VISCOSE
Viscose fabric care tips
It’s better to hand wash viscose as it’s a highly absorbent fabric type. If you decide to machine wash viscose, wash it at 20 degrees (68°F) using a gentle cycle, mild detergent, and a mesh bag to protect your delicate items from any damage. Be careful—viscose can be damaged by excessive wringing and twisting. Always air-dry viscose garments. Don’t use a dryer as it tends to shrink.
Stain removal tips for viscose fabric
The best option is to take viscose items to the dry-cleaner as it’s a delicate fabric type.
At home, you can spot treat any stains with cool water and a mild detergent. Avoid scrubbing the stained area too much as it can cause the viscose yarns to weaken and break, leaving the fabric looking worn. Wash as usual.
MICROFIBER
Microfiber fabric care tips
Items made of microfiber can be safely machine washed. It’s a relatively easy fabric type to take care of as it can be washed in hot or cold water. Wash using a mild detergent but don’t use fabric softeners—they clog the open spaces in the microfiber, making the fabric useless. Always air-dry to ensure longer-lasting items.
Stain removal tips for microfiber fabric
To get stains out of microfiber, apply a stain remover and a little laundry detergent directly on the stain. Rub gently with a soft brush. Wash as usual.
TULLE
Tulle fabric care tips
Tulle fabric can be safely machine washed. Wash it at 20 degrees (68°F) using a delicate machine cycle, low spin speed, and a mild detergent. Wash tulle with items that don’t have zippers or other clothing hardware as it can tear easily. Always air-dry flat in its natural shape or hang to dry—don’t use a dryer as the heat can make tulle dry and brittle.
Stain removal tips for tulle fabric
An organic soap made from all-natural ingredients is the best cleanser to start with. Apply it directly to tulle garments and rub gently by hand. Then rinse under cold water for a couple of minutes. Wash as usual. Note that strong detergents and bleach should never be applied to tulle.
JACQUARD
Jacquard fabric care tips
Jacquard-woven fabrics are quite delicate and have specific cleaning instructions. Wash them together with fabrics that have the same fiber type at 30 degrees (86°F) using a gentle machine cycle and a mild detergent. Don’t wring the fabric and avoid using bleaching agents. Always air-dry flat on a table, away from direct sunlight.
Stain removal tips for Jacquard fabric
The best option is to take Jacquard items to the dry-cleaner as it’s one of the hardest fabric types to clean.
If you’re going to treat a stain at home, apply a thin layer of upholstery preconditioner to the spot and wait for 5 minutes. Then, apply a mild detergent directly to the stain and rub gently with a padded silk brush. Wash as usual. Maintain jacquard fabric pieces with regular light brushing to prevent future staining.
NYLON
Nylon fabric care tips
Nylon fabric types can be safely machine washed. Wash it at 20 degrees (68°F) together with other clothes made of nylon. You can use regular laundry detergents but avoid using bleach as it can turn some nylons yellow. If you’re unsure of the best cycle to use, always use the gentle cycle to be safe. Never wring garments made of nylon. Nylon garments can be air-dried or put in the dryer, but only at a low temperature.
Stain removal tips for nylon fabric
To remove stains, mix warm water with laundry detergent that doesn’t contain bleach. Apply the solution directly to the stain using a sponge and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Blot the spot with a damp cloth. Wash as usual.
CHIFFON
Chiffon fabric care tips
Silk chiffon needs to be dry-cleaned. Polyester chiffon and nylon chiffon can be safely machine washed at 30 degrees (86°F) using a gentle machine cycle and a mild detergent. Cotton chiffon needs to be hand washed. Never wring garments made of chiffon as they can easily lose shape. Always air-dry flat, away from direct sunlight.
Stain removal tips for chiffon fabric
Satin chiffon needs to be dry-cleaned. To clean stains from other chiffon types, mix a drop of delicate fabric detergent with the same amount of hydrogen peroxide. Apply directly to the stain using a sponge and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Rinse under cold water and wash as usual.
VELVET
Velvet fabric care tips
It’s better to hand wash velvet using lukewarm water and a detergent for delicate fabrics. Rinse well by running water through the item until the water is no longer soapy. Avoid scrubbing or twisting items made of velvet, as it can stretch or damage the fabric.
Stain removal tips for velvet fabric
The best option is to take organic velvet items to the dry-cleaner as it’s one of the hardest fabric types to clean.
If you’re going to treat a stain at home, you can combine a small amount of liquid detergent and water until it becomes sudsy. Apply directly to the stain using a cloth and blot the stain gently. Leave it on for 10 minutes, rinse under cold water for about 2 minutes. Wash as usual.
BOUCLE
Boucle fabric care tips
Boucle fabric can be safely machine washed. Wash it at 20 degrees (68°F) using a gentle or delicate machine cycle and detergent or soap. Gently wring the items after washing. Always air-dry flat or on a drying rack.
Stain removal tips for boucle fabric
First, soak up the excess moisture immediately using a soft cloth. Then, combine a small amount of soap and water and brush the stain lightly using a nylon soft-bristle. Avoid scrubbing and work from the edge of the stain toward the center. Rinse under cold water for a couple of minutes. Wash as usual.
WOOL
Wool fabric care tips
Wool can be safely machine washed. Wash it at 20 degrees (68°F) using a delicate machine cycle and a mild detergent. Remember to turn wool items inside out before each wash. Always air-dry—don’t use a dryer as wool tends to shrink.
Stain removal tips for wool fabric
Blot up any excess liquid using paper towels or a clean, dry cloth. Apply stain treatment and lukewarm water directly to the stain. You can use a soft toothbrush to scrub the stain treatment in. Wait for a couple of minutes, then rinse under cold water. Wash as usual.
POLYPROPYLENE
Polypropylene fabric care tips
Polypropylene fabric can be safely machine washed. Wash it at 30 degrees (86°F) using a gentle machine cycle and regular laundry detergent. Avoid using bleach or alcohol on this fabric. Air-dry flat or put in the dryer, but only at a low temperature.
Stain removal tips for polypropylene fabric
To remove stains, use a solution of 50% domestic bleach (caution: the fumes are caustic) to 50% tap water and put it in a spray bottle. Cover the stain and leave the solution on for an hour. If necessary, use a soft-bristle brush to remove the stain. Rinse under cold water. Wash as usual.
ORGANZA
Organza fabric care tips
Synthetic organza can be safely machine washed. Wash it at 20 degrees (68°F) using a delicate laundry detergent and a gentle machine cycle. Avoid using chemical bleaches, especially with chlorine. Don’t use fabric softener as it may turn the fabric yellow. Synthetic organza fabric can be both air-dried or put in the dryer. Organic organza should be hand washed or taken to the dry-cleaner.
Stain removal tips for organza fabric
To remove stains, use a non-bleach mild detergent and water. Apply the detergent directly to the stain and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Rinse under cold water. Wash as usual.
LYOCELL
Lyocell fabric care tips
It’s better to hand wash items made of lyocell. Choose a delicate laundry detergent and swirl it into a bowl of cool water. Rub the item gently and rinse under fresh water. If you choose to machine wash lyocell, use a gentle or hand wash setting and keep the temperature as low as possible. Always air-dry—don’t use a dryer as it can damage the lyocell fabric.
Stain removal tips for lyocell fabric
To remove stains, presoak the item in cold water for 30 minutes. If water alone doesn’t work, try applying a laundry detergent with a damp cloth directly to the stain. Avoid scrubbing and rubbing, as it can damage the lyocell fabric. Wash as usual.
VINYL
Vinyl fabric care tips
Vinyl is very easy to take care of. You can clean your vinyl fabric items with a non-abrasive cloth and a gentle or mild washing soap. Apply the soap to the cloth and wipe it over your item and use another soft cloth to dry it off right away.
Vinyl fabric can be safely machine washed. Wash it at 20 degrees (68°F) using a delicate machine cycle and a delicate laundry detergent. Make sure to set the spin to low. Always air-dry vinyl items.
Stain removal tips for vinyl fabric
To remove stains from vinyl, use water or a mild washing soap. Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth to wipe down the item. To remove a tough stain, use a mixture of 10 percent bleach and 90 percent water.
CREPE
Crepe fabric care tips
Hand washing is always the best and safest method for washing crepe. Choose a delicate laundry detergent and swirl it into a bowl of cool water. Rub the item gently and rinse well with cool water until the water is no longer soapy. Always air-dry—don’t use a dryer as crepe fabric is very susceptible to shrinkage.
Stain removal tips for crepe fabric
Due to its fiber composition, most crepe garments should be taken to a dry-cleaner for stain treatments.
To remove stains at home, presoak the item for 30 minutes in cool water. Then mix three tablespoons of white vinegar with two tablespoons of liquid detergent and warm water. Apply directly to the stain and wait for 10 minutes. Blot using a dry cloth and wash as usual.
SATIN
Satin fabric care tips
Satin can be machine washed. Wash it at 20 degrees (68°F) using a delicate machine cycle and a gentle, chemical-free laundry detergent. Don’t wring or twist items made of satin as they can easily lose shape. Air-dry satin fabric. If a dryer is used, be sure to select a no-heat tumble option.
Stain removal tips for satin fabric
Immerse the satin garment in cold water and allow it to soak for 20 minutes. Do it immediately after the stain occurs to avoid permanent staining. Then, add a dash of bleach-free stain remover directly to the stain. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse under cold water and wash as usual.
LACE
Lace fabric care tips
It’s better to hand wash lace. Fill a bowl with warm water and mix in a delicate washing detergent. Place the garment in a bowl and use gentle swishing actions. Rinse well with warm water until the water is no longer soapy. Gently squeeze out any excess water. Always air-dry flat.
Stain removal tips for lace fabric
Immerse the lace into a bowl of cold water and water detergent. Let it soak for 10 minutes. Add a little bit of baking soda directly to the stain and rub gently. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Rinse under cool water and wash as usual.
REPREVE
REPREVE fabric care tips
REPREVE can be safely machine washed. Wash it at temperatures lower than 40 degrees (104°F) using a mild detergent and low spin speed. REPREVE fabric can be air-dried or put in the dryer, but only at a medium temperature.
Stain removal tips for REPREVE fabric
Pre-treat the stain with liquid dish soap. Rub gently and let it sit for 10 minutes. Wash as usual. Always check that stains are gone before placing REPREVE clothes in the dryer. Otherwise, the heat will cause any remaining spots to set and make them almost impossible to remove.
NEOPRENE
Neoprene fabric care tips
It’s better to hand wash neoprene. Remember to turn the garment inside out before washing.
Fill a bowl of warm water together with a mild detergent and let the item soak for an hour. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Always air-dry flat to prevent any creases and damage.
Stain removal tips for neoprene fabric
Soak the stain with cold water immediately after it has occurred. Then, apply a bit of laundry detergent directly to the stain and brush it gently with a soft-bristle brush. Rinse under cold water and wash as usual.
GEORGETTE
Georgette fabric care tips
Georgette should be dry-cleaned or washed by hand. To wash by hand, mix cold water with a delicate laundry detergent and soak the garment for 10 minutes. Rub gently and rinse thoroughly. Don’t wring, stretch, or pull the wet garment. Always air-dry flat.
Stain removal tips for Georgette fabric
Soak the stain with cold water immediately after it has occurred. Then apply 3–4 drops of liquid detergent directly to the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and wash as usual.
LAMÉ
Lamé fabric care tips
Any apparel made with metallic fibers isn’t washable—it’s dry-clean only. It’s better to find a cleaner who has experience working with lamé garments since certain chemicals can damage the fabric. Keep your lamé apparel from direct heat or sunlight. If you have to remove wrinkles, use an iron at the lowest setting and press from the wrong side of the garment.
Stain removal tips for lamé fabric
Blot away the remaining moisture with a clean cloth while the stain is fresh. Then, take the garment directly to the dry-cleaners to avoid permanent staining and a discoloring effect.
LEATHER
Leather fabric care tips
It’s better to hand wash leather garments. Mix warm water with a bit of liquid soap and use a soft, clean sponge to gently wash away dirt, dust, and debris. For even better leather protection, use a soap specially formulated for cleaning leather. Avoid rubbing or soaking the areas as it can damage the leather. Always air-dry. Avoid exposing leather items to direct sunlight, as this can dry out the fabric and cause it to crack.
Stain removal tips for leather fabric
Blot away any excess moisture immediately after the stain has occurred. Add a few drops of liquid detergent to the water to create a soapy solution. Apply the solution directly to the stain and rub gently in the direction of the grain for a better chance at getting the stain out. Wash as usual.
NONWOVEN
Nonwoven fabrics care tips
Nonwoven fabrics should be dry-cleaned as much as possible. At home, you can hand wash nonwoven fabrics by immersing them in cold water for 2 minutes, rubbing gently, and rinsing thoroughly. Do not use detergents containing bleach or fluorescence. Always air-dry flat, out of direct sunlight.
