Three kilts washed to perfection!

[creativeaccents]

After noticing what seemed like a bit too much lint, dog and cat hair, etc on a feww of my kilts I dared the first washing. Probably read this here somewhere, but filled the tub with cold water and a mild detergent, then carefully added the three kilts out full length. After an hour of soaking, I was amazed to see how much soiling had been removed. Honestly had no idea that something that drapes like a kilt, especially with no rough wearing, could have possibly picked up so much. Then I carefully lifted each while paying attention to preserve the pleating and hung them to drain. After draining, I repeated the tub soak with clear water to thoroughly remove any residual detergent. Two were canvas and one a polyester blend. Lastly, I again hung each one suspended full length and width, adjusted the pleats, then air dried. I wouldn't have dared the dryer.
When finished, they looked like new! Thanks to whoever planted the seed for this technique. Best of all, with air drying and a little attention to the pleats when hanging, they need very little touch-up ironing!

[ccga3359]

There is also Riverkilts suggestion to hang small weights on each pleat to further reduce ironing later on.

[SteveB]

I am sure that Atlanta, like Boston is a city with plenty of moving traffic. It only takes one or two MARTA buses spewing diesel smoke to leave its dusty mark behind. The MBTA here has switched to LNG buses, but still plenty of dirty city air to leave a little on ones garments. It does not take long to need cleaning when in the city... Congrats on the great turnout of the kilt kleening.

[ChattanCat]

I hope you press the kilts, but don't iron!

[Photoguy67]

I hope you press the kilts, but don't iron!

I have to ask, what is the difference between pressing and ironing? I guess I am ignorant, I thought they were the same.

Photoguy

[Livingston]

I have to ask, what is the difference between pressing and ironing? I guess I am ignorant, I thought they were the same.

Photoguy

When you iron, you move the iron back and forth stretching the material. When you press, you lean on the iron, pick it up, put it in a new place and lean again putting your full weight on it.

[ChattanCat]

Pressing involves a piece of material (pillow case) between the iron and the kilt. The iron is pressed on the (pillow case) and then lifted. You continue pressing lifting and moving around the kilt. Never put the iron on the kilt material directly and don't slide the iron around, just lift, move, and press.

[vespa]

Would you use steam or just heat?

[ChattanCat]

Would you use steam or just heat?

Steam and heat. Also, spray the cloth with water prior to pressing, it adds even more steam...

[Photoguy67]

Thanks for the kind replys.