PRODUCT CARE

• Wash in water no warmer than 30 degrees celsius

• Wash with like colours

• Do not bleach

• Do not use fabric softeners - they only lead to product build up and break down elasticity and strength in garments especially on our heat bonded garments.

• Do not tumble dry - hang dry instead. Fold immediately after drying to avoid creases.

• Do not iron our heat bonded garments. Synthetic fabrics rarely need to be ironed or steamed and any creases will fall out within minutes of wearing.

• On our cotton items, steam where possible or use a cool iron on the underside of the garment. Using an ironing cloth on the outer side will prevent fabric shine

• Do not iron over any decorative bonding tape, labels, care tags or Crew ID tags - they may melt or warp

*Our heat bonded garments are susceptible to heat damage and weakness from excessive use of laundry products. We cannot guarantee the life of these bonded seam garments if carelessness during laundering takes place.

Laundry tips, hacks and recommendations from an ex Chief Stewardess

It’s often said that the laundry is the heart or the epicentre of a yacht. When it slips, all departments are affected and this in turn impacts the guests and puts added pressure on the crew. 

Whether a yacht is in the shipyard or on a guest trip, the majority of the laundry workload is derived from crew uniform. It’s vital to have a dependable system in place which starts with investing in quality garments and reliable laundry products, then putting the knowledge and training in place to use them correctly. 

No fabric is completely immune from staining. Each fabric should be treated differently and the more an item is laundered, the more information is gained, like how it reacts to different products and laundering methods.

• Read the care label and fabric content before you do anything

• Give your garment the best chance by pre-treating with stain remover before placing it in the washing machine. Even if it looks clean, there will be oils and sweat from skin, suncream on collars and deodorant on underarms.

• Try the natural approach first - see more below

• Use cold water unless otherwise advised

• For persistent stains, re-treat and leave sit for up to 30 mins or soak for no longer than 2 hours depending on individual products.

• Gentle tamping with a toothbrush can often help lift a stain

• Avoid setting any stains by applying heat (hot water, iron, tumble dryer) until you are sure it is completely gone.

• Don’t over soak or keep concentrated products on fabric for long periods of time. This weakens the fabric and can lead to holes.

• Don’t use fabric softeners, a buildup can cause yellowing in clothes, weakness and reduce the absorbency of fabrics

• Liquid bleach should be a last resort for stains on white garments (Bleach on polyester often results in yellowing of fabric)

• Oxi based products and bleach should not be used on suncream stains. The chemical reaction will only lead to further yellow stains. To help eliminate the problem buy sun creams without avobenzone.

• Hang drying wet uniform will add seasons to your uniform. Heat from dryers will break down elasticity in fabric and dulls colours.

• When pressing garments, use an ironing cloth especially over pockets, cuffs and collars.

• Try steaming rather than ironing.

Specialty stain treating products

• Chanteclair sgrassatore spray - great first response

• Dr Beckmann or Carbona Stain Devils - specific to every stain

• K2R stain remover spray - for wool, silk and other dry clean only fabrics

• The laundress wash and stain bar rubbed on general stains pre wash

• Clorox Bleach pen - (last resort treatment on white items) to isolate and control the product

• Dylon Stain Remover for Dry Clean only fabrics

• Ruk - rust remover (should be flushed with water immediately after)

• Tide to go pen - great to have in the guest grab bag

• Wine Away spray

• Shout Colour Catchers

*As always, read product instructions and test before treating