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OZKILTZ BLOG

3 Steps to Washing Your Utility Kilt

by | Jul 22, 2021 | All About Kilts, Categorized

The time you get your first kilt and trying it on at home, there might be some of you that might ever want to take it off. We can’t blame you.

They are indeed quite comfortable and liberating to wear at any time. We do, however, do not advise for you to sleep in your new kilt.

3 Steps to Washing Your Utility Kilt by Ozkilts The more you wear it, the closer it gets to needing a cleaning at some point. Traditional kilts are made of pure wool, a material which prefers not to be washed or cleaned if possible.

All one has to do with a woolen kilt is to hang it in fresh air before putting it away for the next time it is to be used. Additionally, all it takes to clean it gently with a soft brush to gently clean minor marks or stains. A damp cloth is also enough to clean off liquid stains. Wool has a natural waterproofing and liquid stains will not soak in immediately.

This brings us to modern utility kilts. Most modern utility kilts are made up of any other material other than wool. There are mixed advice when it comes to cleaning utility kilts out there.

There are some kilt makers who advise against any dry cleaning. So, how do you clean your kilt? Let’s dive in and whack this dilemma off the ballpark, shall we?

 

Step 1: Washing/Cleaning The Modern Utility Kilt

Modern Utility Kilts are sturdy, this much is true. It is also true that they are stylish and comfortable to wear, however, they do require a bit of extra care to ensure that it lasts for a long time.

Let’s start off with some “minor” cleaning in case of spillage. Make sure not to rub the spot or spots with a clean piece of cloth. You should rather just dab the spilt on areas until most of the spillage is soaked into the clean cloth.

If your kilt is made of cotton material, then congratulations! This means that your kilt can be washed at home. It is advised that the water temperature be at 30 degrees using a liquid laundry detergent.

Use slow spin cycle or delicate wash as possible, and do make sure that straps are securely tied before throwing the kilt into the wash. Modern kilts have buckles, pockets, clips. and many more accessories, these items can cause entanglement in the wash. Remove them If they are removable, and wash them separately if and when possible.

The good thing is, unlike any other items of clothing that hug, or sit close to the body, kilts does not require frequent washing. This will of course depend on your use, but often enough, simply hanging your kilt out for a bit of air drying is sufficient to ensure it will be ready for use again.

Also, avoid using fabric softeners, since they have decreasing agents that can soften out the creases in your kilt’s pleats over time. Keep in mind that, with kilts, fabric softeners = bad.

Most of Ozkilts® cotton kilts are also safe to be dry-cleaned, but do check with your dry cleaner first.

 

Step 2: Drying Your Utility Kilt

3 Steps to Washing Your Utility Kilt by Ozkilts After washing your kilt, it is advisable that you hang dry them on a clothesline, but not in direct sunlight. Exposing your wet kilt to direct sunlight may cause the dyes in the materials to fade, similar to any other piece of coloured clothing.

Since UV rays can break down chemical bonds and fade colours, they cause fading in any object they are exposed to. Other contributing factors to this fading or bleaching effect on dyed textiles (especially cotton) include visible light sources and solar heat.

Also, avoid using the dryer to dry your kilt after washing. Going through this process might subject your kilt to shrinkage and even put unwanted extra wear on it. For instance, Ozkilts® Workman Utility Kilts should never be put in the dryer due to the fact that there are other materials used in making the kilt other than cotton.

 

Step 3: Ironing and Storing Your Kilt

After washing and drying, your kilt might need a bit of ironing, most especially on its pleats. A quick iron is all that is needed to get your kilt back into tip-top shape and in its original glory.

We do advise that it is important to ensure the right temperature be applied. Ensure that the iron is not too hot, and never iron over emblems, any reflective edging, or any other material your kilt has other than cotton. If you are unsure and in doubt, a cloth layer would do nicely to be placed in between the kilt and the iron.

You can also check this great video on YouTube on “How to iron a Kilt.”

Once you are done with ironing, and you are not immediately going to use your kilt, it is best that you know how to stow it properly. Always make sure that it has been aired out thoroughly.

Fully dry out your kilt in an airy space, preferably warm, before storing it away. Your kilt is an investment, it is but natural that you keep it looking its best for as long as possible.

3 Steps to Washing Your Utility Kilt by Ozkilts If you have to store your kilt for long periods of time, then we recommend using a high quality hanger such as our Ozkilts® Utility Kilt Hanger. Our hangers are sturdy and strong and specifically designed to hold our range of kilts.

Our Utility Kilt Hangers feature four heavy-duty holding clips, with rubber protectors on its ends, ensuring that your kilt will never slip off. They also serve as to prevent damage to your kilt’s fabric.

Hanging your kilt makes them easy to store, and it will help keep it crease free. Additionally, it will improve its fit, and maintain the great look of your kilt.

With this simple guide, we are pretty sure that it can help preserve and increase the lifespan of your kilt dramatically. In the event you need further information, check out our Utility Kilts Care Instructions, and let your kilt look after you.