If you happen to have a traditional German dirndl dress, then you must know how lovely and unique it is. The number of hours spent in sewing the ladder pattern on the yoke and the sleeves, the use of special fabrics and the timeless style are to ensure it becomes a prized asset in your wardrobe.
However, like it is always said, it’s important to maintain any piece of clothing you have, so as to have the best looking fabrics for as long as possible. Now reading this article, you will learn some important recommendations on the proper care of the dirndl and the ways of storing it.
Regular Cleaning
Like any other wear, it is also good to wash your dirndl dress to eliminate the dirt, sweat and other stains that may occur in the wear. Nevertheless, since dirndls are made.
where there is more soft and delicate material along with very fine work, then there is need to be more careful to clean them. Here are some guidelines for keeping your dirndl dress clean.
Follow the Care Instructions
Therefore, do not wash your dirndl dress without first referring to the label to see what the manufacturer has to say about its cleaning.
Hand Wash with Mild Detergent
The safest method of cleaning most of the dirndls that are made from natural materials such as cotton or linen is through hand washing. Since the fabric and embroidery are sensitive they should be washed using soft detergent and warm water.
Spot Clean as Needed
What to do If you spill something on your dirndl dress or cheer spotted right above your heart, Don’t fret!
This can be done with the help of a mild soap or a stain removing solution and can be wiped gently with a soft cloth. Since the fabric or embroidery can be easily harmed from rubbing or scrubbing it is imperative to avoid it.
Hang to Dry
Do not put the dirndl in the dryer but lay it somewhere, where it can dry in the fresh air. This will also ensure that the fabric is not shrunk or damaged in any way At this point it is also recommended that all should be preferably done by hand to avoid messing up the fabric in any way.
Steam Iron on Low Heat
If your dirndl is still crumpled after washing, it is not recommended to iron it, except use a steamer iron and do this on low heat. Always put a cloth in between the iron and the fabric so that it does not stick directly to the iron. Never iron a piece of material with a high temperature or iron straight over the embroidered part of a garment.
Storage Tips
When washing your dirndl, care should be taken especially when drying the garment so that it does not get damaged in some way, when storing the garment it should also be well folded to retain its shape. Here are some tips for storing your dirndl:
Fold Neatly
Another thing which is recommended is hanging the dirndl as the fabric stretches and becomes shapeless when left hanging. That’s why it is only right to fold it neatly and put it in a drawer or on any shelf provided for such a purpose.
Use Acid-Free Tissue Paper
When folding your dirndl for packing, make sure that you use acid free tissue paper so that you do not end up staining the fabric with a bad colour or even cause it a lot of damage. This will be of great help as it will ensure that the cloth does not fade away and its texture is well retained.
Avoid Plastic Bags
Please avoid storing your dirndl in plastic bags as this will cause the moisture to stay trapped and result in mould or mould development. Disregard this and go for a breathable garment bag or wrap your dirndl with a clean cotton sheet before the package.
Check on Your Dirndl
Once in a few months try to find time to go and see whether your dirndl needs repair, stain, fading or any kind of change. This will assist in early detection of any complications in the chronic diseases so as to avoid their deterioration with time.
Tips for Special Care
If you have bought a dress from dirndl shop with intricate embroidery, beading or other embellishments, here are some additional tips for special care:
Hand Wash Inside Out
When washing your dirndl you should wash it by hand, and make sure it ‘s inside out so as not to snag the finer details. It will also make it possible to avoid cases where the embroidery comes into direct contact with the detergent or any other cleaning agents.
Avoid Stain Removers
In Aschberg’s words, if there are fine decorations on the dirndl, then one should never use stain remover since it can fade or otherwise spoil the material. Otherwise, one should avoid washing it but using spot cleaning techniques or if one can, take it to a cleaner who ought to know how to handle uncolored fabric properly.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place
This can be attributed to very high temperatures and humidity which can cause a lot of stuff and embroidered designs to fade away. Always make sure that your dirndl is protected and kept in a cool dry place and is not exposed to direct sunlight.
In Conclusion
If your dirndl should be flawless for many years, it is very important to care for it properly and store it in the right way. Taking time to follow the above tips, and taking care of the dirndl well will ensure that the dress remains a favorite outfit which brings out German heritage and culture. So put on your dirndl with honour and feel free to celebrate all the festivals and the events that await you!
