A few thoughts on keeping your shirt white: a general wash and care guide
Before we start the washing, remove all detachable jewellery from the shirt.
The Logo Drape can be left on during a hand wash, but as with all precious metals (which includes rhodium, gold,
palladium, platinum and titanium) it is best to avoid chemicals, perfume, oil, moisture, as well as soil, since these
elements may cause the metals to show wear over time. Silver should not be washed with a garment as it will corrode in
contact with harsh detergents. While it can be fine in a clear water, we recommend not to test its limits.
(note: we never use raw silver next to the shirts, only for non-shirt jewellery)
To polish your jewellery pieces, use a soft cloth, ideally with a brushed surface.
Please store your jewellery away from chemicals, extreme temperatures and sunlight. Place them in the jewellery pouch
inbetween wear.
Each shirt is fitted with a carelabel which should always be checked before washing, but for all poplin shirts, the below
guide may be helpful:
A gentle wash of 30°C is the recommended machine setting. For light wear, washing by hand is an even more gentle option
keeping your shirt young for longer. You can choose the hand setting on your washing machine, or rinse the shirt by hand,
paying extra attention to the soaping of the collarstand and cuffs.
30°C wash is usually enough to clean your shirt, but should you feel the need for it, an occasional 40°C wash is optional.
Regardless of the temperature, any stains can be pre-treated with a whitening soap.
Washing on a low temperature with a low spin can always be considered a good guideline for both your shirt and the
environment.
Ideally wash your shirt with a load of other similar colours and fibres.
Don´t overfill your machine as your shirt needs wriggle space when spinning round.
Avoid using too much washing powder as this builds up on the fibres.
Softener should be used according to the water in your area. An alternative you could consider is using a little vinegar
instead, which does not leave residue on the poplin.
Before the wash, unbutton the front of the shirt.
Unbutton collar if your shirt is fitted with a button down collar. Turn the collar up.
Turn your shirt inside out.
Don´t overfill your machine, the shirt needs space to move (like any other garment).
If possible please leave your shirt to air dry. This is the best way to keep the fibres smooth and whole.
Place it on a hanger and button the collar. This way the shoulders dry while keeping their form. Alternatively let it hang
over a line to dry.
You can take advantage of any dampness to iron it out wrinkles with ease.
Should you need to dry your shirt in a tumbler, please use a low spin as this reduces tear to the shirt.
We do not recommend tumbling though.
The stitching thread moves differently than the poplin, so stretching the seams gently when wet will help prevent
pluckering. Simply use your hands to pull them gently from each end, especially the side seams, front placket and cuffs.
IRONING
Some poplins iron better with a dry iron (no steam). The steam can make the stitching move again so test first one one side
before steaming the shirt. Should the pluckering occur with the seam, simply turn of the steam option and use the iron dry.
Generally, steam should not be necessary.
Make sure your iron has the right temperature – don´t use a setting higher than ‘cotton’.
DRY CLEANING
While dry cleaning can be convenient, the impact on the environment is very high.
Therefore we recommend washing you shirt instead, but should you need to have it dry cleaned, tell the cleaner to avoid
high heat on collar, cuffs and placket, as this can interfere with the interlining.
STAINS
Keeping your shirt white can seem like a mission, but following a few simple rules will do wonders.
A general rule of thumb for stains: try to treat the stain as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage.
Below a list of common culprits
Underarm stains – The cause is often a chemical reaction between anti-perspirant ingredients and the salts in sweat. Most
anti-perspirants contain aluminium compounds to reduce wetness. The aluminium causes a build-up and yellowing on the
fabric after continuous wear. To best avoid these stains try switching to an aluminium-free deodorant or a deodorant with
minimal aluminium. Allow the deodorant to dry before putting your shirt on to prevent rub-off on the fabric. If you have
perspired while wearing a garment, wash it as soon as possible since stains are more difficult to remove once they have set.
A few good ways to remove underarm stains:
1. Mix equal parts colourless dishwasher liquid detergent and citric acid*, dilute with a little cold water to get a more
liquid consistency. Apply this on the stain for about 20 minutes and then rinse it off with cold water before
putting the shirt in the washing machine and wash according to the care instructions.
*Citric acid is named after the citrus fruits, in which it's quite prevalent. Lemon juice contains citric acid, but it also
contains many other chemical compounds besides. Pure citric acid is common in nature, but is also a common food
additive (white powder form) for its flavor and preservative properties.
2. Use a meat tenderizer*. Dampen the area of the stain before wash, and spread an even amount of meat tenderzier
on. Then wash as usual.
*Meat tenderizers are a naturally derived enzyme powder, used to tender steaks. The enzyme most commonly used is papain
which comes from papayas or bromelain which comes from pineapples (a tropical fruit in the bromeliad family). The
enzymes will break down the staining.
For a few first hand household go–to´s, vinegar, baking soda and salt are all great for a quick fix.
Please be careful not to use coloured detergents on white, as the colour may not come of.
Blood – Remove any excess with a clean cloth and immediately rinse the fabric in cold water. The sooner you treat the stain
the better. Your own spit will actually make blood stains disappear like magic (thanks to the amylase enzyme comment in
your spit). After treatment, wash as usual.
Coffee – For a fresh coffee stain, dabbing or rinsing the fabric in cold water will resolve the issue most of the time. For more
ingrained coffee stains we recommend pre-treating the fabric with a detergent in approximately 30 minutes before washing
your shirt in a normal cycle.
Ink – Remove the stain with methylated spirits or citric acid. Whole milk is another great household wonder which breaks
down the ink very easily. But don´t use it on delicate fabrics. Wash as normal.
Grease – Gently rub the stain with a dry clean cloth and liquid dish detergent (colourless). Let the detergent work before
you make contact with water. Wash the stained area by hand and then wash the shirt in a normal cycle.
Wine – Sprinkle the stain immediately with salt, which absorbs the wine. Rinse with warm water and wash as normal.
Most importantly, ask for advice if you need it!
We want your shirt to last and are happy supporters of keeping it white.