Proper care keeps clothes looking better longer. Always check the garment's care label first - these are general guidelines by fabric type.
Washing by Fabric
- Cotton - machine wash cool/warm; tumble dry low. Avoid hot water to prevent shrinking.
- Denim - wash cold, inside out, infrequently; hang dry to preserve color.
- Silk - hand wash cool with gentle detergent, or dry clean; never wring.
- Linen - machine wash lukewarm gentle; line dry or tumble low.
- Wool - hand wash cold or wool cycle; dry flat to keep shape.
- Polyester / synthetics - machine wash cool; tumble dry low; they dry quickly and resist wrinkles.
Drying Tips
- Line drying is gentlest and saves energy; it works well for most fabrics.
- Remove clothes from the dryer while slightly damp to reduce wrinkles.
- Never tumble dry silk, delicate lace, or structured garments.
Reading Care Labels
Care symbols are standardized: a washtub means washing, a triangle means bleaching, a square means drying, an iron means ironing, and a circle means dry cleaning. When in doubt, choose the gentler option.
Explore more: Fabric Directory | Fabric Industry Guide
Learn about shrinkage.