FABRIC CARE

  • The best way to wash fabrics

    When fabrics fade, shrink or stretch and colours run, you can bet that the fabric was badly handled during the washing process. The best way to avoid damaging your clothes is through proper laundry care. It is important to check the instructions on garment care labels and follow them for the best results. There are some really simple rules to ensure great results every time, but also to help consumers sort out problems that they’re experiencing. Skip’s laundry detergents are formulated to deeply penetrate your clothes for a cleaner and brighter wash, without damaging the fabric.

  • Synthetic fibres

    It is safe to say that there isn’t one household in the world where there are no synthetic fibres: they have become very popular because essentially, they are cheaper than natural fibres and they are easier to wear and care for. In this category, you will find acrylics, polyesters, nylons etc. Click on any of the synthetic fabrics below and learn how best to care for clothes that are made from this material.

  • What are natural fibres?

    Animal and vegetable fibres fall into this category. It’s important to care for fibres like this in the right way to maintain their beauty. Fabrics such as wool, silk, mohair, angora, cotton and linen are natural fibres. Silk is a luxurious fibre that requires delicate handling when washing. It is always essential to check garment care labels on any silk or silk-blend articles and to wash as directed. Learn how to care for clothes that are made from natural fabrics by clicking on the natural fabric samples below.

  • Different fabrics and how to wash them

    Replacing outfits is an expensive business, so it makes sense to get to know the variety of fabrics and how best to care for them. Not only will you prolong the life of your favourite garments but you will also save yourself quite a lot of money. Fabrics fall into two main categories—natural and synthetics—and of course there are a range of blends and mixtures as well. Click on any of the fabric samples below for a quick guide on how to care for them and keep them looking great for longer.

Acrylic

Handle gently when wet to avoid shape loss. Take care with stain solvents. If ironing is needed, iron on the strongest side with a cool iron when the fabric is dry. Do not use steam or a damp cloth. Recommended washing temperature: 30°C to 40°C.

Acetate

Handle gently when wet to avoid shape loss. Take care with stain solvents. Iron evenly on the wrong side when damp with a cool iron. Recommended washing temperature: 30°C to 40°C.

Brocade

Dry clean only.

Broderie Anglais

Machine wash, unless very delicate.

Chiffon

Wash at a low temperature or dry clean. Cool iron when damp.

Chintz

Old chintz should be dry cleaned. Modern chintz can be machine washed according to the label.

Corduroy

Smooth the pile in the right direction with a clean, soft cloth while drying. Iron on the wrong side. Recommended washing temperature: Up to 60°C.

Cashmere

If there is no machine wash symbol on the label, hand wash it. Be gentle as over-vigorous washing causes matting. If using an automatic machine, select the wool cycle. Iron lightly on the wrong side under a damp cloth with a warm iron, or steam iron. Recommended washing temperature: 30°C to 35°C.

Cotton

Strong, hard-wearing cotton: Handle carefully to minimise colour run. Recommended washing temperature: 40°C to 90°C.

Drip-dry cotton: If the article has a special finish, do not wash at a high temperature. Recommended temperature: 50°C. Iron when slightly damp on the right side with a hot iron.

Lamb's wool

If there is no machine wash symbol on the label, hand wash it. Be gentle as over-vigorous washing causes matting. If using an automatic machine, select the wool cycle. Iron lightly on the wrong side under a damp cloth with a warm iron, or steam iron. Recommended washing temperature: 30°C to 35°C.

Linen

Linen washes and wears well and can be washed and ironed at high temperatures.White linen can withstand bleaches and boiling. Iron when damp on the right side with a hot iron. Recommended washing temperature: 40°C to 90°C.

Mohair

If there is no machine wash symbol on the label, hand wash it. Be gentle as over-vigorous washing causes matting. If using an automatic machine, select the wool cycle. Iron lightly on the wrong side under a damp cloth with a warm iron, or steam iron. Recommended washing temperature: 30°C to 35°C.

Muslin

After washing, gently stretch the fabric while damp. Recommended washing temperature: Can be washed at high temperatures.

Nylon

Wash frequently to prevent soiling being absorbed into the fibre. Iron when nearly dry on the wrong side with a cool iron to prevent glazing. Recommended washing temperature: 30°C to 40°C.

Satin

Upholstery satin should be dry cleaned. Iron while damp on the reverse side to restore sheen. Recommended washing temperature: Dress satin should be washed at medium temperatures.

Viyella

Wash on a very gentle wool programme. Cool iron while damp. Recommended washing temperature: Low.

Wool

If there is no machine wash symbol on the label, hand wash it. Be gentle as over-vigorous washing causes matting. If using an automatic machine, select the wool cycle. Iron lightly on the wrong side under a damp cloth with a warm iron, or steam iron. Recommended washing temperature: 30°C to 35°C.

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