Clergy robes are distinct in form and function. Some members have their robes custom-made, while others source them from ready-to-wear clergy clothing stores. Apart from Sunday wear, they’re a reflection of a priest or minister’s faith and commitment to service. Others may even incorporate designs that reflect their congregation’s identity or in harmony with special occasions. 

Clergy robes are special garments and, as such, require special and handling care. Proper storage, cleaning, and washing can enable you to use them throughout your ministry. 

Clergy Robe Care Tips 

All clothing requires proper care. Clerical robes are no exception, as they too can get stained or dirty from constant use. Cleaning robes depends on the type of materials it’s made from, as some require a dry clean or gentle wash. Here are some care tips to keep your clerical robes looking brand-new:

1. Check Care Labels

Care labels are not just uncomfortable tags on the inside of your robes’ neckline. Before you cut them out, make sure to read them as they contain important information regarding your robe. It tells you if it’s made from natural fibers such as cotton, wool, silk, linen, or synthetic materials such as polyester, rayon, or satin.  

Aside from this, care labels also tell you if you’re supposed to dry clean or use the washing machine to clean your robe. It may even include specific instructions about the washer and dryer settings. It may warn you against using bleach or iron to the desired heat. In case yours does not come with one, you can click here to learn how to keep them crisp and clean.

2. Professional Versus Dry Cleaning 

Some clerical robes, especially those with two or more colors, feature ribbon trim or embroidery that require to be sent to the cleaners regularly. You can even take advantage of dry-cleaning programs that several clergy clothing stores offer to their customers.

 In case your clerical robe is plain white or solid black, you can opt for home dry-cleaning instead to save you time and dry-cleaning costs.

A simple clothes steamer can remove odors and wrinkles. For light stains, you can use a home dry cleaning kit that comes with easy-to-follow instructions, a stain remover, and a dry-cleaning bag. 

3. Follow Washing Instructions 

If you’ve recently purchased a new machine-washable clerical robe, you’ll need to wash it to remove the extra dye and sharp odors. Clothes are treated with chemicals to prevent mildew from forming, especially if it’s from overseas. These dyes and chemicals can cause allergic reactions for people with sensitive skin, so it’s best to wash your robes before use. 

Coldwater prolongs the life of your clothes and prevents your robe from shrinking. Besides keeping your clothes in proper form, cold water also helps save the environment since it requires no heat and less energy. Also, you’ll need a mild detergent to go with it, so your robe retains its radiant color and form. Wash with a gentle care setting to remove dirt and odors.

4. Use Mesh Laundry Bags 

If your washing machine doesn’t have a gentle wash setting, you can use mesh laundry bags instead. Mesh laundry bags protect your robe from snags and rips. It can also help prevent wrinkles and the need for ironing later on. 

5. Air Dry 

Air-drying is sufficient for clerical robes since dryer settings can contribute to its wear and tear. You can hang your clothes under the shed or in any area away from direct sunlight to keep them from fading. 

6. Use Contoured Robe Hangers And Garment Bags

After wear, hang your clerical robe with a contoured robe hanger to preserve its shape. Make sure to fasten the hook and eye closure or close its zipper and align it on the hanger. You should also check that cuffs and buttons are closed. Allow body heat and odors to dissipate before storing them in your closet. 

Garment bags are convenient ways to carry your robe to church or other locations. These nylon bags protect your special garments from dirt and moisture and prevent them from getting wrinkled during transportation. 

7. Iron To Remove Wrinkles

Clerical robes also need some ironing to keep them crisp. You’ll need a pressing cloth to protect it from scorch marks. Use the iron heat setting specified on the robe’s care label. Lay the robe on an ironing board or any flat surface and iron collars, cuffs, and lapels. A high-quality steam iron can also work as an alternative in keeping clerical robes clean and crisp. 

8. Observe Additional Care Instructions 

A freshly cleaned clerical suit feels and looks great and can last you several years if you know how to use it properly. Be careful not to use heavy perfumes or shaving lotions since these can cling to the fabric. 

For other cosmetic products, you might want to cover your robe while you’re putting them on to avoid staining necklines. Handle your food and drink properly to avoid stains, and be mindful when walking along pews so your robe won’t snag or rip from ragged corners or splinters. 

Conclusion   

Caring for your clerical robe is an effortless task if you follow care label instructions and observe proper cleaning and storage. Doing the abovementioned tips can make your robe feel and look as good as new.