1. Cotton
Washing:
- Machine Wash: Use cold or warm water (up to 30°C or 85°F) to prevent shrinking and fading. Turn the garment inside out to protect prints and colors.
- Detergent: Use a mild detergent.
- Cycle: Select a gentle or normal cycle.
Drying:
- Air Dry: Lay flat on a clean, dry towel or hang to dry to avoid shrinking.
- Avoid: High heat settings in the dryer.
2. Polyester
Washing:
- Machine Wash: Use cold water to prevent color bleeding.
- Detergent: Use a standard laundry detergent.
- Cycle: Opt for a gentle or normal cycle.
Drying:
- Air Dry: Best to air dry to maintain fabric integrity and avoid heat damage.
- Optional: Can use a low heat setting in the dryer if needed.
3. Wool
Washing:
- Hand Wash: Use cool water (30°C or 85°F) and a wool-specific detergent.
- Soak: Gently soak the garment, avoiding agitation to prevent felting.
Drying:
- Air Dry: Lay flat on a towel, reshaping as needed. Avoid hanging to prevent stretching.
4. Denim
Washing:
- Machine Wash: Use cold water to minimize color fading and shrinkage.
- Detergent: Use a mild detergent.
- Cycle: Opt for a gentle or normal cycle.
Drying:
- Air Dry: Hang or lay flat to dry. Avoid the dryer to prevent shrinking and wear.
5. Nylon/Spandex
Washing:
- Machine Wash: Use cold water to prevent damage.
- Detergent: Use a gentle detergent.
- Cycle: Choose a gentle cycle to protect the fabric.
Drying:
- Air Dry: Lay flat or hang to dry. Avoid high heat which can damage elastic fibers.
6. Leather
Cleaning:
- Spot Clean: Use a damp cloth with mild soap for spots. Avoid soaking.
- Condition: Apply a leather conditioner to keep the material supple.
Drying:
- Air Dry: Allow to air dry naturally. Avoid direct heat sources.
7. Fleece
Washing:
- Machine Wash: Use cold water to prevent pilling.
- Detergent: Use a mild detergent.
- Cycle: Opt for a gentle cycle.
Drying:
- Air Dry: Best to air dry to maintain the fleece’s texture. Avoid high heat in the dryer.
General Tips
- Sorting: Always sort laundry by color and fabric type to avoid damage and color bleeding.
- Inside Out: Turn garments inside out to protect prints and colors.
- Zippers & Fastenings: Close zippers and fastenings before washing to avoid snagging.
- Spot Test: For any new or delicate items, do a spot test with the detergent to ensure it doesn’t cause damage.