Understanding the Material of Bib Overalls
The first step to cleaning bib overalls is to understand the material they are made of. Bib overalls come in different fabrics, including denim, canvas, and polyester. Different materials need different cleaning methods. For instance, denim and canvas are hard-wearing fabrics and can withstand high-temperature washes. At the same time, polyester needs delicate washing to avoid shrinking or stretching the material. Check the care label on your bib overalls to determine the best cleaning method for your garment.
Pre-treating Stains on Bib Overalls
Bib overalls are often prone to stains, particularly when working in dirty environments. Before tossing your bib overalls in the washing machine, pre-treat the stains to prevent them from setting in. You can use a stain remover solution, laundry detergent, or a mixture of baking soda and water to pre-treat the stains. Rub the pre-treatment solution directly on the stain and let it sit for around 15 minutes before washing as usual.
Washing Bib Overalls
When washing bib overalls, it’s essential to consider the material of the garment. For denim and cotton fabric overalls, wash them in warm water to remove the dirt and grime. Use a heavy-duty laundry detergent and run it on a regular cycle. For polyester overalls, use a mild detergent and wash on a gentle cycle using cold water to avoid shrinkage. You can also use a mesh laundry bag to protect the bib overalls from getting caught in the washing machine or getting stretched out.
Drying Bib Overalls
After washing, it’s time to dry your bib overalls. Avoid using the dryer as the high heat can shrink the fabric and make the bib overalls uncomfortable to wear. Instead, hang the overalls on a clothesline using clothespins or lay them flat on a drying rack. It’s best to dry bib overalls outdoors in direct sunlight to naturally bleach out any stubborn stains. However, if you’re drying them indoors, place a fan on them to help speed up the drying process.
Ironing and Storing Bib Overalls
Once your bib overalls are dry, it’s time to iron them to keep them looking sharp. Iron the overalls on the appropriate setting based on the material of the garment. For example, iron denim and cotton fabric on high heat and use a steam iron for polyester. Before storing bib overalls, make sure they are completely dry and free from wrinkles. Hang them in your closet to avoid crushing the fabric or fold them neatly in a drawer. Consider storing them with cedar blocks to deter moths from eating the material.
