How To Wash (Almost) Everything Else

Athletic Clothes

Rinse gym clothes in cool water immediately after wearing, if possible.  Also, try to wash as soon as possible to prevent additional odors.  Use warm water and Roux Maison Sport Detergent to maintain integrity of active wear.

Backpacks

Launder backpacks by themselves in cold water on the gentle cycle, using Roux Maison Essential Detergent.  Do not wash backpacks with multiple colors, as they may bleed. Spot treat instead. Hang to dry.

Blankets

Blankets, other than wool blankets, should be washed on your machine's gentle setting.  Be sure to test first for colorfastness in a less visible spot, such as under a seam.  If it is colorfast, wash in cool water using Roux Maison Essential or Roux Maison Delicate Detergent, depending upon the fabric composition of the blanket. Please refer to our Fabric Care Guide if you are unsure which one is appropriate. Tumble dry on low heat or hang to dry.  If needed, air fluff in the dryer after line drying to soften.

Button-Down Shirts

Unbutton all buttons prior to washing, so they will not pull off as easily due to agitation in the machine or friction from other items.  Apply Roux Maison Stain Remover to the inside of the collar before every wash, especially if your shirt is no-iron or permanent press.  These shirts are specially treated with chemicals that help them hold their shape, but these chemicals also hold dirt that gets embedded in the shirt's fibers. Use the permanent-press setting, designed to keep permanent press shirts in top condition, when laundering no-iron or permanent press shirts. Cotton shirts can be laundered using the regular cycle.

Car-Seat and High-Chair Covers  

Pre-treat stains with Roux Maison Stain Remover.  If needed, follow by soaking in warm water and Roux Maison Essential Detergent, prior to laundering in warm water. Dry on low heat for 10 minutes, then remove and hang to dry completely.  Repeat process if necessary.

Curtains

Vacuum curtains every other month.  This will prevent build up of dust and dirt and make laundering easier, which you should do every year to every other year.  You can launder washable fabrics at home in your machine.  Be careful, as the fabrics often weaken from both sunlight and the weight of hanging.  Wash curtains by themselves in cool or warm water on the hand wash or gentle cycle using Roux Maison Delicate Detergent.  Air dry.  Iron while still slightly damp for best results.

Down Jackets and Comforters

You can almost always machine wash these items instead of dry cleaning them, as long as the shell and lining are both machine washable.  Be sure to check labels prior to proceeding. First, check for any tears or holes and repair them.  If you do not catch these prior to washing, the down will escape during washing and may ruin your garment.  Spot clean stains with Roux Maison Stain Remover and leave on for 15-20 minutes.  Repeat this process if stains remain.   Rinse with cool water and wash with the appropriate Roux Maison detergent on the gentle cycle with cool or warm water. Be aware that the agitator on top loaders can compress down or polyester fill and/or cause it to shift, so it may be preferable to consult a professional dry cleaner in this case.

Always make sure the down gets completely rinsed out.  These items respond well to the dryer as long as they have well-sewn, tight seams.  Place a couple of clean tennis balls or a clean tennis shoe in the drum to help fluff the down when you dry.  Be careful of the setting you choose since some seams could pop and release down into your dryer.  If you are unsure of the seam strength of your item, be safe and hang it to dry until almost dry.  Then, use the "air dry setting" of your dryer to re-fluff your down.

Children's coats may be washed in either front or top loaders because they are smaller.  Use Roux Maison Delicate Detergent and launder on the delicate cycle, as long as the seams appear secure so the down will not escape.  Tumble dry on low.  To reduce drying time, add a couple of clean towels to the dryer to absorb excess moisture. 

Glove and Hat Cleaning:

Athletic Glove Cleaning and Maintenance

Wash athletic gloves with cold water and Roux Maison Sport Detergent or another gentle liquid soap.  If the gloves are leather and you have residual odors or stains to remove, use Murphy's Oil Soap or a saddle soap.  Also, use a leather conditioner to make sure leather gloves do not crack and remain soft.  Lay flat to air dry.

Ball Cap Cleaning

Rub the cap with Roux Maison Stain Remover and a nail brush or an old toothbrush to spot clean.  If the entire cap still needs cleaning after spot cleaning, use Roux Maison Stain Remover as directed and where necessary, then wash hat in cold water with Roux Maison Essential Detergent and allow to air dry on top of a can or some other object that will help the cap keep its shape. You can also buy cap holders that fit in the upper drawer of your dishwasher.

Knit Hats and Gloves

Follow the instructions for laundering sweaters to take the best care of knit hats/gloves.

Leather Glove and Hat Cleaning

For leather gloves, put them on your hands and wash carefully with cold water and a gentle liquid soap while you wear them.  Rinse and then remove and lay flat to dry. You can also use Murphy's Oil Soap or saddle soap if you have any residual odors, stains or grime. Otherwise, you do not want to wash leather gloves or hats.  However, you may be able to wash leather trimmed hats and gloves if the leather is the same color as the rest of the glove. Do not wash if the leather is contrasting, as bleeding may occur.  Dry upright by placing a wooden spoon or bottle inside the glove to help hold its shape.  

Structured Hats - Newsboy Caps and Fedoras

These should only be spot-cleaned as needed with Roux Maison Stain Remover. Keep them out of the washing machine so that they maintain their shape.

Ironing-Board Cover

Spot treat any stains with Roux Maison Stain Remover prior to laundering.  Wash in warm water using Roux Maison Essential Detergent.  Hang to dry. Place on board while still slightly damp for best fit.

Laptop and iPod Cases

Launder canvas, nylon, and microfiber cases in warm water, using Roux Maison Essential Detergent.  Hang to dry.  Cases that are padded do not wash well, as the foam layer has trouble drying properly.

Oven Mitts and Sponges

Launder in hot water, using Roux Maison Essential Detergent.  Lay flat to dry.

Pet Accessories

Cloth bed covers, collars and leashes can be machine washed.  Launder in cold water using Roux Maison Essential Detergent.  Add an extra rinse cycle to remove hair and dirt. Dry bed covers on low and hang collars/leashes to dry.

Cloth Purses and Tote Bags

Launder cloth purses/totes in warm water on the gentle cycle, using Roux Maison Essential Detergent.  Hang to dry.  Do not machine wash purses with beading, sequins, or other embellishments.

Rugs

Cotton or synthetic rugs, bathmats, and doormats can be machine washed. Launder alone on the gentle cycle in warm or cool water, using Roux Maison Essential Detergent. Rinse well and hang to dry.

Carpets woven of wool or plant fibers (sisal, jute, etc.) or antique rugs should always be washed by a professional who specializes in carpets.  However, you should be able to spot clean wool rugs as needed using Roux Maison Stain Remover or Roux Maison Delicate Detergent and cool water.  Always first check for colorfastness under a seam or in another less visible spot.

Shoe Maintenance:

Athletic Shoes

Follow the same instructions to spot clean and fully wash athletic shoes as you would for White Canvas Shoes.  An old toothbrush with white paste toothpaste, Roux Maison Essential Detergent and/or Roux Maison Stain Remover should all be effective when followed by rinsing and then air drying.  Some shoes should never be machine washed, such as those with "Air" and similar technology.  It is always safer to hand wash these higher tech shoes, unless they have specific directions indicating machine washing is appropriate.

White Canvas Shoes

If you need to clean your white canvas athletic shoes, use an old toothbrush and scrub with Roux Maison Essential Detergent.  You can also spot clean stains with Roux Maison Stain Remover. Canvas shoes can be washed in the machine on cold, but do be aware they may not last as long if you do.  Machine washing often loosens the glue on your shoes.  Make sure you remove laces before washing and machine wash separately with some towels.  Avoid using any bleach products.  If you have a top loading machine and you do not remover your shoe laces, place shoes in a mesh bag or pillowcase to prevent the laces from getting tangled in the agitator.  Allow your shoes to air dry completely, or dry in the machine on a no heat setting to avoid melting any part of the shoes.  If stains remain, you can repeat any of these processes or cover stains with white shoe polish.

Canvas Shoe Quick Drying

To avoid shrinking or stretching out your shoes, you should stuff some old rags or towels inside them prior to drying so they retain their form.  Do not dry on a high heat setting so you don't melt any of the glue or get the rubber too hot.

Leather Shoe Protection and Cleaning

Use an artist's eraser, available at most craft stores, to spot clean leather shoes by gently rubbing the affected area.  If your stain does not diminish at all with this method, you may need to consult a professional leather cleaner so you do not make it worse.  As a preventative measure, spray leather shoes prior to wearing them with a protective leather spray, available at most shoe repair stores.

Leather Insole Cleaning

Vigorously rub leather shoe insoles with a small brush like a nail brush or old toothbrush and some saddle soap, Murphy's Oil Soap, or a commercial leather cleaner that you can buy at any shoe repair store.  If possible, dry these in direct sunlight.  Do not reinsert until completely dry.

Satin Shoe Cleaning

Satin shoes are really challenging to clean effectively on your own, especially when they are dyed.  The coloring of the dye can run, stain and fade, and there is also a risk of stretching out the fabric.  So, unless you are willing to risk it, you might want to consult a professional dry cleaner before cleaning these on your own.

Suede Shoe Maintenance and Cleaning

Suede can also be difficult to clean effectively.  Prior to wearing new shoes, you should spray them with a suede-specific cleaner and protector that should be available at either shoe repair stores or shoe stores.  Avoid using water because it can stain suede.  If you have an oily or wet stain, try to absorb as much of it as you can with talcum powder and leave on at least 24 hours or so before using a suede brush to wipe away.  If you do not have a suede brush, try using a nail brush, toothbrush or even a towel.  If the stains appear to be dry, you can use your suede brush, a pencil eraser, or some sand paper with a fine grit directly on the stain.  If all else fails when trying to remove the stain, dab a small amount of white vinegar on a damp cloth and gently pat directly on the stain.  This may leave behind a vinegar odor that should dissipate if you allow the shoes to air dry completely.  Then, air the shoes out for another day or so and also brush with the suede brush.  If you have other stains or are unsure what to do or the probable outcomes, consult a professional suede and leather cleaner prior to trying anything yourself.  

Scuff Removal from Shoes

When you want to get rid of scuff marks on your shoes, the appropriate treatment depends on the material composition of the shoes.  You can wipe marks off leather shoes with a paste toothpaste, not a gel, then wipe, rinse off and allow to air dry.  You can also rub plastic or other synthetic materials using the same method as above with a paste toothpaste or an eraser. As a final option, wipe the shoes with lighter fluid before allowing to air dry completely. Please follow specific directions for cleaning canvas shoes.

Shower Curtains

Both fabric and plastic shower curtains can be machine washed.  Launder in warm water on the gentle cycle, using Roux Maison Essential Detergent.  Add socks or a couple of towels to the load when washing plastic shower curtains to help prevent ripping during the wash cycle. Hang plastic curtains to dry. Consult care labels for guidance prior to drying cloth curtains.

Sleeping Bags

Do not wash sleeping bags in top loading machines.  The agitator could rip the seams of the fabric.  Launder these in warm water on the gentle cycle using Roux Maison Delicate Detergent. It is especially important to use Roux Maison Delicate Detergent if the bag is filled with down.  Hang to dry and air fluff as needed, or else dry on very low heat.

Slipcovers and Cushion Covers

Be cautious when laundering slipcovers and cushions at home.  Preshrunk and colorfast linen, cotton, or synthetic fabrics can be machine washed at home.  Do be sure to check that the fabric is preshrunk and colorfast!  Launder these fabrics in cold water on the gentle cycle, using Roux Maison Delicate Detergent.  Hang to dry or tumble dry on the lowest heat setting. To ensure the best fit, place slipcovers back on cushions when still slightly damp.  Slipcovers made of materials not listed above should be sent to a professional upholstery cleaner.

Tablecloths and Napkins

Treat stains as soon as possible using Roux Maison Stain Remover.  It is easiest to check for stains on tablecloths when they are still flat on the table.  If needed, pre-soak items in a mixture of warm water and Roux Maison Essential Detergent or Roux Maison Delicate Detergent, depending upon the fabric composition of the tablecloth or napkins.  Please consult our Fabric Care Guide if you are unsure which detergent to use.  Launder in the warmest water possible, depending on the fabric.  Grease stains need to be washed in hot water.  Do not dry in the dryer, this will set any stains you may have missed.  Recheck for stains in bright light after air drying and repeat steps as necessary.

Ties Made from Rayon Or Other Synthetic Material

For soiled ties made of rayon or another fabric that is not silk, first treat stains with Roux Maison Stain Remover as directed, and then hand wash with Roux Maison Delicate Detergent and cold water as directed.  The worse the stains are, the longer you should allow the Roux Maison Stain Remover to set, and the longer you should allow the tie to soak in the detergent and water. Rinse well in warm water, then roll the tie and gently squeeze out excess water. Gently press out creases and lay flat or hang until completely dry. Use a dry, clean cloth that will not bleed on the tie to blot out excess water.  Continue to press out creases and carefully pull into shape.  If stains persist, try repeating this process. Use a warm iron.  Silk ties require a different laundering process.

Travel Pillows

It is not usually a good idea to wash these.  The padding does not hold up well to washing and has a tendency to mildew.  Use a pillowcase on your travel pillow that you can remove and wash as needed.

Vinyl Inserts on Clothes

As with anything, check labels prior to laundering at home.  Usually, these items can be washed in the machine.  First, turn the garment inside out and wash with cold water and Roux Maison Essential Detergent prior to hanging to dry.  The dryer's heat could melt the vinyl, so either hang or lay flat to dry.

Wedding Dress Care and Cleaning

Wedding dress makers almost always recommend dry cleaning as the preferred method to clean and preserve wedding dresses.  If you do try to clean one yourself, you may achieve less than optimal results unless you are really careful.  It can be worth the investment to have an experienced professional oversee this process. Bridal shops are usually a great resource to recommend reputable cleaners.

Only if you are completely comfortable risking a less than perfect outcome should you attempt washing a wedding dress yourself.  It is also more challenging when your dress has multiple materials, layers, embellishments and is more complicated in general.  Hand wash the dress in a clean bathtub with Roux Maison Delicate Detergent.  Gently agitate the dress in the tub and rinse before patting dry and air drying it.  When mostly dry, use your hands to try and pull out any wrinkles.  Hang and allow dress to dry completely before filling it to reshape it with acid free tissue paper, available at most craft stores, and store it in either a cotton garment bag or an acid-free cardboard box.  Before storing, wrap your dress in 100% cotton sheets that you rinse first in distilled water and dry fully.  Always store your dress in a cool, dry closet away from humidity and moisture.  Cardboard boxes require replacement every few years because they can re-acidify and also absorb moisture over time.  Mark your calendar to remember to check them every couple of years so you do not wait too long.


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