Lace is structurally holes, so it snags on everything. A zipped mesh bag is not optional if it goes in a machine.
How to wash lace
| Garment | Wash | Dry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lace | cold | flat, reshaped by hand | mild, well diluted |
Use a hand wash, or mesh bag on delicates cycle and mild, well diluted. Never wring lace. Press water out between towels — twisting distorts the openwork and it does not return to shape.
Drying and ironing
Dry flat, reshaped by hand. For ironing: cool, through a cloth, from the reverse.
Antique and cotton lace yellows with age and with chlorine bleach. Oxygen bleach in cool water is the only safe brightener.
How long it should last
Decades if hand-washed; a few wears if machine-washed unprotected.
Quick reference
Lace at a glance
- Wash: cold
- Cycle: hand wash, or mesh bag on delicates
- Detergent: mild, well diluted
- Dry: flat, reshaped by hand
- Iron: cool, through a cloth, from the reverse