-
Cotton can be easily laundered. It can withstand high
temperatures (boiling water does not hurt the fiber).
-
Any good detergent can be used to wash cotton.
-
Chlorine bleach can be used safely on cotton whites. Use
color safe bleach on dyed cottons.
-
Since cotton fibers are fairly inelastic, cotton fabrics
may wrinkle easily. And, fabric may need frequent
pressing.
-
However, cotton fabric can be treated with a wrinkle
resistant finish to create a more resilient
fabric/garment. The label will tell you if this finish
has been applied.
-
A higher heat setting is needed in the dryer to dry
cotton. Cotton will take much longer to dry than less
absorbent fibers.
-
Cotton can be ironed with a hot iron, and does not
scorch easily
(For specific
instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.)
Linen:
-
Some linens are washable, while others are dry clean
only. Be sure to check the label.
-
Washable household linens, handkerchiefs, and linen
apparel can be washed easily and become softer with use.
-
White linens should be dried in the sun, if possible, to
help them to keep their whiteness.
-
Generally speaking, dry cleaning is recommended for
drapery linens, upholstery linens and decorative linens.
-
Linen fabrics may need frequent pressing, unless treated
for crease resistance. (Permanent press and soil-release
finishes are now being used effectively on 65% linen/35%
polyester tablecloths, napkins and placemats.)
(For specific
instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.)
Lyocell:
Lyocell garments may be either machine washable and dryable
or dry cleanable. Read the label.
-
Washable lyocell has the strength and ease of care of other
easy-care fabrics.
-
Machine wash and dry at low temperature. Remove from dryer
as soon as the garment is dry.
-
If ironing is required, use a moderately warm iron.
(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in
care label.)
Microfiber:
-
Acrylic, nylon and polyester microfibers are machine
washable, machine dryable or drycleanable
-
Follow the instructions for washing fabrics consisting of
these individual fibers.
(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in
care label.)
Nylon:
Most items made from nylon can be machined washed and
tumbled dried at low temperatures.
-
Use warm water and add a fabric softener to the final rinse
cycle.
-
To minimize static electricity use a dryer sheet when
machine drying.
-
Remove articles from the dryer as soon as the tumbling cycle
is completed.
-
If ironing is required, use a warm iron.
(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in
care label.)
Polyester:
Most items made from polyester can be machine washed and
dried.
-
Use warm water and add a fabric softener to the final rinse
cycle.
-
Machine dry at low temperature setting and remove articles
as soon as the tumbling cycle is complete.
-
If ironing is needed, use a moderately warm iron.
-
Most items made from polyester can be dry-cleaned.
(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in
care label.)
Olefin:
Most items can be washed or dry-cleaned.
-
Most stains can be readily be removed by wiping, using
lukewarm water and detergent.
-
If fabric is machine washed, it should be line dried or
tumbled dried with gentle or no heat.
-
Do not iron.
(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in
care label.)
Rayon:
Most rayon garments should be dry-cleaned, but some types of
fabric and garment construction are such that they can be
hand or machine washed. For washable items, use the
following as a guide:
-
Use mild lukewarm or cool suds. Gently squeeze suds through
the fabric and rinse in lukewarm water. Do not wring or
twist the article.
-
Smooth or shake out the article and place on a non-rust
hanger to dry. Rayon sweaters should be laid flat to dry.
-
Press the article while damp on the wrong side with the iron
at a moderate setting. If finishing on the right side is
required, a press cloth should be used.
-
Between wearings, rayon articles may be pressed with a cool
iron.
(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in
care label.)
Silk:
Only pre-washed silk is washable. Read the label!
-
Dry cleaning is generally preferred, since laundering
detergent and dyes in other clothes may adversely affect
silk fabric.
-
For washable silk, follow the care instructions carefully.
-
For items without linings and without embellishments
attached, careful handwashing is permissable, with mild soap
and lukewarm water.
-
Chlorine bleach should never be used on silk.
-
For long-time storage, silk should be sealed against light,
air and insects.
(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in
care label.)
Spandex:
-
Hand or machine wash in lukewarm water.
-
Do not use chlorine bleach on any fabric containing spandex.
Use a color safe bleach only.
-
Rinse thoroughly.
-
Drip dry. If machine drying, use low temperature setting.
-
If ironing is required, iron rapidly and don't leave the
iron in one place too long. Use a low temperature setting on
the iron.
(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in
care label.)
Wool:
-
Give wool garments a 24-hour rest between wearings. Hang on
shaped or padded hangers, leaving lots of space. In general,
wool fibers will shed wrinkles and return to their orginal
shape
-
Empty pockets, remove belts and hang with closures zipped
and buttoned.
Fold knits.
-
Brush wool to remove surface soil. Use a damp sponge for
knits and finer fabrics.
-
Refresh wool garments quickly after wearing or unpacking by
hanging them in a steamy bathroom. Moisture from the steam
will remove wrinkles.
-
If wool gets wet, dry the garment at room temperature away
from heat. If there's a nap, brush with the nap.
-
Remove spots and stains promptly.
-
Keep moths away by storing wool with fresh cedar blocks.
-
Dry clean once a season (or when stained), and especially
before storing.
-
Always steam when pressing wool. Use the wool setting. Avoid
pressing wool totally dry. When possible, press on the
reverse side of the fabric. When necessary to press on the
right side, use a press cloth to avoid a shine.
-
Lower and
lift the iron, don't slide it back and forth. Prevent
imprinting inside detail by placing a piece of brown paper
or tissue paper under folds, seams or darts.
(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in
care label.)
