Okay, so my favorite long fall skirt, the heavy dark green one? Yeah, that beauty started looking kinda tired after last season. I didn’t wanna buy another one, felt wasteful. So, figured I’d try being extra careful with it this time.
Facing the Washing Machine Monster
Normally? I’d just chuck it in the wash with everything else. Easy. But I read somewhere that’s a fast track to wrecking it. Felt annoying, but fine. So, first thing I did was turn it inside out. Sounds simple, right? Honestly, nearly forgot to do it before I dumped the soap in. Gotta protect the outside color.
Then came the battle of the machine. Wanted to just slap it on ‘Normal’ cycle like always. But nope. Dug out the manual (dusty thing!) and found the ‘Hand Wash’ or ‘Delicates’ cycle. Used that. Cold water only – no hot! Hot mess waiting to happen.
- Inside out? Check.
- Cold water? Check.
- Gentle cycle? Check.
- Mild detergent? Had to run to the store for that one.
Drying: The Patience Test
My biggest weakness is drying. I am impatient. Seeing it all wet, the urge to just stuff it in the dryer was strong. Especially on a busy day. But I knew that heat and tumbling would be the end of its good shape. Sighed heavily and grabbed my drying rack.
Made sure I smoothed out the wrinkles best I could while it was still damp. Hung it from the waistband – not clipped by the hem! Clipping the heavy hem would stretch it weird. Found a spot away from the window; sunlight can fade colors like crazy over time. Left it alone… for what felt like forever.
The Ironing Saga
Once bone dry, oh boy, wrinkles. Big ones. Considered ignoring them. But it looked messy. Got out the iron – lowest heat setting possible. Iron has symbols? Used the one for delicate fabrics. Even then, scared of scorching it.
Put a clean cotton towel over the skirt first, like a barrier. Ironed gently inside the towel. Didn’t press super hard. Took longer, but better safe than sorry. No steam either! Washed it cold, so leftover steam minerals might stain or something. Played it safe.
Storing It Properly (Finally)
Instead of crunching it onto a hanger or folding it tight into a drawer like other skirts, I actually gave this one special treatment. Found a wide, padded hanger with a curve in the store. Hung it up in the closet. No folding creases that way.
And for once… I left space around it! No shoving other clothes right against it. Less chance of snags or pulling.
So, Did It Work?
Way more steps than I usually bother with, I’ll be honest. Felt fussy. But… this season, pulling it out? Legit difference.
Color is still that deep green. No weird fading patches. The fabric feels smoother, not roughed up from the machine and dryer. No misshapen bits or stretched out waistband. Honestly looks almost new still.
Annoying process? Yeah, kinda. Worth it for my favorite skirt? Totally. Feels good knowing I’m actually making it last. Try it!
