Correct fabric care for the garments in your life is crucial to ensure their longevity and maintain the integrity of your wardrobe. Understanding the nuances of each fabric type is crucial for proper fabric care and knowing when to steer clear of water and head to your local dry cleaner will help you in the long run. I've put together a best practices guide in fabric care that will maintain your garments for years and years. Always remember to refer the fabric care label on your garment first.

The key to keeping your whites white and your coloureds bright is to wash with like colours and to wash your coloured items in cold water.

WASHING

Cotton is a durable fabric and will be a staple fabric in most wardrobes. Machine washing with warm or cold water is generally safe for cotton garments. Utilize fabric care by using a mild detergent to preserve the fabric's integrity, steering clear of harsh chemicals or bleach. To prevent shrinking and preserve color vibrancy, it's advisable to wash cotton items inside out on a gentle cycle. For drying, air drying is recommended, and if you must tumble dry, drying on low heat is recommended to minimize shrinkage and wrinkles.

STORING

As part of proper fabric care, your cotton clothes should be hung or folded neatly and put in a box or dresser to prevent wrinkles and give them space to breathe. Cotton can absorb strong smells, so clothes need to be fully dry before they are stored to avoid any unpleasant odors developing over time.

WASHING

Luxurious and delicate, silk warrants gentle fabric care. Hand wash silk garments in cold water using a mild detergent or baby shampoo. Prolonged soaking or the use of harsh chemicals should be avoided, as they can compromise the fabric's integrity. Gently squeeze out excess water and lay the garment flat on a towel to dry away from direct sunlight. If ironing is necessary, opt for a low setting, and if the fabric is particularly delicate, use a cloth as a barrier to prevent damage.

STORING
Due to its susceptibility to wrinkles, it's best to store your silk garments on hangers. Always ensure your silk pieces are stored in a cool, dry location, away from direct sunlight. Silk needs to breathe so avoid prolonged storage in tightly sealed plastic bags. 

WASHING

Delicate natural fibers like wool needs special attention to maintain their softness and shape.  Correct fabric care is paramount when dealing with wool garments. Handwashing in cool water with a gentle wool detergent is the safest approach. Some wool may shrink if hand-washed, so it is important to check the care tag first and dry clean if required. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can lead to stretching or damage. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and lay the garment flat on a towel to dry. Reshaping the item while damp is crucial to prevent distortion. Refrain from hanging wool garments, as this may cause them to lose shape.

STORING
To look after your wool garments, it's crucial to ensure it retains its shape. Due to its propensity to stretch when hung, it's advisable to fold all wool clothing. However, wool outerwear such as coats and pants can be hung if needed. To safeguard the garment's shape, consider padded coat hangers, which offer additional support and prevent stretching, ensuring correct fabric care.

WASHING

Synthetic fabrics, valued for their durability and ease of care, can withstand machine washing in cool to warm water with a mild detergent. Fabric care is crucial to ensure the longevity of synthetic garments. Avoid high heat settings, as they can induce pilling or melting of the fabric. Opt for a gentle cycle and avoid overloading the washing machine to mitigate wrinkles and creases. Air drying or laying flat to dry is recommended, as synthetic fabrics dry quickly and may shrink in the dryer.

STORING

Synthetic fabrics are sensitive to prolonged light so store in a cool dark, ventilated wardrobe. Delicate fabrics like rayon can degrade at high temperatures so keep them away from heaters.

WASHING

Derived from natural materials such as wood pulp, viscose and rayon possess a delicate nature as they are prone to shrinking, losing their shape and bleeding colour. It's advisable to prioritize fabric care by opting for a gentle machine wash with cool water. Use a mild detergent and steer clear of harsh chemicals or bleach. To preserve the fabric's shape and elasticity, air dry them or if needed, reshape garments while damp and lay them flat to dry. Avoid the use of a dryer or wringing out excess water, as it can compromise the fibers.

STORING
Hang your semi-synthetic garments to minimize creasing as they are prone to do so. If you must fold, do not fold in sharp creases or overstuff your draws as this may break the fibres.

WASHING

Leather necessitates specialized fabric care to retain its texture and appearance. Avoid washing leather garments in water, as it may lead to stiffening, staining or cracking. Instead, spot clean stains with a damp cloth and mild soap, promptly wiping dry. Regular application of a leather conditioner or moisturizer is recommended to maintain suppleness. 

STORING

Store leather items in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and damage. Hang your leather items up rather than folding as this may create permanent creases in the garment. 

WASHING

Breathable and durable, linen and hemp fabrics are best cared for with a fabric care routine that includes a machine wash in cool to warm water using a mild detergent. Opt for a gentle cycle and avoid overloading the washing machine to minimize wrinkles and creases. Air drying or laying flat to dry is preferred, as these fabrics dry quickly and may shrink in the dryer. Ironing on a high setting while slightly damp can impart a crisp finish.

STORING
Hang your linen fabrics up as they are prone to creasing. 

WASHING

Blended yarns, with their various fibers can be confusing the care for. Adhere to the care instructions of the most delicate fiber in the blend. For instance, if a garment comprises a blend of cotton and polyester, follow the washing guidelines for cotton. Avoid the use of bleach or harsh chemicals that could compromise any of the fibers in the blend.

STORING

Store your garments with blended yarns as you would for the most delicate fibre in the blend.

Now that you know the basic fabric care principles, you can wear your garments with pride and know you are doing the very best you can to give your garments the respect they deserve. Always consult the fabric care label and if you are unsure, conduct a patch test with new cleaning products before applying them to your clothing.