Wear the university gown Graduation ceremonies are a moment of pride and recognition for students, marking the culmination of their efforts and perseverance. The importance of the university gown lies in its ability to symbolise academic tradition and achievement, reinforcing the sense of belonging to a prestigious academic community.
To keep it looking its best, here are a few practical tips for cleaning and storing it.
Brushing the University gown:
Brushing university gowns is essential to maintain their appearance and quality. Below are some of the reasons why brushing is a crucial aspect of gown maintenance.
Why University Gown Brushing is Essential:
Dust removal :
After each use, take a few minutes to gently brush your University Gown. This will remove the dust accumulated during your daily activities, keeping it looking clean and tidy.
Extended Life :
A gown that is regularly brushed is less prone to premature wear. This is essential for students, who will be wearing their gowns to a wide range of ceremonies, such as graduation ceremonies.
Fabric preservation :
- Avoid stretching: By brushing gently, you avoid stretching the fibres of the fabric, which could lead to permanent deformation and alter the appearance of the gown.
- Prevent damage: Aggressive brushing can damage the fabric's threads, causing snags, tears or frayed areas. Brushing gently will extend the life of your gown.
Choice of brush:
It's essential to use the right brush for the fabric of your gown. Here are a few tips:
- Delicate fabrics (such as silk): Choose a soft brush with natural bristles. It will glide gently over the fabric without damaging it.
- Stronger fabrics : Use a synthetic bristle brush. It's ideal for gowns made of wool or more resistant fabrics.
By following these tips, you can maintain your Graduation dress In perfect condition, ready for all academic occasions! 🎓✨
Cleaning light stains: How to remove them gently
When you notice light stains on your Graduation gownFollow these steps to treat them with care:
- Damp cloth : Use a damp cloth to gently blot the stain.
- Avoid vigorous rubbing: The fabric of the toga is often delicate, and too much friction could damage it.
- Dab gently: Instead of rubbing, dab the stain with the damp cloth. This will lift the dirt without damaging the fibres.
- Patience: Be patient and keep dabbing gently until the stain disappears. Don't rush as this could make the situation worse.
- Drying : Leave to air dry naturally. Avoid using direct heat as this could set the stain.
- Neat storage : Hang your gown on a hanger to avoid creases. Avoid leaving it in a ball or crumpled in a corner.
Hand Washing University Gowns: Preserving Quality
Choose the right detergent:
- Choose a mild detergent specially designed for delicate garments. If your gown is made of silk or lace, choose a no-rinse detergent to avoid wear and tear from repeated rinsing.
- For wool or fine-mesh gowns, use a detergent containing lanolin to preserve their softness.
Hand-washing steps:
- Fill a basin with warm or cold water and the chosen detergent.
- Avoid hot water to prevent tissue shrinkage.
- Gently rub the fabric between your hands to remove dirt and stains.
- Be patient and keep dabbing gently until the stain disappears.
- Hang the gown on a hanger or lay it flat to dry, following the care instructions.
What are the advantages of hand washing?
Hand washing offers a number of advantages for the care of your university gown:- Preservation of fibres :
- Fibre preservation: When you hand wash, you have more precise control over the process. This preserves the quality of the fabric fibres, preventing shrinkage or deformation.
- Targeted stain treatment: By hand washing, you can specifically target stains using gentle strokes. This is particularly useful for delicate fabrics.
- Save water and energy: Unlike machine washing, hand washing requires less water and energy. So it's a greener option.
- Less wear and tear: Washing machines can sometimes be abrasive on clothes. Washing by hand reduces the overall wear and tear on your toga.
Don't forget to follow the care instructions specific to your toga to maintain its quality and durability! 🎓✨
Dry-cleaning university gowns: advice and precautions
For more stubborn stains, don't hesitate to consult a dry-cleaning service. Their experts will know how to treat the fabric without damaging it. They use specific methods to remove stains while preserving the quality of the toga.
Here are the main tips and precautions you can take to preserve the beauty and quality of your University dress with our dry-cleaning guide below.
Choice of dry cleaner :
When you decide to have your gown dry cleaned, choose a reputable dry cleaner who specialises in delicate garments. Ask if they have experience with university gowns, as this guarantees proper treatment.
Before and after inspection :
- Before entrusting your Diplomas at the dry cleaners, inspect it thoroughly. Note any fragile areas, seams or special details.
- After cleaning, check that the gown is in perfect condition. If you notice any problems (such as loose seams), report them immediately.
Careful packaging :
When you collect your toga, make sure it is properly packed. Avoid excessive creases and ask if the dry cleaner can store it in a protective cover.
Dry Cleaning Frequency :
Avoid having your gown cleaned too often. Dry-cleaning can damage the fabric fibres over time. If the gown is not stained, an annual or biennial cleaning is generally sufficient.
Alternatives to dry cleaning
- Aeration: After each use, hang the gown in an airy place to remove odours and moisture.
- Gentle brushing: Use a soft brush to remove dust and light particles between dry cleanings.
By following these tips, you'll preserve the beauty and quality of your university gown for future ceremonies! 😊
Dry or hand wash?
Between dry-cleaning and hand-washing, which method is best for looking after your university gown?
Find out more about the advantages and disadvantages of each approach below.
Dry clean :
Advantages :
- Preservation of Colours and Shapes : Dry cleaning is gentle on fabrics and preserves their original colour. It also prevents the dress from shrinking or becoming misshapen.
- Fibre preservation: Dry-cleaning uses no water, which reduces the risk of fibres shrinking or becoming misshapen. Your outfit will remain impeccable
- Treatment of Complex Stains : Professional dry cleaners are equipped to effectively remove stubborn stains, such as wine or ink stains.
- Odour Elimination : Dry cleaning eliminates odours without damaging the fabric.
Disadvantages :
- High cost Professional dry-cleaning can be expensive, especially if you have several gowns to maintain.
- Addiction to dry cleaning : You have to take your gown to a dry cleaners, which can be restrictive.
- Chemical products Some solvents used in the dry-cleaning process may be harmful to the environment.
- Risk of damage If the dry cleaner is not experienced, there is a risk of damaging the fabric.
Hand wash :
Advantages :
- Personal Control Washing by hand allows you to control every stage of the process.
- Economical No dry-cleaning charges.
- Ecological Less chemicals.
- Suitable for small stains Ideal for small, localised spots.
Disadvantages :
- Time and effort Hand washing takes more time and effort.
- Risk of damage If done incorrectly, it can damage the fabric.
- Limited for Stubborn Stains Some complex stains may not be completely removed.
In short, dry-cleaning is ideal for very delicate or stained university gowns, while hand-cleaning is suitable for less soiled gowns and allows personal control. Choose according to your specific needs and how often you use your gown!
How to iron your university gown?
Ironing your graduation gown is essential if you want it to look smart at the ceremony. Here are a few steps to iron your gown:
- Preparation Before you start, make sure your toga is clean and dry. If it's wrinkled, you can hang it in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam will help relax the creases.
- Setting the iron Ironing: Set your iron to the lowest possible temperature to avoid damaging the fabric. University gowns are often made of polyester or polyester blends, which require gentle heat.
- Using a cloth Place a thin cloth (such as a cotton handkerchief) between the iron and the gown to protect the fabric. Iron gently using slow, even strokes.
- Start with the collar: First iron the collar of the gown. Shoulders and sleeves: Next, iron the shoulders and sleeves. Gently stretch the fabric to smooth out any creases.
- The body of the toga Iron the rest of the body of the gown, paying attention to the folds on the front and back. Use the cloth to protect the fabric.
- The hood If your gown has a hood, iron it carefully so that it is well shaped.
- Hang correctly Once ironed, hang your gown on a hanger to keep its shape. Avoid folding or creasing it.
Don't forget to follow your institution's specific instructions for ironing the gown. Enjoy your graduation ceremony!
Share your experience!
Do you have any extra tips for looking after your university gown? Share them in the comments below! Your experiences can help other students keep their gowns spotless.
I hope this article will be useful to students and encourage them to interact by sharing their own tips. 🎓😊
