How to Wash Different Types of Fabrics

If you have ever shrunk a wool sweater or wound up with a wrinkly, shrunken cotton shirt, this article is for you.

With all of the different types of fabrics that exist, it’s hard to know how to clean each one. Some fabrics require very little care, while others are so delicate, that one mistake can ruin it.

The answer is simple - knowing how to care for the most common fabrics can help you keep your wardrobe intact. Print and keep this list by your washer so next time you’ll remember how to care for all of your clothes. 

HOW TO WASH DIFFERENT FABRICS

Here are some practical tips to help you take care of different types of fabrics.

COTTON: WASH IN WARM OR COOL WATER | TUMBLE DRY

Cotton fabrics should be washed in warm or cool water. This way you will prevent shrinkage or ruining the fabric. Use a toxin-free detergent and be sure to treat any spots or stains as soon as you notice them. 

Unless the label says otherwise, tumble dry using warm air. Remove your clothes immediately to prevent wrinkling.  

Bonus tip: If a cotton item becomes wrinkled while in the closet, toss it in the dryer with a moist rag and allow it to tumble until the rag is dry and the wrinkles are gone.

LINEN: WASH IN COLD WATER | AIR DRY

Linen clothing should be washed in cold water and hung to dry. Linen can shrink, so avoid tumble drying.

Be sure to check for stains before washing. Linen fabric tends to hold onto stains. As soon as a stain is noticed, treat and wash immediately. If linens get wrinkled, iron on a low heat setting.

ACETATE: HAND WASH OR USE DELICATE WASH | AIR DRY FLAT

Acetate is a delicate fabric. Although it wrinkles easily and may melt when exposed to high heat, you can wash it in your washer on a delicate cycle in cold water. 

To dry, lay the item flat on a towel or hang it on a hanger in an open area.

POLYESTER: WASH IN COOL WATER | TUMBLE DRY OR AIR DRY

Polyester is one of the easiest fabrics to clean. Wash in cool water and tumble dry. Use a toxin-free detergent and stain remover if needed. 

Polyester fabrics can be air-dried or tumble-dried on a low to medium heat setting.

* Interesting fact: Polyester is a non-polar fiber-meaning it repels water-which is why it dries quickly, but it also means it naturally attracts oil from our skin, which can lead to the fabric smelling over time.

SILK: HAND WASH IN COOL | COOL TUMBLE DRY OR AIR DRY

Silk is one of the most delicate fabrics you can own. Hand wash silk in cool water, or you can machine wash on a delicate setting. 
Silk can be tumble-dried on a cool setting or air-dried. Hang it up immediately after being removed from the dryer to prevent wrinkling.

WOOL: HAND WASH COLD WATER | AIR DRY

Wool is a highly reactive fiber that will shrink in warm water. For best results, hand wash wool in cold water. Hang to dry or dry flat on a towel. Any amount of heat could cause the fabric to shrink or lose its shape.

KEEP YOUR WARDROBE LOOKING ITS BEST

Using the proper care techniques for your fabrics is essential if you want them to last. Have questions about how to take care of certain types of fabrics? Contact the experts at OrangeBag. We specialize in toxin-free, sustainable laundry and dry cleaning.

You don’t have to do your laundry alone! Just download the app and schedule a pickup, and let us help you care for your clothing and linens - no matter what fabrics they are!