Aprons provide extra protection for your clothes when cooking in the kitchen. There's always a chance that the sauce will splatter or the cake cloudiness will fall into your lap. You may wear an apron all the time when cooking, baking, or grilling, or you may only wear an apron on certain occasions. Whether you wear them frequently or occasionally, you may not think about washing these important kitchen accessories.
Keep reading to learn how often to wash your apron and the best way to wash it.
How often should I wash my apron?
How often you wash your apron has a lot to do with how often you wear it, how dirty it is, and how smelly it is. “If you use your apron regularly, it's best to wash it every 1-2 days to prevent stains and odors,” says Elizabeth Shields, operations manager at Super Cleaning Services. A great indicator of when it's time to wash it is when you start to notice odors. “Strong food odors, like cooking smoke or garlic and other strong-smelling foods, can get trapped in the fabric of the apron and be difficult to remove,” says Tonya Harris, award-winning toxin expert and author of The Slightly Greener Method. Washing as soon as possible will help prevent stains and odors from setting in.
“The type of cooking is also important, so if you fry or grill, you may need to wash it more often to remove stubborn stains and odors,” notes Shields. Baking a cake while wearing it is different from frying fish or barbecuing meat. She recommends keeping several aprons on hand so she always has a clean one available.
how to remove stains
Since an apron is a cloth that protects your clothes, it is inevitable that it will get dirty or have drinks spilled on it. Here's what you need to know when doing laundry.
- Be it tomato sauce, stew, or roasted meat, it will be free of stains and odors, and treat stains immediately before washing. “If you find stains, wash the apron as soon as possible to prevent the stain from setting,” says Shields.
- Before putting your dirty apron in the washing machine, treat the stain and leave it alone. “The first thing you notice about visible dirt is stain remover or A mixture of vinegar and baking soda'' points out Shields.
- Wait a few minutes before putting it in the washing machine.
The best way to wash an apron
Consider the fabric
Aprons are made from a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, nylon, plastic, and leather. The fabric will influence the best washing method. “For example, aprons made of PVC or nylon are not recommended for laundry,” says Harris.
- Most fabric types can be washed in cold or warm water.
- Bright and colorful aprons should be washed at cool temperatures to maintain their vibrancy. “Use cold to lukewarm water, usually around 30 to 40 degrees Celsius (86 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit), to avoid color transfer, especially if your apron has bright colors or intricate patterns,” says Shields. say.
Pay special attention to delicate details
Washing machines can damage aprons that have buttons or sewn details. Please protect it by putting it in a laundry net. “Be sure to put them in a mesh laundry bag to protect sensitive areas,” says Harris. Accessories that get dirty or smelly can also be washed with similar items. “Aprons can be washed with other items like towels,” she says. Harris recommends not mixing dirty aprons with large amounts of clothing to avoid getting oil or dirt on your clothes.
Avoid washing in hot water
Warm and hot temperatures help remove grease and dirt from fabrics. “Hot water is quite effective at removing grease and stains, but be careful as it can damage some fabrics and cause discoloration,” says Shields. Plus, it's not just the fabric losing its vibrant color that you have to worry about. “The lower the heat, the better, as heat can cause the apron fabric to shrink,” says Harris.
Read care instructions
To extend the life of your apron and avoid damage, it is important to read the manufacturer's label before cleaning your apron. “If the label says the apron is machine washable, you should use a gentle cycle and cold water,” says Shields. “This helps keep the colors looking great and the fabric in good condition.” Some materials are better suited for hand washing rather than machine washing.
If you need to wash your hands
To preserve the color and ensure that it remains intact in the wash, it may be better to choose to wash it by hand. “If your apron is made of delicate fabrics or has a lot of fancy decorations, you may want to hand wash it with a mild detergent,” says Shields. “That way you can avoid any damage that may occur in your washing machine.”
