HOW TO WASH TIGHTS AND HOSIERY IN 3 STEPS
Wearing tights and other types of hosiery can be a great way to give an outfit a finished look, but it's important to take proper care of them to keep them looking and feeling great.
Whether you have the time to hand wash or like the convenience of the washing machine, you can typically use either method to keep your tights, pantyhose, stockings and nylons looking their best. Read on to learn how to wash your hosiery without the hassle.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PANTYHOSE AND TIGHTS?
Pantyhose, tights, stockings and nylons are each a type of hosiery designed to keep your legs warm, typically worn beneath skirts or dresses. While pantyhose and stockings are generally made from a thin, sometimes sheer fabric (generally nylon), the terms “tights” and “leggings” usually refer to a slightly thicker garment.
CAN YOU WASH TIGHTS IN THE WASHER?
With the help of a hosiery bag, your washer is a reliable laundry tool that you can use to tackle your most delicate items, even pantyhose and tights. Always check your garment’s care label for specific washing instructions. If your item is machine washable, simply toss the hosiery bag in with like items on a delicate cycle to keep these more dainty items fresh and clean.
HOW TO WASH TIGHTS IN THE WASHING MACHINE
When it comes to washing tights, machine-washing is a quick and easy method of helping to remove stains and soils from these delicate garments. When using the washer, ensure that the items are placed in a hosiery bag before putting them in the washer on a gentle, cold-water rinse cycle.
Follow these steps to learn how to wash tights and other types of hosiery in the washer properly.
SUPPLIES:
Gentle cleanser, like Swash® laundry detergent1
TOOLS:
Mesh hosiery bag
STEP 1: CHECK CARE LABEL
Before cleaning any item of clothing, it's important to check the garment's care label for recommended cleaning instructions. If the hosiery pieces do not have a care label or are labeled as “hand wash only," consider skipping the washer and hand washing instead.
STEP 2: PLACE IN A HOSIERY BAG
Put the item in a mesh hosiery bag before placing in the washer. This will help keep them from tangling during the wash cycle and reduce snagging on other items inside of the machine.
STEP 3: CHOOSE CYCLES
Set the washer to a delicate cycle with cold water and add a mild laundry detergent. Avoid any harsh cleaning products and hot water to help protect the delicate fibers of the garment.
CAN YOU PUT TIGHTS IN THE DRYER?
Once you've completed the washing cycle, help protect your tights from potential snagging or shrinking by lying the hosiery flat on a towel and rolling it up to remove excess water before hanging items on a drying rack to air dry.
HOW TO HAND WASH TIGHTS
Hand washing tights may take a bit more time than tossing them in the washer, but it can also be an effective way to keep these delicate items looking their best. By following a few simple steps, you can help ensure that your hosiery pieces stay clean and snag-free.
SUPPLIES:
Gentle cleanser, like Swash® laundry detergent1
TOOLS:
Sink or basin
Towel or drying rack
STEP 1: PREP THE BASIN
Fill the sink or bucket with lukewarm water and swirl in a mild laundry detergent. Avoid any harsh cleaners, as these could damage the delicate fibers of your hosiery garments.
STEP 2: SOAK THE HOSIERY
Gently submerge the tights inside-out in the soapy water, allowing them to soak for about 10 minutes. Do not rub, wring, stretch or scrub too vigorously, as this may cause damage or permanent stretching of the material.
STEP 3: RINSE AND DRY
Empty the soapy water and rinse the hosiery pieces under cold water until all soap residue is gone. Then, lay them flat on a towel and roll it up to remove excess water before hanging them on a drying rack to air dry.
SHOP MAYTAG® WASHERS
Designed with performance and control in mind, Maytag® washers deliver the power you expect with the control you can rely on. Trust washing machines by Maytag brand to handle delicate laundry items with features on select models like the Quick Wash Cycle, designed to clean small, lightly soiled loads in 30 minutes.2
EXPLORE MORE LAUNDRY TIPS WITH MAYTAG BRAND
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1. Swash and the recommending brands are owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
2. Based on a 3-lb load.