Kids’ leggings and bottoms can take a beating from active little ones. From playground tumbles to food spills, these clothes go through a lot. But with some simple care tips, we can keep them looking great for longer. I’ve found that washing leggings and bottoms in cold water and air drying them works best to maintain their shape and colour.
As a parent, I know how important it is to make children’s clothes last. It saves money and reduces waste. That’s why I’m sharing my top tricks for caring for kids’ leggings and other bottoms. These easy steps will help you get the most out of your child’s wardrobe.
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Key Takeaways
- Wash kids’ leggings and bottoms in cold water to keep colours bright
- Air dry to maintain shape and prevent shrinking
- Treat stains quickly to keep bottoms looking fresh and new
Understanding Kids’ Leggings and Bottoms Fabrics
Kids’ leggings and bottoms come in various fabrics, each with unique properties. I’ll explain the common materials used and how to care for them properly, as well as discuss colour fastness and fabric care tips.
Common Materials and Their Care
Cotton is a popular choice for kids’ leggings. It’s soft, breathable, and easy to wash. I recommend washing cotton leggings in cold water and air-drying to prevent shrinkage.
Polyester and nylon are synthetic fabrics often used in athletic leggings. They’re durable and moisture-wicking. I suggest washing these in cool water and tumble-drying on low heat.
Spandex is often blended with other materials to add stretch. It’s best to wash spandex blends in cold water and air-dry to maintain elasticity.
Some leggings are made from bamboo fabric, which is soft and eco-friendly. I advise washing bamboo leggings in cold water and air-drying to keep them in top shape.
Colour Fastness and Fabric Care
Dark colours like black and navy blue can fade over time. To keep them vibrant, I turn leggings inside out before washing. This protects the outer surface from friction.
For lighter shades like dusty pink, I use colour-catching sheets in the wash to prevent dye transfer. It’s also wise to wash similar colours together.
To maintain colour fastness, I avoid using hot water or high heat in the dryer. Cool or lukewarm water and air-drying are gentler on dyes.
I always check care labels for specific instructions. Some fabrics may require special treatment to keep their colour and shape intact.
Proper Washing Techniques for Durability
Taking care of kids’ leggings and bottoms requires the right washing methods. I’ll explain how to sort and prepare clothes for washing, as well as choose the best detergent and cycle.
Sorting and Preparing for Wash
I always start by turning leggings like the Surfanic Bodyfit Long John inside out. This helps protect the outer layer and keeps the fabric looking new.
Next, I sort items by colour. Dark leggings go with dark clothes, while light ones join lighter loads. This prevents colour bleeding.
For extra dirty leggings, I pre-treat stains. I dab a bit of gentle detergent on marks and let it sit for a few minutes before washing.
Zipping up zippers and fastening velcro is key. It stops these from snagging other items in the wash.
Choosing the Right Detergent and Wash Cycle
I use a mild, liquid detergent for kids’ leggings. Harsh detergents can break down stretchy fibres over time.
For items like the Surfanic Cozy Long John, I choose a cold water cycle. Cold water helps preserve elasticity and prevents shrinkage.
I always opt for the delicate or hand wash cycle on my machine. These gentle cycles are less rough on fabrics.
I avoid using fabric softener. It can leave a coating that affects the moisture-wicking properties of activewear.
For very delicate items, I hand wash in cool water with a small amount of mild soap. I gently squeeze out water and lay flat to dry.
Drying and Maintaining Shape
Proper drying and shaping of kids’ leggings and bottoms is key to keeping them looking good. I’ll explain the best methods to dry these items and how to prevent them from losing their shape.
Air Drying vs Tumble Drying
I always air dry kids’ leggings and tights. It’s gentler on the fabric and helps them last longer. I hang them on a drying rack or clothesline, away from direct sunlight. This stops fading and keeps the elasticity intact.
Tumble drying can be risky. If I must use a dryer, I choose a low heat setting. High heat can damage the fibres and elastic. I never dry leggings or tights for too long. Over-drying makes them stiff and can cause shrinkage.
For delicate items like wool tights, I lay them flat to dry. This stops them from stretching out of shape.
Preventing Shrinkage and Deformation
To keep leggings and bottoms in good shape, I’m careful when washing and drying. I use cool water and gentle cycles. This helps stop shrinkage and keeps the fit right.
After washing, I gently reshape the items. I smooth out any wrinkles and make sure the seams are straight. For leggings, I pull the legs to their full length before drying.
I avoid hanging heavy, wet items by the waistband. This can stretch out the elastic. Instead, I fold them over the line or use pegs at the ankles.
When storing, I fold leggings and tights neatly. I don’t stuff them in drawers, as this can cause creases and misshapen areas.
Specialty Leggings Care
Caring for special leggings needs extra attention. I’ll share tips for printed bottoms and sports leggings to keep them in top shape.
Handling Printed and Patterned Bottoms
For printed leggings like the Surfanic Bodyfit Limited Edition Long John Geo Camo, I always turn them inside out before washing. This helps protect the print. I use cold water and a gentle cycle to avoid fading.
I never use harsh detergents or bleach. These can damage the print. Instead, I opt for a mild, colour-safe soap. After washing, I hang them to dry in the shade. Direct sunlight can fade prints quickly.
For delicate patterns like the Surfanic Cozy Limited Edition Long John Snow Leopard, I hand wash when possible. I gently squeeze out water and lay flat to dry. This keeps the pattern crisp and clear.
Caring for Performance and Sportswear Leggings
Sports leggings need special care to maintain their stretch and support. I always wash these in cold water to preserve the elastic fibres. I use a sports-specific detergent to tackle sweat and odours.
I avoid fabric softeners. They can clog the breathable fabrics and reduce moisture-wicking properties. After washing, I don’t wring or twist the leggings. This can damage the shape.
I air dry sports leggings away from heat sources. Dryers can break down the elastic. To keep them fresh between washes, I hang them up to air out after each use. This helps prevent bacteria growth and bad smells.
Stain Removal and Keeping Leggings Looking New
Kids’ leggings often face tough stains and wear. I’ll share some tips to help remove stains and keep leggings looking fresh.
Effective Stain Treating Methods
I find that acting quickly is key when treating stains on leggings. For food or dirt marks, I gently scrape off any excess with a spoon. Then, I dab the area with cold water and a bit of dish soap.
For ink stains, I use rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball to lift the mark. Oil stains respond well to a paste made from baking soda and water. I apply it, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse.
For stubborn stains, I mix one part white vinegar with four parts water. I dab this on the spot before washing as normal.
Frequent Issues and Solutions
Fading is a common problem with kids’ leggings, especially blue and dusty pink ones. I turn them inside out before washing to help preserve the colour. Using cold water also helps.
Pilling can make leggings look old fast. I use a fabric shaver to remove pills gently. To prevent pilling, I wash leggings with similar fabrics only.
Stretching out of shape is another issue. I avoid putting leggings in the dryer. Instead, I lay them flat to air dry. This helps them keep their shape.
For leggings that say ‘dry clean only’, I still hand wash them in cool water with a gentle detergent. It’s often safer and cheaper than dry cleaning.