General Fabric Care

As a general rule you should always follow the basic guidelines contained on the care label of each fabric. However, in order to fully understand the complexity of textile care and apply the correct washing procedure, certain factors should be taken into consideration. Needless to say, if in doubt we recommend you consult a professional.

First of all you should familiarize yourself with the composition of the fabric, in other words whether it is made of natural (vegetable or animal), artificial or synthetic fibre. Following this, we should then classify the fabric into whites or coloureds and then, in the case of the latter, into pale or dark. The washing instructions on the care label, and in particular those refering to temperature and wash cycle, should be followed strictly when dealing with coloured fabrics, as this will determine the degree to which the fabric will fade or change colour. For example, when washing whites we generally use detergent with bleach or even just bleach on its own, if required. However these products cannot be used when treating coloureds, where the use of more neutral detergents and a low temperature wash is recommended.

The best method of eliminating stains is to act as soon as possible, do not allow them to dry and pre-treat them with a detergent destined for such use. This will make it easier to eliminate any stains during the regular wash cycle.

Check to ensure that the dryer or spin cycle is recommendable for the type of fabric in question, as also the spin cycle speed. Certain fibres such as silk or wool should not be put in the dryer or spun, but should be left to dry flat, allowing the water to drain from the fabric. Generally speaking and where possible, fabrics should not be left to dry in direct sunlight for a long period of time as whites could yellow and dyed articles fade.

Ironing and pressing are also important aspects in the overall care of garments and, depending on the composition of the fabric, we should pay particular attention to the ironing instructions on the care label. Generally speaking garments should be ironed whilst still slightly damp. Check for the absence of stains prior to ironing as heat may set the stains permanently, hence making them almost impossible to eliminate.

On washing the fabric for the first time we should take into account the shrinkage factor, both lengthwise and widthwise. This should be indicated on the care label, however should it not, please consult the manufacturer or distributer who will facilitate any information required. In the case of strong-coloured fabrics, we recommend you wash them separately the first time as they could leave remains of dye in the water.

Each type of fibre has a specific set of recommendations:

- COTTON: is one of the most widely used fibres and may be easily laundered, as it withstands high temperatures and long spin cycles. The greater the temperature, the greater the possibility of shrinkage. Cotton fabrics are strong and flexible and highly wash-resistent. Cotton may be ironed at a high temperature.

- LINEN: caring for this fabric is fairly simple if you follow a series of basic guidelines. Linen may be washed as cotton, following the basic guidelines outlined above. Washing favours the aspect of linen as it renovates the exterior layer of the fibre giving it a shinier, softer aspect with each progressive wash. However as is logical, high temperatures and the use of aggressive detergents may reduce the life-cycle of the fabric. Therefore, we recommend the use of neutral, bleach-free detergents in order to maintain its natural broken white colour or, in the case of dyed fabrics, limit the use of bleach and control the washing temperature. Avoid spinning to facilitate ironing, although a light cycle is fine. Linen wrinkles easily and should be ironed at a high temperature whilst still damp.

- SILK: silk fabrics are rather delicate and require particular care. We recommend they be hand-washed, although they tolerate machine delicate fabric wash cycles at 30ºc, using neutral detergent and avoiding the use of bleach. Avoid spinning and using the dryer. On drying, lie flat or drip-dry in the shade and then iron at a low temperature. Should you find a particularly difficult stain consult a professional.

- RAYON: also known as “artificial silk” due to its shiny, silky aspect. Hand or machine wash at a maximum temperature of 40ºC following the basic guidelines outlined previously. Avoid spinning and dryers as the fabric could become disformed. Rayon may be dry cleaned, failing indications to the contrary on the care label. Iron at a medium temperature.

- WOOL: on dealing with an animal protein fibre we should take particular care. Wool should be washed in cold water or at a low temperature on the delicate-cycle as to the contrary, the fabric could shrink considerably. Do not spin or use the dryer. Do not drip-dry, but lie flat in order avoid deformation. Iron according to the temperature indications outlined on the care label.

POLYESTER: polyester is highly resistant and wrinkles very little. This fabric may be machine washed in tepid water at an average temperature of 40ºC and may also be dry cleaned, failing indications to the contrary on the care label. Spin cycles may be used, as also the dryer at a low temperature. Iron at a low temperature

The most common symbols are:

	HAND WASH ONLY. MAX TEMP 40ºC
	MACHINE WASH AT 40°C OR LESS
	PRECAUTION: USE DELICATE CYCLE.
	DO NOT DRY CLEAN
	APT FOR PERCHLOROETHYLENE DRY CLEANING
	APT FOR NORMAL DISSOLVENT DRY CLEANING
	DRY CLEAN WITH PRECAUTION
	DO NOT SPIN
	IRON AT MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 110°C
	IRON AT MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 150ºC
	IRON AT MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 200ºC
	MAY BE TUMBLE DRIED
	DO NOT TUMBLE DRY
	DRY FLAT
	DRIP DRY
	DO NOT USE BLEACH
	BLEACH MAY BE USED