We’re so excited to welcome Lulu O’Connor, the founder of Clothes Doctor, to chat about one of every parent’s little challenges: keeping kids’ clothes clean and cared for! Lulu started Clothes Doctor in 2017, driven by a frustration we can all relate to—the way beautiful garments were being discarded after just a little wear or damage. What began as a small repair and alterations service has blossomed into a full clothing care brand, blending heritage craftsmanship with modern sustainability.
From eco-friendly detergents and fabric conditioners to mending kits, brushes, and specially formulated care for silk, wool, and cashmere, Clothes Doctor gives every garment the love it deserves—while also being gentle on the planet. Today, Lulu is here to share her expert tips and practical tricks to help our little ones’ wardrobes stay fresh, tidy, and joyful for longer.
We know that you guys specialise in the best of clothing care! For
us, there is nothing more challenging than keeping kid’s looking clean. Can you talk us through some tips for making their clothing last as long as possible, as I know washing can cause a lot of damage to clothing?
Children’s clothes go through a lot, constant washing, spills, rough play, but a few small changes can make a big difference to how long they last. Here are our top tips:
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Use lower temperatures. Washing at 30°C is usually enough. Hot water weakens fibres and can cause shrinkage, especially in cotton and wool.
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Choose specially formulated detergents. Kid’s clothes can get really stained and dirty and need a specialist detergent. Our Eco Liquid Baby Detergent has powerful stain removal properties, even at low temperatures, but is hypo-allergenic, perfect for sensitive skin.
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Avoid the tumble dryer. Air drying preserves elasticity and prevent spilling or shrinkage. Lay knitwear flat on a towel to dry and reshape while damp.
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Don’t forget to hang out after washing! It’s all too easy as a tired parent to forget that there’s a load waiting in the machine, especially when lots of small items take a while to hang up. But it’s worth keeping it in mind as leaving it overnight or during the day can undo all the good work and leave items smelling musty, and even needing a rewash. A good routine is key!
Now for the hard part! As parents we have to deal with the
aftermath of some very messy occasions - birthday parties come to mind. Could you share some wisdom as to how you would remove the trickiest of stains from kids clothes?
Tomato Ketchup and Sauce
● Rinse immediately under cold running water to flush out as much pigment as
possible.
● If the stain is oil-based, you can use our Eco Liquid Baby Detergent directly. If it’s
not oil-based, pre-soak the item first, then wash it using our detergent.
● Leave to soak for 15–20 minutes in cool water, then wash as normal at 30°C.
Chocolate Cake and Icing
● Scrape off excess with a blunt knife.
● Rinse in cold water, then treat with a gentle stain remover or a paste of bicarbonate
of soda and water.
● Wash using a mild detergent such as our Eco Liquid Baby Detergent at a low
temperature.
Juice and Squash Spills
● Blot the area (don’t rub).
● Soak in a mix of lukewarm water and white vinegar for 10–15 minutes.
● Wash on a cool cycle with our Eco Liquid Baby Detergent.
Face Paint and Party Makeup
● Check the label, oil-based makeup needs a little washing-up liquid worked gently
into the stain before rinsing.
● For water-based paints, cold water and a dab of gentle detergent should do the
trick.
● Always test on a hidden area first, and avoid scrubbing to protect the fibres.
At Talou we specialise in 100% wool knitwear for kids. Do you have any tips or products you can recommend for keeping wool clean?
For kids’ wool garments, here’s how to keep them looking their best:
1. Wash sparingly. Wool naturally repels dirt and odours, so only wash when
necessary. Often, airing overnight is enough, along with spraying on our Lavender
and Thyme Knitwear Mist or Cedarwood and Vanilla Knitwear Mist
2. Use the right detergent. Always use a specialist wool detergent, like our Liquid
Detergent for Knitwear and Delicates. It contains natural oils such as Himalayan
Cedarwood & Orange oil, and Bergamot & Sandalwood
3. Cold hand wash or delicate cycle. Never exceed 30°C and avoid spinning at high
speeds.
4. Dry flat. Roll in a towel to remove excess water, then reshape and lay flat on a dry
towel. Avoid hanging, as this can cause stretching.
5. Store carefully. Keep wool clean before storage, as moths are attracted to dirt. Add
a natural moth repellent, such as our Lavender and Thyme Knitwear Mist, or any of
our ‘Rescue, Treat, Protect' Scented Bags to drawers or wardrobes.
