How to Wash the 7 Most Common Fabrics

Doing the laundry is not a difficult task. However, when you bring up the ‘Do’s and ‘Do Not’s revolving around the proper washing methods of various fabrics—things may get a little confusing. As a general rule of thumb, always follow the temperature and wash programme selection instructions on the care label to keep your clothes in tiptop condition.

Follow our easy washing tips for different fibres below:

Natural fabrics

1. Cotton

One of the most common and durable fibres around, cotton is absorbent and strong. However, you might want to size up when fitting as all cotton clothes usually shrink by 5–10% during their first wash.

How to wash: Use the Cotton wash programme, with all-purpose detergent.

2. Linen

Linen is a lightweight fabric that comes from flax, a bast fibre taken from plants. It is breathable, making it cool and comfortable to wear even when the weather is extremely hot.

How to wash: Use Delicates wash programme for apparel and Cotton wash programme for household articles like tablecloths.

3. Silk

Known for its thin yet flexible fibres, this shimmery animal fibre has a high moisture absorbency rate, is resistant to abrasion and retains its shape well.

How to wash: Use a Delicates/Silk wash programme, with mild detergent.

4. Wool

Wool is a natural textile fibre obtained from sheep. This material has several great properties including being stain, dirt, and wrinkle-resistant, and also acts an insulator to keep its wearer warm. Pure wool apparels can be very expensive, so be sure to treat them with extra care at all times.

How to wash: Dry-clean, hand-wash in cold water with wool detergent or use the wool programme.

5. Nylon

The first completely synthetic fibre ever developed, nylon is extremely resilient and flexible. Nylon fibres also dry very quickly, making them a common material in swim and active wear.

How to wash: Use a Synthetic/Easy Care wash programme.

6. Polyester

Quality polyester clothing hold their shape well and is wrinkle-resistant. Its fibres also dry extremely quickly—but are unfortunately not as breathable as other fabrics.

How to wash: Use a Synthetic/Easy Care wash programme.

7. Rayon

Rayon shares similar qualities to the natural fibre cotton, but also drapes well and has a soft, silky feel. Dirt does not cling to its smooth fibres and chemicals and perspiration do not weaken it.

How to wash: Use a Delicates/Silk wash programme, with mild detergent.

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