Has your trusty suspenders gotten a bit too close to the spaghetti sauce or taken a dip in a muddy puddle? It’s essential to keep Suspenders clean and well-maintained to preserve their appearance and functionality. However, when it comes to washing suspenders, many people find themselves uncertain about the best approach.
If you’re wondering how to wash suspenders and keep them looking as new as brand-new ones, then you’re at the right place. From elastic to leather suspenders, you’ll learn to clean them all.
Have you also stained your tie with suspenders? Then, you must read this guide to clean a tie.
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Should You Wash Suspenders?
There are several reasons why you should wash suspenders. Though suspenders aren’t directly in contact with your bare body, they will accumulate stains and smells. Are you going to wear a stained and stinking suspender?
In addition, there may be a possibility of drink-spilling or food-dropping onto the suspenders. Using these filthy suspenders is out of the question. And the worst case is when you slip down your pants in the toilet and the suspenders land on the toilet bowl or the floor. Urgh!
Washing Overview
What Will You Need
Supply
- Mild Detergent
- Stain Remover
- Lukewarm water
Tools
- Clean cloth or sponge
- Drying rack
How to Wash Suspenders?
If you’re not in a rush or at home, we recommend properly washing and cleaning your suspender. Washing leather or silk/ luxe suspenders is not possible. So, we are only sharing a guide to washing elastic suspenders.
1. Check the Care Label
Before washing suspenders, always refer to the care label. It provides specific instructions on the recommended washing method and temperature.
2. Spot Clean
If the suspenders have minor stains or spills, spot-clean them first. Use a mild detergent or stain remover and gently dab the affected areas with a clean cloth or sponge. Avoid scrubbing vigorously to prevent damaging the fabric.
3. Wash
Hand washing is typically the safest method for suspenders. Fill your sink with lukewarm water and add a mild detergent to it. Submerge the suspenders and gently agitate them for a few minutes.
4. Soak and Rinse
Let the suspender soak in the detergent solution for 10 to 15 minutes. After soaking, rinse thoroughly with cool water to remove any soap residue.
5. Air Dry
Immediately dry the leather or metal parts of the suspender with a dry cloth. Suspenders should be air-dried to prevent shrinkage or damage. Lay them flat on a clean towel or hang them on a drying rack away from direct heat or sunlight. Avoid putting the suspender in the dryer as it can cause permanent damage to the suspender.
6. Store
If needed, you can lightly iron the suspenders on a low heat setting. Be cautious not to apply too much heat to avoid melting or distorting any plastic or elastic components. Store the suspenders in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or excessive humidity to maintain their shape and elasticity.
Different suspenders may have specific care requirements based on their material and construction. Always refer to the care label and manufacturer’s instructions for the best washing method.
How to Clean Stains on Suspenders?
There may be a situation where you need to attend an important event and notice the suspenders needs cleaning before using them. There are various ways to wash suspenders quickly and efficiently.
1. Tide Pens for Elastic Suspenders
Tide pens help in a great way to remove any stains on elastic suspenders. It will work well on coffee, BBQ sauce, ketchup, sauce, soda, tomato, and grape juice stains.
Do not use tide pens on suspenders that were stained due to grease, mustard, blood, grass, and ink.
2. Saddle Soap for Leather Suspenders
First, wipe the stain with a dry cloth, then apply saddle soap. The saddle soap comes in a tin, reminding you of shoe polish. Rub the soapy cloth in a circular motion on the leather suspender. Using a clean damp cloth, wipe away the extra lather. Repeat the procedure till you are satisfied with the cleaning quality. Do not rub hard, as it can damage the leather. Rinse off the saddle soap with a clean damp cloth.
Do not use water to clean the suspender, as it can permanently damage it. Later, allow the leather suspender to dry out and polish it with a leather conditioner.
3. Cotton Pad and Dish Soap for Non-Elastic Suspenders
Use a cotton pad. If you don’t have a cotton pad, use a clean, dry cloth. Use a small amount of dish soap on a damp cloth and rub it on the stain.
4. Professional Cleaner for Silk and Luxe Material Suspenders
Please do not try to clean silk or luxe material suspenders. You’ll end up doing more damage than good. We strongly recommend taking your silk/luxe suspender to a professional cleaner.
Can You Put Suspenders in the Washing Machine?
We do not recommend washing suspenders in the washing machine. If you still wish to do so, remember the following points.
- Do not wash leather and silk/luxe suspenders in the washing machine.
- Place the elastic suspenders in a mesh bag.
- Use a gentle detergent (Do not use bleach).
- Run the gentle cycle of the washing machine.
- Dry all the small leather parts, such as buttons on the suspenders, properly with a dry cloth.
- Air dry the suspenders.
- Can you bleach suspenders?
No, bleach may fade the color of your suspender and damage the sheen, making it look not very interesting and unraveled.
- Can you put suspenders in the dryer?
Suspenders should either be dried by wiping them with a clean towel or should be air dried later. Never put the suspenders in the dryer.
Conclusion
Suspenders must be maintained carefully to give them a long life without losing quality. There are different methods to clean the suspenders based on their types.
Hand washing is generally the best option for cleaning suspenders. Do not wash silk/luxe suspenders, and do not wash leather suspenders with water.
