Delicates & Special Care

Why Delicates Need a Different Approach

Not every garment can handle a standard warm wash and a tumble in the dryer. Fabrics like silk, wool, cashmere, lace and chiffon are built differently. The fibres are finer, the weaves are more open, and the dyes are often less stable. Throw a silk blouse into a regular load and you risk shrinkage, colour bleeding, distortion or permanent damage to the fabric's texture. That is not a laundry mishap you can undo.

Our delicate laundry service exists because these garments deserve individual attention. At Fresh Folds, we assess each item before it goes anywhere near water. We check the fibre content, the care label, the construction details and the current condition of the fabric. Only then do we decide on the right cleaning method. It is a slower, more careful process than standard wash and fold, and that is exactly the point.

What Counts as a Delicate?

People often think of delicates as just underwear and lingerie, but the category is much broader than that. Here are the types of garments and fabrics we regularly handle through our special care laundry service:

Silk garments, including blouses, scarves, ties and linings, need cold water and pH-neutral detergents. The fibres weaken dramatically when wet, so agitation must be minimal. We never wring or twist silk.

Wool and cashmere jumpers, cardigans and coats are prone to shrinking and felting in warm water. We wash these at cold temperatures with wool-specific detergents and reshape them while damp to maintain their original fit.

Lace, beaded and embellished items have fragile decorative elements that snag, tear or detach easily in a machine. We either hand wash these or use mesh protection on the gentlest available cycle.

Formal wear, including suits, dresses, evening gowns and garments with structured linings or boning, often requires a combination of spot treatment and careful wet cleaning. We treat each piece on its own terms.

Vintage and heirloom textiles, where the fabric may be weakened by age, need an especially gentle hand. We take extra time assessing these items and will always discuss the approach with you before proceeding.

Wet Cleaning: Better for Your Clothes and the Environment

Traditional dry cleaning uses chemical solvents, most commonly perchloroethylene, to clean garments without water. While effective, these solvents are classified as environmental pollutants and can leave residual chemical odour on clothing. Professional wet cleaning is the modern alternative: it uses water, biodegradable detergents and carefully controlled temperature, agitation and drying to achieve the same results without the harsh chemicals.

At Fresh Folds, we use wet cleaning methods for the vast majority of delicate items. It is gentler on fibres, safer for people with sensitive skin and far better for the environment. Most garments labelled "dry clean only" can actually be wet cleaned successfully when handled by someone who understands the fabric. For the rare items that genuinely require solvent-based cleaning, we will let you know upfront and recommend a trusted specialist.

How We Assess and Treat Each Item

When your delicates arrive with us, we do not just toss them into a pile. Every item goes through a quick assessment where we check the care label, identify the fabric type, note any stains or damage, and decide on the appropriate cleaning method. If something needs spot treatment before washing, we handle that first.

After cleaning, delicate items are either laid flat to dry, hung on padded hangers or reshaped by hand, depending on the fabric. If your garment would benefit from a light press, our ironing service can handle that too, using the correct heat setting for the fabric. We also care for delicate bedding and linen items like silk pillowcases and wool blankets using the same attentive process.

Protecting Your Wardrobe Investment

Quality clothing costs real money, and the cost of replacing a ruined cashmere jumper or a stained silk dress adds up fast. Investing a few dollars in professional care for your best garments is not an extravagance. It is practical. Properly cared-for fabrics last years longer than those subjected to rough handling, and they look better for it.

If you want to learn more about extending the life of your favourite pieces at home, our guide on how to care for delicate fabrics covers the essentials. But when you would rather leave it to someone who does this every day, we are here for exactly that.

Our delicates and special care service is priced at $8.00 per kilogram, reflecting the additional time and individual attention each item receives. There are no surprises and no hidden fees. Get a free quote today and let Fresh Folds take care of the garments that matter most to you.