How to properly care for fabrics ? This question can't be answered generally, as it depends on the type of fabric in question. For this reason, it's undoubtedly worth knowing the appropriate specifications and rules for caring for our clothes. Today, I'll share a few tips on how to care for your clothes to ensure they retain their quality for longer. First off, I can say that natural materials such as silk, wool, and linen require special care. In this post, you'll also learn the rules for caring for viscose, micromodal, and Tencel fibers. Enjoy!
1.Laundry
The process that can damage your clothes the quickest is washing, as the wrong temperature or too strong a spin can dramatically change the look of your clothes (shrinking pants, stretching out a sweater – you've probably experienced these unpleasant situations before). Therefore, it's important to follow the instructions presented in the form of pictograms on the label, usually sewn into the side seam. Below is a short, concise list.
At 30 degrees Celsius we wash:
- viscose,
- modal,
- tencel (lyocell),
- acrylic,
- alpaca (unless the label clearly recommends hand washing),
- wool (in this case you have to read the label every time - sometimes at 30 degrees, sometimes only by hand).
At 40 degrees we wash :
- cotton,
- polyester,
- linen.
At 60 degrees we wash:
- towels,
- cloths,
- heavily soiled clothes.
We hand wash:
- cashmere,
- lace underwear.
We dry clean:
- silk (sometimes it can be done by hand, but it all depends on the instructions on the label due to the type of material production, but in most cases it is done chemically),
- woolen fabric (suits, trousers),
- jackets,
- coats,
- formal dresses.
Spinning:
For very delicate fabrics and wool knits, it's best to skip the spin cycle or set the spin speed to the lowest setting possible and squeeze the moisture out into a towel. Important: viscose should be spun at a low speed, as it tends to shrink.
Detergents:
There's a wide range of laundry detergents on the market today. It's worth exploring this topic, as they can prevent side effects of washing, such as color fading.
2. Drying
Tumble drying obviously saves a lot of time, but unfortunately, not all garments can be treated this way, so it's best to check the manufacturer's label for the recommended solution. Some fabrics, such as wool knits, should be dried flat to prevent stretching, and should be squeezed dry in a towel or cloth—don't wring them out, as this can stretch the fibers . Fabrics with saturated colors should not be dried in direct sunlight due to the risk of fading.
3. Ironing
The proper iron temperature also affects the quality of our clothes; individual temperatures correspond to the dots on the temperature dial. Use the lowest temperature for synthetic and artificial materials (micromodal, lyocell, viscose). Iron clothes inside out to avoid fading the material.
4. Storage
How we hang or arrange clothes in the closet also influences the shape and aesthetic appearance of the garment . The best way to avoid creases is to store clothes hanging. However, sweaters are an exception here, as they can stretch, so we fold them. When it comes to hangers, wooden ones are best, as they are more durable than plastic ones. Jackets and coats should be hung on hangers with wide shoulders to avoid shoulder deformation. Bras should be stored unfolded; the cups shouldn't be tucked inside each other.
As you can see, many factors influence the durability of your clothes, from washing to proper storage. However, I believe that every well-cared-for item of clothing will reward you with its aesthetic appeal . If you have any questions about clothing care, leave a comment below!
Anna Ochman Stylist
