How to Wash and Care for Different Fabrics

## The Hidden Cost of Improper Care How you wash and care for your clothes impacts their lifespan as much as the original quality. A premium cashmere jumper can be ruined in a single incorrect wash, while carefully maintained high street pieces can last for years. Understanding proper fabric care protects your investment and keeps your wardrobe looking its best. This guide covers the most common fabric types and the specific care they require. ## Cotton Care Cotton is durable and generally forgiving, making it suitable for regular machine washing. However, proper technique extends garment life significantly. ### Washing Cotton - Temperature: Cool to warm water (30-40°C) for coloured items, hot water for white cotton items that can handle it - Detergent: Standard laundry detergent works well; avoid harsh chemicals that can weaken fibres - Cycle: Normal cycle for sturdy items, delicate cycle for finer cotton Cotton can shrink when exposed to high heat, so if you're washing a new cotton garment for the first time, use cold water to minimise this risk. ### Drying Cotton Tumble drying on low heat is generally safe for most cotton items, though air drying extends garment life. High heat can cause shrinkage and increase wear on fibres. Hanging heavy cotton items like jumpers can stretch them. Instead, reshape and lay flat to dry. ### Ironing Cotton Cotton tolerates high heat ironing. For best results, iron while slightly damp or use a steam iron. Work in long, smooth strokes to avoid stretching. ## Wool and Cashmere Care Wool requires gentler handling than cotton but rewards proper care with exceptional longevity. ### Washing Wool - Frequency: Wool naturally resists odour and dirt. Most wool garments only need washing every 5-10 wears unless visibly soiled - Method: Hand washing is safest. If machine washing, use a wool cycle with cold water - Detergent: Use a gentle, wool-specific detergent. Regular detergents can strip natural lanolin oils Never wring or twist wool items—this distorts the fibres and causes permanent shape loss. ### Drying Wool Never tumble dry wool. The combination of heat and tumbling causes extreme shrinkage—a process called "felting" that permanently damages the garment. Instead, gently press water out (don't wring), then lay flat on a clean towel. Roll the towel to absorb excess moisture, then reshape the garment on a flat surface to air dry. ### Storing Wool Fold knitwear rather than hanging to prevent shoulder stretching. Store with cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths, which are attracted to natural fibres. Before storing wool items for summer, ensure they're clean. Moths are particularly attracted to food residue and body oils. ### Cashmere Special Care Cashmere requires all the care of wool plus extra gentleness. Always hand wash in cold water with cashmere-specific detergent. Handle wet cashmere carefully—the fibres are weakest when saturated. After washing, lay flat and reshape, paying particular attention to maintaining original dimensions. Cashmere may require gentle stretching or compressing while damp to return to its proper shape. ## Silk Care Silk's reputation for being difficult to care for is somewhat deserved—it requires attention and gentle handling. ### Washing Silk - Method: Hand washing is strongly preferred. Some silk can be machine washed on delicate, but risk of damage exists - Temperature: Cold water only - Detergent: Use a pH-neutral, silk-specific detergent. Regular detergents are often too harsh Never scrub silk or apply products directly to the fabric. Dissolve detergent in water before adding garments. ### Drying Silk Never tumble dry silk. After washing, gently press out excess water (don't wring), then lay flat or hang on a padded hanger away from direct sunlight, which can fade colours. ### Ironing Silk Iron silk on low heat while slightly damp, working on the reverse side. Use a pressing cloth between the iron and fabric to prevent shine marks. ### Avoiding Silk Damage Silk is vulnerable to perspiration, which can cause discolouration. Water spots are also common—ironically, the solution is often to rinse the entire garment evenly to eliminate spots. Store silk away from direct light and avoid exposing it to perfume or hairspray, which can stain the delicate fibres. ## Linen Care Linen is surprisingly durable despite its delicate appearance, but proper care maintains its crisp character. ### Washing Linen - Temperature: Cool to warm water (cold for dark colours, up to 40°C for light colours) - Cycle: Gentle cycle with low spin to minimise wrinkling - Detergent: Mild detergent; avoid bleach, which weakens linen fibres Linen becomes softer and more comfortable with each wash—this is desirable, not a sign of damage. ### Drying Linen Remove from the washing machine promptly to minimise wrinkles. Air drying is preferable; if using a tumble dryer, remove while still slightly damp to prevent excessive wrinkling and potential shrinkage. ### Ironing Linen Linen wrinkles are part of its character, and aggressive pressing creates an unnaturally stiff appearance. For a crisp look, iron on high heat while damp. For a relaxed look, minimal ironing or steaming is sufficient. ## Synthetic Fabric Care Modern synthetics (polyester, nylon, elastane blends) are generally low-maintenance but have specific requirements. ### Washing Synthetics - Temperature: Cool water (30°C or below) to prevent heat damage - Cycle: Normal cycle; synthetics are durable - Detergent: Standard detergent works well Synthetic fabrics are prone to holding odours, particularly from perspiration. If regular washing doesn't remove smells, try soaking in a solution of water and white vinegar before washing. ### Drying Synthetics Low heat or no heat tumble drying is safest. High heat can damage synthetic fibres, causing them to warp, shrink, or develop permanent creases. Air drying is always a safe option and extends garment life. ### Ironing Synthetics Low heat only—most synthetics will melt or warp under high heat. Many synthetics don't require ironing at all if removed promptly from the dryer or hung to dry properly. ## Denim Care Denim has its own care traditions, with many enthusiasts advocating minimal washing. ### Washing Denim Raw denim devotees argue that jeans should never be washed—or washed only rarely—to develop authentic fades based on wear patterns. For regular wearers, washing every 5-10 wears is reasonable. - Method: Turn inside out, wash in cold water - Cycle: Gentle cycle - Detergent: Mild or denim-specific detergent To minimise fading, avoid washing with other items that might transfer colour and never use bleach. ### Drying Denim Air drying is best for denim. Hang by the waistband or lay flat. If tumble drying, use low heat and remove promptly to prevent shrinkage. ### Caring for Raw Denim Raw (unwashed) denim is a special case. Many enthusiasts freeze their jeans rather than wash them, claiming this kills bacteria without water damage. The effectiveness of this method is debated. When raw denim is eventually washed (typically after months of wear), it will shrink significantly. Size accordingly when purchasing. ## General Care Tips ### Sorting Laundry - Separate by colour (whites, lights, darks) - Separate by fabric type (delicates from sturdy items) - Check pockets and close zippers - Turn garments inside out to reduce fading and surface wear ### Stain Treatment Address stains promptly—old stains are much harder to remove. Blot (don't rub) to avoid spreading. Test stain removers on inconspicuous areas first. ### Storage Store clean clothes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use appropriate hangers for garment types—padded hangers for delicate items, sturdy hangers for jackets, no hangers for knitwear. ## Conclusion Proper fabric care isn't complicated once you understand basic principles: know your materials, handle delicates gently, avoid excessive heat, and store thoughtfully. These practices protect your clothing investment and ensure your wardrobe serves you well for years to come.