs to be rinsed frequently.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Bugbear]

Actually, Pleater, I do have a straw hat that will need to be cleaned, and I'm thinking of using a damp spunge. I think this dust, which is extremely fine and finds it's way into everything, is partly clay from our desert.

[chrisupyonder]

Aye, I have the Jiffy like in the pic above and also have the ESteam portable for travel. Any portable steamer form a big box store or an infomercial will do but I prefer the Jiffy line because they are so well made.

Steamers eliminate wrinkles from wool and PV kilts. Work on cotton and cotton/poly too.

I love them so much I use them to steam shirts instead of iron them. Faster, easier.


http://www.jiffysteamer.com/

I emailed Jiffy in the USA and they sent me a link to a supplier in the UK.

http://www.rgk.co.uk/acatalog/info_ESTEAM.html

I will order one next month (when I get my monthly pension).

A good vaccing and a steam should do the trick.

The Esteam is better for me as I can use it in my caravan while on holiday and can use it for many other things besides kilts etc.

Thanks.

Chris.

[Highlander31]

....or you can use the 'conservator' method of fixing a ladies stocking or tights over the nozzle with a rubber band to hold it and then brushing with a small household paintbrush whilst holding the nozzle close to catch the dust....

I've used one of my wife's stockings on our Dyson. Works well.

When I travel, if I can't carry the kilt covered on a hanger, I roll it and put it in a stocking. Little bit of steam after unpacking and it's ready to go.