Before we start sharing our recommendations, important to read labels and follow instructions. If you have any doubts, don't hesitate to get in touch with our team of experts.
When it comes to taking care of your fabrics, it is very important to differentiate between two main categories:
- Natural fibers, whether vegetable or animal.
- Artificial or synthetic fibers.
In addition, it is important to note whether the fabric colour is white, pale, or intense, in order to maintain the vividness of the colour. Other aspects to take into account is know if you can use the washing machine's centrifuge, tumble dryer and the temperature for ironing.
Cotton
It is one of the most used materials, very easy to wash. It allows high temperatures and a long spin cycle, although, at higher temperatures, the fabric is more likely to shrink. Cotton can also be ironed at high temperatures.
Linen
This material is benefits from washing, as the outer layer of the fiber is renewed, giving it shine and softness. However, if a more aggressive detergent is used at higher temperatures, the fabric will deteriorate faster. It is recommended to use neutral detergents without bleaching. Additionally, for the best ironing results, it is recommended to limit the spin cycle, although soft linens are not affected by this. When ironing, linen can withstand high temperatures and it is advisable to iron the fabric while it is still wet.
Silk
Well known for its delicate nature, it is recommended that silk items should be washed by hand. If using a washing machine, choose cold settings for delicate clothing, together with a neutral soap. It is recommended to avoid spin cycles and tumble drying. Instead, the fabric should be dried horizontally in the shade.
Rayon
Also known as "artificial silk", it can be cleaned in the washing machine at a maximum temperature of 40ºC, without using a spin cycle or tumble dryer, in order to avoid damage. It should be ironed at a medium temperature. Dry cleaning can also be possible, depending on the label's specifications.
Wool
This animal fiber fabric should be washed using a cold and delicate setting. At higher temperatures, there will be more risk of the fabric shrinking. It is not advised to use spin cycles or a tumble dryer. Dry horizontally to avoid damaging the fabric. For ironing, follow the label's instructions carefully.
Polyester
A highly resistant fabric. It can withstand washing machines at a medium temperature unless stated otherwise on the label. It also allows spin cycles, tumble drying and ironing, all of which should be at a low temperature.
Denim fabric
A very resistant material. For this fabric, there is a danger of colors running during the washing process. In order to avoid this happening, wash the items separately and inside out (to avoid stains in the fabric itself). The fabric can withstand spin cycles, and when ironing, it should preferably be when the fabric is still wet.
Elastane/ Spandex
Even if you can use a washing machine, it is recommended to avoid hot water and bleach, in order not to damage the fibers. Unless stated differently on the label, it is advisable to avoid tumble drying as it can cause further damage. When ironing, it is best to do so quickly, at a medium temperature.
Acetate fabrics
Due to its high draping quality, acetate is usually mixed with other fibers. Unfortunately, depending on the mixture it can sometimes cause colors to run. It is important to read the label and to wash with cold water, separately and without spin cycles. As it is a weak fiber, it can easily be damaged by high temperatures and rough handling. Iron at a low temperature, covering the fabric with a cloth, in order to maintain its shine.
Knitwear
Due to their nature, they have to be hand-washed or if using a washing machine, at a delicate short setting with cold water. It is recommended to use liquid soap and to avoid aggressive products. To avoid causing any damage, dry horizontally, as otherwise, the fabric's own weight could cause deformities. For that same reason, it is recommended to store folded as hangers could also have the same effect.
Plush
Despite being able to wash this fabric at high temperatures, it is recommended to do so separately to maintain the color's vividness. This fabric can also easily release fluff. Tumble drying is permitted.
Velvet
WDry-washing is preferable. When the fabric is not pure velvet, label instructions can also recommend using the washing machine on short settings. As for ironing, it is important to iron on marble in order to avoid deforming the fabric.
Cashmere
It is recommended to wash by hand with cold water and neutral soaps. Dry horizontally to avoid deforming the fabric and iron at a low temperature, covering it with a cloth for protection.
Poplin
AThis refers to a commercial trade name, so it's not any kind of specific fiber: it can be made from cotton, wool, viscose, polyester or a mixture of fabrics. Follow label instructions, or, the instruction depending on the composition. If you don't have that information, it is recommended to wash with cold water, with a short setting and a neutral detergent.