COTTON

Cotton can be hand-washed or machine washed at 30°C. Use a mesh bag for delicate items to prevent snagging or twisting between wash cycles.

Pre-treat stains before washing with a stain remover. For darker pieces, patch test on an inside seam to check the colour won’t be affected.

Hang cotton out to dry, as heat from tumble dryers can cause it to shrink. This also saves energy.

Mend small holes by turning the garment inside out, using a needle and carefully arranging nearby threads to cover the tear. Iron-on fusible interfacing can also disguise damaged fibres.

COTTON BLENDS

Cotton blends offer the comfort of cotton with added durability or stretch. Machine wash on a gentle cycle at 30°C to maintain the integrity of the fabric mix.

As with pure cotton, use a mesh bag to protect against snags. Avoid harsh bleaches or high-heat drying, which may compromise the secondary fibres in the blend.

Air-drying is best to preserve shape and elasticity. If ironing is required, use a low to medium heat setting to avoid melting synthetic components.

DENIM

Denim requires infrequent washing, a few times per season is enough due to its hardwearing nature. Spot clean and ventilate between wears instead.

Wash denim inside out on a gentle machine wash at 30°C or lower to prevent colour fading. Specialist detergents can also be used.

Hang out to dry, as heat from a tumble dryer can cause shrinkage. The weight of the denim will help to pull out any creases.

Hand-stitch a clean rip from the inside, then up and down along the width and length of the tear. Consider cutting old jeans into shorts, rolling and stitching the hems to disguise raw edges.

LINEN

Avoid washing linen and instead ventilate between wears. Only machine wash on a low spin at 30°C to retain the fibre’s strength and any dyes. Use lukewarm water when hand-washing.

Always air-dry. Avoid direct sunlight. Use the steam from a hot shower to help reduce creasing.

Avoid using thin wire hangers or clips that can leave impressions or cause the garment to lose its shape.

POLYESTER

Polyester is durable and resistant to shrinking, making it easy to care for. Machine wash on a warm, gentle cycle.

Use a fabric softener to help reduce static build-up, which is common with synthetic fibres.

Polyester can generally be tumble-dried on a low heat setting, though removing it while slightly damp will help prevent static and deep-set wrinkles. If needed, iron on a cool setting.

SATIN

Satin is a delicate weave that requires careful handling to maintain its lustre and smoothness. Hand-wash in cool water with a gentle detergent, or use a machine’s delicate cycle inside a mesh laundry bag.

Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can damage the fibres. Instead, gently press excess water out using a clean towel.

Always air-dry away from direct sunlight, which can fade the fabric. If you need to iron, use a very low heat setting and iron on the reverse side to protect the glossy finish.

SILK

Avoid washing silk and instead ventilate between wears.

Check the care instructions to machine wash or dry clean. For machine wash, use a low spin and mild detergent. A mesh bag can help protect silk garments from snagging or twisting in the machine.

Lay silk garments within a rolled-up towel to absorb excess moisture. Lay flat or hang to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight. Steam silk as a gentler alternative to ironing but avoid steaming directly onto the seams.

Restore shine and softness to older silk garments in a mild white vinegar bath, which helps remove residual soap in the fibres.