Fabric Care
According to Whirlpool research, the average consumer washes seven loads
of laundry each week. With an estimated retail value of $175 per load,
you are probably washing about $1200 worth of clothing each week. This
guide on caring for a variety of different fabrics, will help you get
the most out of your clothing.
Always read the care label of your garment prior to laundering.
A man-made fabric, acetate was designed both to drape well and to clean
easily.
Cleaning:
Rinse the garment in cold water
to dilute any stains. Machine wash in warm water using the gentle cycle.
When hand washing, use care not to wring or twist garments. Wringing
garments in the hand wash process may damage the fibers. Acetate fibers
are very delicate. Avoid extremes such as heat, hot water and soaking
acetate fabrics.
Drying:
After cleaning, reshape
garments and lie flat to dry.
Iron:
Press while the
garment is still damp and inside out using a cool iron. If necessary to
iron on the outside of the garment, use a pressing cloth.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
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Probably the most common fabric in your closet — cotton fabrics require
a few simple care tips to keep looking newer, longer.
While the
care information for all cotton fabrics is similar, garments should be
separated by weight. Lightweight cottons like tee shirts and knits
should be washed and dried separately from heavier fabrics like denim.
Cleaning:
Machine wash in a water temperature appropriate for the
colour of the load. Use a wash cycle that is appropriate for the
construction of the items in the load. Use a gentle cycle for loosely
woven or knitted cotton garments.
Drying:
Tumble
dry while dryer drum is cool and use low heat settings or as recommended
on care label. Alternatively, reshape the garment and lie flat to dry.
Iron:
Use the cotton setting on a warm iron while the garment is
still damp.
Storage:
Cotton is sensitive to mildew
and acid. Dry garment thoroughly before storing. Store in a cool dry
place out of direct sunlight.
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In the last couple of years, leather clothing has been everywhere — from
your local mall to the fashion runways abroad. While leather cannot be
washed, it can be effectively cared for if you follow these tips.
Cleaning:
Consulting a specialist is recommended for cleaning
leather garments. Gently blot liquid stains with a clean cloth or wipe
with a clean, damp cloth. For mildew stains on leather garments, apply
antiseptic mouthwash to the affected area.
Drying:
If your leather becomes wet, allow it to dry naturally at room
temperature. Machine drying and general dry cleaning are not recommended
for leather fabrics.
Iron:
If ironing is
necessary, place heavy brown paper over the leather and use a cool to
medium iron. Avoid overheating leather, which will cause it to shine.
Wrinkles and creases in leather should fall out when garments are hung.
Storage:
Hang leather apparel on wide wooden, plastic or padded
hangers to help maintain shape. Store leather in a well-ventilated,
cool, dry place. Avoid hot areas, such as attics; or damp areas, such as
cellars. Cover leather garments with breathable cloth, such as a cotton
sheet, when storing. Plastic bags or coverings may cause excessive
drying. Avoid exposing leather to direct sunlight or heat for prolonged
periods of time.
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A summertime favourite, your linen clothing can be kept looking its best
if you follow these guidelines.
Cleaning:
Be sure
to check the care label in the garment for washable linen. Machine wash
linen garments in a temperature appropriate for the colour of the item.
As linen is highly absorbent (it can absorb twice its weight in water
before it drips) it soaks up more water during the wash cycle than most
other fibers. It therefore cleans more thoroughly when the machine is
not packed to capacity.
Drying:
Dry white linens
in the sun when possible to help them stay white. Tumble dry on low or
hang dry.
Iron:
Linen may require frequent
ironing. Use the steam setting on a hot iron with the garment inside out
first to eliminate creases, and then on the outside if you wish to
enhance the fabric's natural sheen.
Storage:
Store
in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Hang linen garments in
plastic bags if possible to prevent wrinkling in storage.
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Not all rayon garments should be treated the same way — check these tips
for cleaning your rayon favourites.
Cleaning:
Check the garment label for recommended cleaning method. For washable
rayon, use the gentle cycle of the washing machine with cool water.
Rayon fibers are weak and require careful handling. Remove rayon
garments from the washing machine immediately and reshape to minimize
wrinkling and maintain the garment's life.
Drying:
To remove excess water after cleaning, roll the garment in a towel, then
reshape and hang on a padded hanger to dry.
Iron:
Use the steam setting on a warm iron and a dry pressing cloth on the
inside of the garment when necessary.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry place out of direct
sunlight.
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Silk has long been a luxury fabric, but that doesn't mean it has to stay
locked up in your closet. Follow these guidelines and you can keep your
silk garments looking new for years.
Cleaning:
Check the care label of the garment for washable silk as only pre-washed
silk is washable. For washable silk, machine wash using the hand wash or
silk cycle with cool water. When hand washing washable silk garments,
use mild soap and lukewarm water.
Drying:
Reshape
the garment after washing and hang dry or lie flat to dry. Check the
care label of the garment for washable silk as only pre-washed silk can
be machine dried. If recommended for machine drying, tumble dry on the
gentle cycle on low heat.
Iron:
Use a delicate
setting on a cool iron.
Storage:
Store in a cool,
dry place sealed against light, air and insects.
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