Washing your dressing gown helps to keep it in the very best condition so you can stay snug and comfy. Belle Lingerie explains how to wash a dressing gown properly to keep it soft, fluffy and long-lasting. From washing temperatures to drying tips, keep reading to discover the best ways to care for your dressing gown and maintain its cosy feel.
How to wash a dressing gown
Whether you wear your dressing gown for just a few minutes each day or for longer periods, at some point it’s going to need to be washed. But if you’ve ever put your dressing gown in the wash only to find it’s lost all its fluffiness the next time you come to wear it, you’ll know that getting the technique right can make all the difference.
Below, we explain how and how often to wash your dressing gowns, plus the best drying techniques to maintain that cosy softness you love.
How to wash dressing gowns
The best way to ensure you’re washing your dressing gown in the conditions it deserves is to check the garment care label attached to it. This will specify the maximum temperature you can wash your dressing gown at, as well as giving information on machine washing, drying and ironing techniques should you need them.
In general, you can machine wash your dressing gown at 40°C or lower on your everyday cottons cycle - though some say it’s best to wash your dressing gown and nightwear separate from your normal laundry load. Use a small amount of mild detergent to help lift dirt and germs from the fabric during the washing process.
This guideline applies whether you’re washing a fluffy dressing gown, a linen one or a satin one - though you can always check the garment care label if you’re at all unsure what to do.
How often should you wash your dressing gown?
There’s no single right answer to this question, as how often you should wash your dressing gown depends on how often you wear it. Naturally, the more you wear an item, the more frequently it should be washed, as it will lose freshness with every wear.
You should also take into account how you wear your dressing gown. If you wear it primarily as a kimono-style garment over your clothes, then the chances are it’ll lose freshness less quickly than if you wear it against your skin before and after bathing.
Top tip! Always wash your dressing gown more frequently when you’re feeling under the weather. You may wear it more often, and even if you don’t, it’s best to wash away any bacteria or germs that could be clinging to the fibres.
Can you tumble dry a dressing gown?
Fluffy dressing gowns can be tricky to dry in the winter when hanging your washing out doesn’t get it dry, but the unfortunate truth is that tumble drying is not the way to go. No matter what kind of dressing gown you’ve got, the heat involved in tumble drying is likely to stretch the fibres of the garment and leave it looking misshapen the next time you come to wear it.
Instead, your best option is to air dry your dressing gown in order to preserve its style and functionality. In the case of heavier, fluffy dressing gowns, lying them flat while they dry is a good way to prevent gravity from stretching the wet fibres; lighter styles in satin and cotton can be hung to dry as normal.
Top tip! After drying, if your fluffy dressing gown isn’t as fluffy as you’d like it to be, use a hair brush or comb to gently tease the fibres back into position. It’ll soon feel as good as new!
Keeping your dressing gown in good condition with a simple washing and drying routine is easy. Remember, when it comes to detergent, less is more - it’ll help your robes to stay fresh, fluffy and soft for longer.
FAQs
1. What is the best way to keep a dressing gown soft after washing?
To keep your dressing gown soft and fluffy, wash it on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and avoid tumble drying. Air drying and gently brushing the fibres afterwards can help restore softness.
2. Can you wash a dressing gown with other clothes?
It’s best to wash dressing gowns separately or with similar fabrics like nightwear. This helps prevent damage to the fibres and keeps your dressing gown feeling soft and in good condition.
3. How often should I wash my dressing gown?
You should wash your dressing gown every few wears, depending on how often you use it. If worn daily or after bathing, more frequent washing is recommended to maintain freshness and hygiene.
