If you’re a fan of tights, you know how important it is to keep them in great condition. After all, the right pair of tights can completely transform an outfit – but when they get dirty, they can quickly become a fashion disaster.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to clean and care for your tights to keep them in top shape. Whether you prefer opaque black tights for work or fun patterned tights for a night out, these tips will help you keep your legwear looking great.
1. Handwashing vs. Machine Washing
One of the most important things to know about tights is that they should almost always be hand washed.
Unless you have a delicate cycle on your washing machine that you’re confident won’t damage your tights, it’s best to avoid throwing them in the wash with everything else.
When handwashing your tights, use cold water and a mild soap or detergent. Gently massage the soap into the fabric and rinse thoroughly. Don’t wring out your tights – instead, press them against a towel to remove excess water.
2. Drying Your Tights
After washing your tights, it’s important to dry them properly. Never put your tights in the dryer – the heat can cause the fabric to shrink or even melt.
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After wearing the tights for a day
Instead, hang your tights to dry somewhere out of direct sunlight. If possible, hang them upside down to prevent water from pooling at the toe (which can cause them to stretch out).
3. Preventing Runs and Holes
Tights are notorious for developing runs and holes. To prevent this from happening, take a few precautions:.
- Trim your toenails regularly to prevent snags
- Consider wearing shoes with a slightly rounded toe, which reduces pressure on the tights
- Store your tights flat instead of rolled up, which can cause them to stretch out
- Avoid wearing jewelry or clothing with sharp edges that could snag your tights
4. Dealing with Stains
Despite your best efforts, your tights may still develop stains from time to time. To remove these:.
- Blot the stain immediately with a paper towel or cloth to remove excess liquid
- Soak the stained area in cold water for at least 30 minutes
- Gently rub the area with a mild soap or detergent, then rinse thoroughly
- If the stain persists, repeat the process or try using a stain remover
- Always air dry your tights after removing a stain – avoid putting them in the dryer until the stain has been completely removed
5. Keeping Your Tights Fresh
Finally, to keep your tights feeling fresh:.
- Avoid wearing the same pair of tights two days in a row
- Rotate your tights often to prevent excess wear and tear
- Consider adding a drop of lavender essential oil to the rinse water to keep them smelling fresh
By following these tips for cleaning and caring for your tights, you can extend the life of your favorite legwear and enjoy wearing them for many seasons to come.
