Apron Care

Author:
Peggy Lung

Take care of the apron that takes care of you! Shielding your favorite white shirt from tomato sauce is a hard job - so here are some tips and tricks to keep your favorite apron in tip top shape.

 

Before Cleaning: Know Your Apron!

Different fabrics and design details mean that each apron requires a unique approach to care. Before doing anything, always refer to the online care instructions for your specific Hedley & Bennett apron, as well as the care label that comes with the apron. This step is crucial as it will help maintain the quality and integrity of your apron, considering the specific materials and manufacturing techniques used. If you have any questions about the care of your apron, contact our customer support team at customerservice@hedleyb.com!

 

Washing 

With the exception of our waxed canvas aprons, most of our aprons are machine-washable. To preserve the color and fabric of your apron, wash your apron with cold water and a mild detergent. Do not soak your apron as that can cause colors to bleed.

 

While we test our aprons to ensure the colors don't typically bleed when machine-washed in cold water, we also suggest washing your apron separately in the initial washes to ensure nothing runs. If your apron is garment-dyed, always wash it separately to prevent color transfer.

 

Remember to remove any delicate items, like pens or thermometers, from the pockets before washing! In addition, making a habit of promptly treating stains will minimize their impact on the fabric, preserving your apron's appearance and functionality.

 

Stain Removal

Spills and splatters are part of the cooking experience. While our aprons are designed for heavy use, some stains can be particularly stubborn - and promptly treating those stains will minimize their impact on the fabric. Here are some strain removal remedies that you might find useful. While we’ve found these methods effective, we cannot guarantee stain removal or that the product will not be damaged. Always test any stain remedies on a small area first!

 

Warm Salt Water: Ideal for fresh stains like tomato and wine.

1. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt in ½ cup of water.

2. Soak the stained fabric for 2-3 minutes.

3. Rub the fabric against itself under cold water.

  

Rubbing Alcohol or White Vinegar: Better for set-in stains.

1. Dab rubbing alcohol or white vinegar onto the stain.

2. Wait a few minutes to let it penetrate and react.

3. Blot the stain with white paper towels or a damp cloth.

 

Commercial Stain Remover: Always follow packaging instructions when using a commercial stain remover.

 

Drying and Ironing

When drying your apron, avoid high heat settings that can cause shrinkage and fading. Opt for line drying or tumble drying on a low/delicate setting to help maintain the size and color of your apron.

 

If necessary, iron your apron at a low or medium heat setting. Test the iron heat on a small test area first, and always iron on the reverse side to protect any design elements like embroidery or patches from damage.

 

Care of Waxed Canvas Aprons (a.k.a Waxmans)

Aprons made from waxed canvas are great at resisting stains and spills, but they can only be spot-cleaned. Gently clean waxed canvas aprons with a damp cloth or sponge. DO NOT machine wash, bleach, or iron waxed canvas aprons.

 

Care of Garment Dyed Aprons

Some of our aprons are garment-dyed, which gives them a distinctive look. Their unique color requires some special care! To keep your garment-dyed apron looking fabulous, we recommend machine washing them separately with cold water. This helps maintain their color and prevents color transfer onto your lighter clothes.

 

We also strongly recommend line-drying garment-dyed aprons to prevent shrinkage and wrinkles. Use an iron on medium heat as needed.

 

DO NOT use stain removers or bleach on garment-dyed aprons. Do not soak garment-dyed aprons as that can cause the color to bleed. 

- Machine wash on cold with mild detergent.
- Wash separately to avoid color transfer.
- Do not use stain removers or bleach. 
- Do not soak.
- Line dry recommended or tumble dry low.
- Iron on medium heat if needed

     

    Handling and Storage

    Sharp objects, abrasive materials, and high heat can compromise the fabric of your apron. While it's made for heavy use, our aprons are not flame resistant, so caution is advised around open flames and sharp tools.

     

    Proper storage is key to an apron's longevity. Hang your apron on a hook or hanger to prevent creases and keep it ready for your next cooking session.

     

    Extending Your Apron's Kitchen Life

    Choosing a Hedley & Bennett apron means investing in quality built to last, and it's important to follow the care instructions provided to ensure your apron is part of our kitchen ensemble for years to come. Caring for a sturdy, well-made apron will pay off in the long run, saving you money and time on replacements. If you have any questions or need assistance, our customer service team is here to help at customerservice@hedleyb.com.

      We hope you find these tips helpful!