With so many fabrics now on the market, it pays to know how to keep your clothes and fabrics in the best possible shape.
Here are some helpful tips on how to handle certain fabrics.
Acetate
General: Usually best dry cleaned. If laundering is indicated as an option, here’s what to do:
Washing
Hand wash in warm water with mild suds. Do not soak coloured items.
Drying
Do not twist or wring out the garment.
Circular knits should be laid flat to dry.
Ironing
Whilst still damp, press on the wrong side with a cool iron. If finishing the right side, use a pressing cloth.
Additional care points
Be aware, acetate is adversely affected by acetone and other organic solvents, such as nail polish remover and perfumes containing such solvents.
Lyocell
General: Lyocell garments may be either machine washed and dried or dry cleaned, so check the label.
Washing
Machine wash at low temperatures.
Drying
Tumble dry at low temperatures and remove from dryer as soon as the garment is dry.
Ironing
Should ironing be required, use a moderately warm iron.
Polyolefin
General: Most items made from polyolefin can be washed or dry cleaned.
Washing
Most stains can easily be removed by sponging with lukewarm water and detergent or machine washing.
Drying
This fabric should be line dried or tumble dried with gentle or no heat.
Ironing
This fabric cannot be ironed.
Rayon
General: Majority of rayon garments should be dry cleaned, but some can be hand or machine washed.
Washing
Use mild lukewarm or cool suds. Gently squeeze suds through the fabric and rinse in lukewarm water.
Drying
Do not wring or twist the garment. Smooth or shake out the item and place on non-rust hanger to dry. Make sure that Rayon sweaters are laid flat to dry.
Ironing
While still damp, press the wrong side of the fabric with the iron at a moderate setting. If finishing on the right side, use a pressing cloth. Between wearings, rayon articles may be pressed with a cool iron.
Spandex
Washing
Hand or machine wash in lukewarm water and rinse thoroughly.
Drying
Drip dry or if tumble drying, use a low temperature setting.
Ironing
Iron quickly on a cool setting and never leave the iron in one place for too long.
Additional care points
Do not use chlorine bleach on any fabric containing spandex; only colour-safe bleach.
Triacetate
General: Articles containing triacetate require little care, mainly because of the fibre's resistance to heat.
Washing
Pleated garments are best hand washed. Most other garments containing 100% triacetate can be machine washed.
Ironing
A high temperature setting may be used.
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