help with cryptic washing instructions

retro ruth

retro ruth

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Can anyone tell me what to make of the washing instructions:

Handwash only.
Do not drip dry.

Is it just me, or is that a bit cryptic? How else am I supposed to dry it after handwashing - go at it with a hairdryer? :)

Or does this make perfect sense to everyone and there is some other mystery drying process that doesn't drip? I do know the roll it up in a towel option, or drying flat, could that be what's meant?

It's a corset/girdle thing btw (ie it has a busk and lacing and bones, but also stretchy bits).

Thanks for any insight!

Ruth
 
Yes, I believe they mean "do not line dry" or "do not hang to dry". I would put a towel under it and a towel on top and press on the layers to get rid of as much moisture as possible, then lay flat to dry.

A lot of delicate things don't want you to line dry because the weight of the water (as it migrates to the bottom of the garment while drying) can stretch the item out of shape.

Laura
 
I agree with Laura; they must mean to lay flat to dry. I roll lingerie items in a thick towel to sop up the excess moisture, then lay them on a dryer rack (one of those "old-fashioned" wooden ones) to dry. Or, I will sometimes hang them over the shower rod, over another towel, lengthwise rather than crosswise, if they're not too big. That way the weight hanging on either side of the rod is not too heavy and won't stretch out the item.
 
I've seen men's shirts from the '50s that were "drip dry". It meant that they should be hung on the line quite wet (ie, no spin cycle) and they would dry (rather slowly I imagine) and not need ironing. But the iron-free process only worked if you put them on there rather wet. Presumably spinning them first would make them more wrinkled.

So I'm thinking that your (vintage?) foundation garments do not want to go through this process - I wouldn't worry about it, I agree that using towels to soak up the excess water and then drying flat on a towel in the shade (or at least, not full sun) would be best for them.

Nicole
 
I agree -- it's telling you (cryptically!) to lay flat to dry!

Originally posted by CircaVintageClothing
I've seen men's shirts from the '50s that were "drip dry". It meant that they should be hung on the line quite wet (ie, no spin cycle) and they would dry (rather slowly I imagine) and not need ironing. But the iron-free process only worked if you put them on there rather wet. Presumably spinning them first would make them more wrinkled.
Click to expand...

My father-in-law does this with his shirts & I thought it was genius! He hangs them outside after they've come out of the spin cycle - and dumps a pitcher on of water on the shirt as it's hanging to drag all the wrinkles out.
Don't know why I never thought of that one ;)
 
Thanks everyone! Much appreciated.

Originally posted by CircaVintageClothing
I'm thinking that your (vintage?) foundation garments
Click to expand...

I think they are vintage, (I actually have four the same) not entirely sure, but probably 70s. Thanks for reminding me of the term foundation garments too!

I will towel squeeze and flat-dry them.

Ruth
 
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