Couture Apron Care:  How to Clean Your Heirloom Aprons
Due to the delicate nature of the fabrics and trims, it is recommended that Apron Elegance Couture Aprons are dry clean only. These aprons are custom-designed, hand cut, hand sewn, original works that require specific care.  The hostess aprons should be cared for in a similar manner as a wedding dress or ball gown. 

Hostess aprons should be stored hanging in a dry environment to preserve the shape of the aprons and the fullness of the tulle petticoats.  Beware of metal skirt hangers that may leave indentions in the fabric.  Placing a bit of foam or tissue between the metal clamps will help to protect the fabric. 

Many customers hang their aprons on walls in their kitchens to display as art when they are not wearing the aprons.  Please hang aprons away from the stove where it may attract cooking odors, grease or a flammable reaction.

If you stain your apron, note the substance (butter, wine, chocolate) and take it to the drycleaners immediately to avoid allowing the stain to set.  The local drycleaner will have solvents capable of handling most stains.

Vintage Apron Care: Unsure of how to care for your grandmother’s apron or one purchased at a tag sale?  Here are some tips for cleaning vintage aprons, removing yellow stains and removing lingering musty odors. 

First, color test the apron by using a little cold water on a small area and see if the color transfers to a white towel.  If it transfers, then you are finished because the dyes will run in the wash.  Take it to a professional cleaner for care. 

Once you pass the color test, you can either place the apron in a mesh bag to wash on cold and gentle cycles or as I prefer—hand wash.  Hand washing in cold water with a cup of white vinegar will remove musty smells and yellowing from fabrics. Care not to twist and ring too vigorously because the fabric is weakest when wet.  Gently agitate and press water out as you wash.  

If after washing your aprons, the yellow stains remain, try using a little lemon juice and rub onto wet apron to set aside to soak before rinsing.  Finally, you may try apron sunbathing.  Allowing aprons to sit in the sun can bleach the stains out for you.

Care for New Cotton Aprons:  If you have purchased a cotton apron from the Everyday Inspiration collection, please follow the label instructions.  All aprons can be thrown into the wash in cold or warm.  However, cold water keeps colors brighter longer.  Treat stains before washing and make sure stains are completely gone before placing into the dryer or the stain will set.  *Remember:  Media Aprons have vinyl pockets and should not be placed in the dryer or it will weaken and crack over time.  Also, line drying helps if you hate to iron.