How to properly wash and maintain your clothes
Take care of your clothes when it's time to wash them through these ways:
1. Wash them less. Most clothes can be worn at least two to three times more before laundry.
2. Wash in cold water to prevent shrinkage
3. Hand wash when you can, especially for delicate fabrics.
4. Do not put too much fabric detergents and softeners.
5. Pay attention to care labels. They provide specific washing and drying instructions.
Buying perfectly fitting clothes is one thing, maintaining them is another.
With outfits that took the time and effort to choose, it makes sense to understand how to take care of them when it’s time for laundry. There are various types of fabrics with their specific washing and drying requirements. High-risk fabrics are those that are prone to shrinkage, fading, and damage when not properly cared for.
In this blog, we will take a closer look at high-risk fabrics and what you need to look for when washing and drying your clothes.
Cotton
A common piece of clothing for any wardrobe providing comfort and versatility. It has a soft and breathable material which makes it a popular choice for everyday wear. Even though it’s one of the most durable clothing materials out there, Cotton is still a high-risk fabric that is prone to shrinkage when not properly cared for.
Make your favorite cotton garments last longer by:
1. Wash in cold water and avoid using hot water.
2. Avoid harsh detergents and fabric softeners to prevent fabric damage and color fading.
3. Lastly, when drying, hang cotton garments to dry or use a gentle tumble, low heat dry cycle to avoid shrinkage.
Wool
Usually created for coats, jackets, sweaters, hats, scarves, Wool is a natural insulator and provides warmth in cold weather but is lightweight enough to be worn in warmer temperatures. The clothing material requires special care as it is made with natural fibers which can become fuzzy overtime.
1. Wash the material separately as some wool fibers release dye when washed.
2. Just like cotton, washing this fabric requires using cold water and gentle detergents to avoid shrinkage. We also recommend hand washing your clothes or using a gentle cycle (unless specifically advised to dry clean).
3. Wool is a delicate fiber that can stretch and lose its shape if handled too roughly. When washing, it’s important to avoid wringing or twisting the fabric to prevent stretching.
4. Instead of hanging, lay wool garments flat to dry to retain shape.
Silk
An outfit that’s worn for formal or special occasions such as weddings, parties, and gala events providing a luxurious appearance due to its elegant sheen. It is a very delicate and sensitive fabric, easily loses its shape and lustrous shine if not handled properly.
1. Due to its thin material, hand washing is the best option using cold water and gentle detergent or just dry clean to prevent damage.
2. Hang silk garments to dry or use a low heat gentle tumble dry cycle.
3. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or heat sources to keep silk clothing looking its best.
Linen
Often used for the summer as it absorbs faster than cotton, it can be transformed into any outfit from button down shirts, long dresses/skirts, and pants, Linen is your go-to outfit when you want a loose and breathable fabric.
To properly care for your linen garments, follow these instructions:
1. Use cold water partnered with gentle detergent
2. Use a gentle tumble dry cycle or Hang/lay flat to dry
3. As the material has a tendency to wrinkle when washed, it’s important to iron linen clothing while still damp to flatten the creases
Before washing and drying high-risk fabrics, pay attention to the care labels on the garments. The care labels will provide you with specific washing and drying instructions for each type of fabric. Remember to follow the recommended washing and drying temperatures, as well as the suggested detergents and fabric softeners.
Another key aspect of clothing care is the use of fabric softeners. While fabric softeners can make your clothes feel soft and fresh, they can also damage high-risk fabrics. Fabric softeners can cause shrinkage, fading, and damage to the fabric, so it would be best to avoid using them on high-risk fabrics.
In conclusion, it is important to take proper care of your clothes, especially high-risk fabrics. By following the recommended washing and drying instructions, you can maintain the longevity and appearance of your garments. Whether you are washing cotton, wool, silk, or linen, pay attention to the care labels, use gentle detergents, and avoid harsh fabric softeners. By taking proper care of your clothes, you can ensure that they look great and last for years to come.