Cotton Fabric

Cotton is a natural fibre that gives maximum comfort and versatility.

The chances of cotton shrinking are relatively high. Use cold water to wash any cotton fabric. For drying in a machine, always use low to medium temperature.

 

Linen Fabric

Linen is also a widely used natural fibre. It is made from the flax plant. Linen absorbs more water than other fibres, so it is important to use appropriate water levels when washing, especially for dyed linen.

While ironing linen, iron from the inside out using steam at high temperatures. It is ideal to use cool water for washing and let it air dry.

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Rayon Fabric

Rayon is described as a semi-natural fabric. Like cotton, rayon fabric consists of natural plant fibres. But, like nylon and polyester, rayon is manufactured using many synthetic chemicals. Depending on what plant fibers and chemicals are used, many forms of rayon carry labels such as viscose, lyocell, or modal rayon.

Rayon may shrink significantly in hot water or a dryer, and is prone to wrinkles if washed that way. It is best to wash rayon fabrics by hand in cool water and let them air dry.

 

Polyester Fabric

Most polyester fabrics can be washed either by hand or machine. You can use cold or warm water for this unless

special instructions are given.

For drying, use low heat. The item should be removed from the dryer while it is still a little damp in order to avoid wrinkles and static build-up. While ironing, only use low heat, because polyester melts under a hot iron.

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Wool Fabric

Like most natural fibres, wool and wool blends have a tendency to shrink when washed or dried with heat.

Wool garments should be washed on the wool setting, or if your washing machine does not have a wool cycle, use the cold water wash or wash cycle for delicates. Use a neutral, mild detergent that is preferably recommended for wool fabrics. It is recommended that garments are flat dried after washing.

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Silk Fabric

Normally silk is best washed by hand in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Rinse well, squeeze out surplus moisture by rolling in a towel and hang to dry. Never soak, boil, bleach or wring silk or leave it crumpled in a towel. Do not let silk become too dirty before washing, as hard rubbing damages the fibres.

Dry silk away from the sun or direct heat. Press on the wrong side with a warm iron. Slubbed fabrics and crepes should be pressed when dry and others when slightly (and evenly) damp. Finish off lightly on the right side. When pressing silk with a slub, use a pressing cloth, otherwise the silk may become fluffy. Do not press with steam or re-damp the silk locally, as water staining may occur. If the silk water-stains, then dip the garment in warm water for 2-3 minutes, dry and re-iron.

For textured silk such as brocade, crepe, multi-colour prints, or badly soiled fabric, it is best to take the finished garment to be dry-cleaned. Make sure to tell the cleaner what caused the stain.

 

Spandex Fabric

Spandex adds a little bit of stretch to the material. Most of the time, it is added in small quantities with other fabrics.

You can wash spandex fabrics either by hand or machine. But avoid hot water and chlorine bleach because it will damage the spandex fibres. Lay flat to dry and avoid machine drying. The heat of the dryer can cause puckering or bubbles to appear. For ironing, avoid direct hot surfaces. Iron quickly with warm temperature.

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Embellished Fabric

Embellished fabric of any fibre content with embroidered patterns, sequins or beads, should be washed by hand in cool water. Lay flat or hang to dry.