Clean Your Choir Robe at Home

Robes for choruses and choir groups provide a level of uniformity that is necessary to promote harmony and a group mindset on performance day. Members of choirs are often issued a robe that is theirs for the duration of their time in the choir, and are expected to care for the robes themselves. In order to maintain the like colors of uniforms,choir robes should be treated with care, and not over washed in your home’s washer and dryer.

Instructions

Spot clean any noticeable stains on your choir robe by pouring a small amount of liquid laundry detergent or a paste made of dry detergent and water over the stain, and lightly scrubbing it into the stain with a scrub brush or unused toothbrush. Allow the robe to sit for two hours before rinsing with cold water.

Determine whether or not the robe is actually in need of washing. It is typically recommended that choir robes are washed between once and three times per year due to their limited wear, and the fact that they are worn atop other garments.

Wash in the washing machine with a mild detergent if the robe truly is in need of washing. Use lukewarm water.

Dry in your clothes dryer using the permanent press setting. Permanent press utilizes medium heat, which prevents colors from fading too quickly.

Remove the robe from the dryer immediately after the cycle ends to avoid having to press wrinkles out of the robe. If it does come out with wrinkles, read the label in the robe to determine what material the robe is made from. Set your iron to the appropriate setting (most iron settings are based on material type) and lightly press.

Hang up your robe to avoid further stains or wrinkles. Place in a garment bag if possible.

Tips & Warnings
Some choir robes are marked as “Dry Clean Only.” If this is true of your choir robe, you can clean it at home with an over-the-counter, “Dry Clean At Home” kit that you can buy at your local grocery or department store.