When it comes to washing clothes, you want to ensure your favourite pieces last for as long as possible. But to do that, you need to know the difference between various fabrics and how to take proper care of them.
Fabrics come in all shapes and sizes, from crisp cottons and lightweight linens to thick woollen knits. Each one needs its own unique approach when it comes to laundering. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of fabrics and what steps you should take when washing them.
Tips to wash different kinds of fabrics in washing machine
1. Cottons and linens
When it comes to cottons and linens, the key is to check the care label. The fabric itself is usually easy to identify, but the care instructions may vary. The tag will tell you whether you should machine wash, hand wash, or dry clean; whether it’s safe to use bleach; and what temperature to use when washing and drying.
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It’s also important to note the fabric weight before washing cotton and linens. Heavier items may require more time and a lower temperature when washing. When drying cotton and linen fabrics, avoid heat as much as possible. They can be dried in a machine on a low setting or hung out to dry.
Finally, when ironing cottons and linens, make sure that you’re using the appropriate setting for the fabric weight. A lower setting for lightweight fabrics and a higher setting for heavier fabrics. Take extra care with delicate items like lace, which should always be ironed on the lowest setting.
2. Synthetic fabrics
Washing synthetic fabrics is a bit different from washing natural fabrics. Synthetic fabrics tend to be more delicate, so you need to take extra special care when washing them. Use a gentle setting on the washing machine. Synthetic fabrics should be washed in cold to lukewarm water, and always in a large load size. Use a mild detergent and never use bleach or fabric softener.
Never wring out the garments – not only will this damage the fabric, but it can also cause wrinkles that will be difficult to remove later. You should also avoid using hot water or high temperatures when drying them. When in doubt, turn clothes inside out before washing them and use a gentle cycle on the machine. This can help to protect the fabric from snagging or stretching during the wash cycle.
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Tips for washing delicate fabrics
Check labels: Before you start washing your clothes, always check the labels for instructions on how to proceed. The labels will tell you what type of wash to use, whether the fabric should be hung dry or machine dried and if it should be ironed or dry-cleaned.
Use cold water: When laundering delicate fabrics like silk, use cold water and an extra gentle cycle on your washing machine – or even better, hand wash them. After they’ve been washed, hang the items up to air-dry away from direct sunlight or heaters.
Invest in a quality detergent: Choose a quality detergent that is designed specifically for delicate fabrics. It’s also a good idea to use a mild fabric conditioner to maintain the softness of the material. This is especially important when caring for delicate fabrics like silk, linen or cashmere. It pays off to invest some extra time and effort after your clothes to ensure they stay in excellent condition and look their best after each wash.
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Sambit Satpathy
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