SWK Thrifty Kilt, Care & Maintenance

[KiltedViking]

As I said in my intro thread, the one Kilt I own, is an SWK Thrifty Kilt. As I wear it out and about, with increasing frequency, I need to take care if it, more frequently.

Here's are Jerry's care instructions, as shown on his retail website (specifically for the Thrifty):
*Thrifty-Kilts are machine-washable (gentle cycle only, mesh laundry bag recommended, fasten velcro waist before washing), hang or dry flat, touch up with a warm iron (acrylic setting) if needed. Dry cleaning not recommended.

I've followed these instructions, to the letter. With the exception of the warm iron. Not quite to where I need to do that, just yet. My dear Bride assures me that she will handle that, which is a bit odd, but I digress. I did acquire a mesh laundry bag, $5 USD. It's the type of bag actually intended to store/transport ones dirties, to the washing machine and is itself, washable! Imagine that. Anyway, I folded & velcroed the Kilt as instructed, carefully placed it in the bag and got the whole mess flat, so the Kilt wasn't folded, crimped and such. It JUST fit in the bag. Oh, I should mention, when empty, this bag is a flat rectangle. It does not have a rounded end.

I did tighten & tie-off the bag's drawstring, but it didn't crush the Kilt too much and the extra string didn't come undone, or get stuck on the agitator. So, into the the washer, with a few shirts to make a small "load", water level on "small" and cycle set to Cold wash, Cold Rinse, Gentle. We use liquid laundry detergent, so and appropriate portion of that was added. Went through the cycle and came out, without issues.

I removed the Kilt from the bag and laid it out, still velcroed, pleats facing up. I meticulously straightened each pleat, stretched out any wrinkles and left it like that, for several hours. It was a warm day, so the garage (washing machine location) got pretty toasty. As a result, the Kilt dried, fairly quickly. All in all, I'm happy with the result... and am seriously considering the purchase of a "backup" Kilt .

My Bride has been talking about using our iron, to "steam the pleats" back to where they should be, when the time comes. I'm curious if this method works and/or if it's advisable, given the acrylic fabric? I'm also open to any and all suggestions, for modifications to my laundering regimen.

Thanks!