Garment Care

🏷️1. Read the care label

The label inside the garment is the most accurate instruction there is. Learn the symbols before the first wash.

• ✓A tub with a number = recommended water temperature (30°, 40°, 60°). Lower number = more delicate fabric.
• ✓A hand in a tub = hand wash only.
• ✓A tub with an X = do not machine wash — dry-clean or hand wash.
• ✓A triangle = bleaching. A crossed-out triangle = no bleach.
• ✓A square with a circle = tumble dry OK; dots inside = heat level.
• ✓An iron with dots = ironing heat (one dot = low heat, for delicates).
• ✓A circle = professional dry-clean only.

🧺2. Sorting before washing

• ✓Separate whites, lights and darks — new dark colours tend to bleed in the first few washes.
• ✓Sort by temperature and fabric: delicates (silk, lace, wool) apart from heavy items (denim, towels).
• ✓Turn coloured, printed and denim items inside out to protect colour and print.
• ✓Close zippers and buttons and empty pockets — an open zipper tears other fabrics.
• ✓Wash underwear, socks and small delicates in a mesh laundry bag.
• ✓Don’t overload the machine — clothes need room to move to get clean.

🧵3. Washing by fabric type

Every fabric has its own character. Here’s how to treat the common ones.

• ✓Cotton: durable, 40° is fine (whites up to 60°). Shrinks slightly in high heat and the dryer — buy a touch larger or air-dry.
• ✓Linen: wash gently at 30°/cold, remove damp and hang — it creases beautifully and that’s part of the charm.
• ✓Wool & cashmere: hand wash in cold water with mild soap, no rubbing or wringing. Dry flat on a towel — never hang (it stretches).
• ✓Silk: gentle cold hand wash with mild shampoo, rinse well, roll in a towel and dry in the shade. No dryer, no wringing.
• ✓Denim (jeans): wash inside out, cold, and rarely — that’s how the colour lasts for years. Hang to dry instead of tumbling.
• ✓Polyester & synthetics: 30°–40°, dry fast, iron on low heat only (high heat melts the fibre).
• ✓Viscose/rayon: very delicate when wet — hand wash or a cold gentle cycle, no wringing.
• ✓Lace & embellished items: mesh bag + gentle cycle, or hand wash.
• ✓Leather & suede: keep out of water. Wipe with a damp cloth, use a suede brush, and take tough stains to a specialist dry cleaner.

🌬️4. Drying

• ✓Air-drying is almost always better — saves power, extends fabric life and prevents shrinkage.
• ✓Hang shirts on a hanger to avoid stretch marks; lay sweaters flat.
• ✓Don’t dry dark colours in direct sun — it fades them.
• ✓In the dryer: choose low heat, take items out slightly damp and fold right away to avoid creases.
• ✓A wool dryer ball shortens drying time and softens without chemical softener.
• ✓Avoid the dryer for elastane/Lycra blends — heat ruins the stretch.

🔥5. Ironing

• ✓Iron to the fabric: linen/cotton — high heat + steam; silk/synthetic — low heat, inside out.
• ✓Iron while the fabric is still slightly damp — easier and smooths creases effortlessly.
• ✓Delicate fabrics: place a thin cloth (cotton rag) between the iron and the garment.
• ✓Prints and embroidery: always iron from the inside.
• ✓No steam iron? Hang the garment in the bathroom during a hot shower — the steam relaxes creases.

💧6. Removing common stains

The golden rule: act immediately, blot (don’t rub), and only wash after the stain is gone — heat sets a stain.

• ✓Red wine: blot, sprinkle salt/baking soda, rinse with cold water; in a pinch — sparkling water.
• ✓Oil/food: sprinkle talc or flour to absorb, then dish soap directly on the stain before washing.
• ✓Sweat & yellowing: soak in cold water with vinegar or baking soda before washing.
• ✓Makeup: a wipe or a little makeup remover, then mild soap.
• ✓Blood: cold water only (hot sets it), and soak with a little hydrogen peroxide for whites.
• ✓White deodorant marks: rub off with a nylon stocking or a damp cloth.
• ✓Chewing gum: harden with an ice cube, then peel off gently.

🗄️7. Folding, hanging & storage

• ✓Sweaters and knits — fold, don’t hang (a hanger stretches the shoulders).
• ✓Suits, coats and draped dresses — hang on a proper hanger.
• ✓Vertical (KonMari) folding saves space and lets you see everything in the drawer.
• ✓Store in a dry, ventilated closet; moisture causes mould and odour.
• ✓Against moths: lavender or cedar instead of mothballs; store wool clean (moths are drawn to stains).
• ✓Seasonal items — wash before storing, and keep in breathable fabric bags (not sealed plastic).
• ✓Don’t store clothes on thin wire hangers long-term — they deform the shoulders.

⏳8. Making clothes last

• ✓Wash less: airing a garment between wears is usually enough.
• ✓Wool pills — remove with a fabric shaver or a gentle razor.
• ✓Sew a loose button right away — prevents loss and bigger damage.
• ✓Shoes — rotate pairs and let them air a day between wears.
• ✓Cold washing (30°) protects colours, fibres and your bill.
• ✓Less fabric softener — it coats fibres and hurts the absorbency of towels and activewear.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature is safest for washing?

30° suits most clothes — it protects colours and fibres and saves energy. Whites and towels can go 40°–60°.

How do I wash wool and cashmere without shrinking them?

Hand wash cold with mild soap, no rubbing or wringing, and dry flat on a towel — not on a hanger.

How do I keep my jeans’ colour?

Wash inside out, cold, rarely, and hang to dry instead of tumbling.

What do I do with a fresh oil stain?

Sprinkle talc or flour to absorb, rub a little dish soap on the stain, and only then wash — no hot water, which sets it.