Before diving into any fabric care recommendations, it is important to take into account the instructions provided on the labels. And if in doubt, you can consult the professionals at Flamentex.
When caring for fabrics, it is crucial to differentiate between two major types:
- Natural fibers, whether plant-based or animal-based.
- Artificial or synthetic fibers.
You should also consider whether they are white, pale, or vibrant in color to preserve the color's brightness, as well as whether spinning, tumble drying, and ironing temperature, as indicated on the label, are suitable.
Cotton
This is one of the most commonly used and easy-to-wash materials. It tolerates high temperatures and long spin cycles, though higher temperatures increase the likelihood of shrinkage. It can be ironed at high temperatures.
Linen
This material benefits from washing, as the outer layer of the fiber is renewed, giving it shine and softness. However, the more aggressive the detergent and higher the temperature, the faster the fabric will deteriorate. Neutral detergents without bleach are recommended. To make ironing easier, limit spinning, although it does not affect soft linens. For ironing, it can tolerate high temperatures and is best ironed while still damp.
Silk
Known for its delicacy, it is recommended to wash by hand or, if necessary, in a machine using delicate garment programs, in cold water, and with neutral soap. Avoid spinning and tumble drying. For drying, lay flat and in the shade.
Rayon
Also called “artificial silk,” it can be machine washed at a maximum temperature of 40ºC without spinning or tumble drying to avoid deformation. Iron at medium temperature and dry clean if indicated on the label.
Wool
Made from animal fiber, this fabric should be washed in cold water using a delicate program. Higher temperatures increase the likelihood of shrinkage. Do not use spinning or tumble drying and lay flat to dry to prevent deformation. Follow the ironing instructions on the label.
Polyester
A naturally durable fabric, it can be machine washed at medium temperatures unless otherwise stated on the label. It also tolerates spinning, tumble drying, and ironing, all at low temperatures.
Denim
A very durable material, precautions should be taken to ensure the garment does not bleed dye, so it is recommended to wash it separately and inside out (to prevent stains on the garment itself). It allows spinning and ironing, preferably while still damp.
Elastane/Spandex
Although it can be machine washed, it is recommended to avoid hot water and bleach to prevent fiber damage. Unless otherwise specified on the label, tumble drying should be avoided to prevent deformation. For ironing, quick ironing at medium temperatures is suitable.
Acetate
Due to its drape, it is often blended with other fibers, so it may bleed depending on the blend. Read the label and wash in cold water, without spinning, and separately. Being a weak fiber, it can be damaged by heat or twisting. Iron at low temperatures and with a cloth to preserve its shine.
Knitwear
Due to its nature, it should be washed by hand or in a delicate, short, cold cycle. Liquid soap is recommended, and aggressive products should be avoided. To prevent deformation, lay flat to dry, as its weight can distort the fabric. For the same reason, it is recommended to store folded, as hangers can also cause deformations.
Terry Cloth
Although it tolerates high temperatures, it is recommended to wash separately to avoid color loss. It can also shed lint easily. Suitable for tumble drying.
Velvet
Preferably dry-clean, though label instructions may allow for short washing machine cycles if it is not pure velvet. For ironing, it is important to iron on marble to prevent deformation.
Cashmere
Recommended to wash by hand and in cold water with neutral soaps. Lay flat to dry to prevent deformation and iron at low temperatures with a cloth for protection.
Poplin
Being a commercial designation, it does not refer to a specific fiber but can be made from cotton, wool, viscose, polyester, or a blend of fabrics. Therefore, follow the label instructions or, if unavailable, based on the composition. In the absence of this information, it is recommended to wash in cold water, using a short and delicate cycle with neutral detergent.