How to Wash Different Fabrics: Expert Tips to Protect and Care for Every Material
People who have a routine of washing their clothes at home can agree on the hassle of having different fabrics lying in the laundry basket waiting to be sorted and cleaned accordingly. Now, the challenging part here is that you cannot wash different fabrics together. The washing cycle, laundry detergent, and drying technique could all be different. If that’s the case, you can contact a professional like Love2Laundry for details.
We have experience dealing with multiple fabrics simultaneously and removing stubborn stains without any issues. So, people who do laundry at home can get guidance from us to wash their clothes properly.
So, if you’re using a fabric softener, here are some factors you should look for before washing your clothes.
Why Proper Fabric Care Matters
There’s a reason why proper fabric care is essential for the durability of different outfits. For instance, if you’re learning how to wash different fabrics and using an incorrect cleaning agent, your clothes will sustain damage.
Moreover, when using a fabric softener, check the clothing label for instructions on whether it is safe to use.
Common Mistakes That Damage Clothes
Outfits looking dull and untidy even after washing them means only one thing, and that’s the common mistakes, and one of them would be not using fabric-specific detergents.
So, let’s see what common mistakes you could be doing when washing different fabrics.
- Overloading the machine.
- Using too much detergent.
- Ignoring care labels.
- Mixing heavy and delicate items together.
- Using very hot water unnecessarily.
Also Read – Want to learn the comparison of when to dry clean vs home wash? Read our blog for more details.
Understanding Fabric Care Labels and Symbols
Fabric care labels are your guide to keeping clothes in good condition. Each symbol separates how to wash, dry, iron, or treat the fabric safely. A bucket symbol indicates machine washing; dots indicate temperature: one dot cold, two dots warm, and three dots hot.
A triangle indicates bleach use; an empty triangle means it is okay to use bleach, while a crossed-out triangle means do not use any bleach. Square symbols indicate drying: a circle inside a square means tumble dry, with dots indicating the heat level.
Cotton
Cotton is durable and easy to care for. Usually, it can be washed in warm or cold water, depending on the color; darker ones do better in cold water to avoid fading. Any regular detergent works fine, and cotton is generally safe to machine-wash in a normal cycle. For a fresh look, you can use a fabric softener on the fabric.
Handwashing delicate cotton items helps extend their life. When drying, use low to medium heat in the tumble dryer or air drying to reduce the risk of shrinkage. Prompt removal from the dryer helps minimize the formation of wrinkles.
Linen
Linen loves gentle cleaning in order to keep its natural softness. Use lukewarm or cold water and a mild detergent to maintain fibers and prevent shrinkage. Most linen can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle, but handwashing light-wear fabrics would be suitable. Avoid high heat and air-dry linen to preserve texture. Smooth the fabric while damp to maintain softness and reduce wrinkles.
Wool
Wool needs special handling to avoid any shrinkage or felting. Always use cold water and a gentle wool-safe detergent. Wool garments are best washed on a gentle or wool cycle or by hand with slow, gentle motions. Never wring or twist the fabric. Shape the garment while it is still damp after washing and dry it flat to retain its original size and structure. Avoid agitation or heat, as they can make the fibers feel stiff.
Silk
Silk is a delicate fabric that is usually labeled as requiring hand washing or dry cleaning. If home-washing, use cold water with a mild, pH-neutral detergent for delicate fabrics. Gently swish the fabric instead of rubbing or scrubbing. If recommended for the item, dry cleaning will usually give better results. Never wring a silk item; just lay it between two clean towels and gently press out excess water. Hang indoors, out of the sun, which fades and weakens silk. This can also help you understand how to wash silk sheets.
How to Wash Synthetic Fabrics
Most synthetic fabrics resist the everyday wear and tear that would cause cotton to fade, wrinkle, or even stretch out before its time, thanks to their durability and color-fastness. The problem may occur, however, in pilling, shape retention, and odor issues when not washed correctly. The first thing to do is to check the care label and wash similar fabrics together to reduce friction and static.
Here are some details required to wash different fabrics without any mistakes.
Polyester
Polyester is very strong and wrinkle-resistant, but when exposed to heat early or over-dried, it develops shine marks and pills quite easily.
Water Temperature: Wash in cold or lukewarm water on a gentle or normal cycle. Avoid hot water, as it breaks down fibers.
Drying Method: Tumble dry on low or line dry. Remove immediately to avoid creasing.
Nylon and Lycra
These types of stretchy fabrics are mostly used for activewear, swimwear, and leggings. They’re best kept in shape when treated somewhat gently.
Washing: Hand wash in cool water for delicates, or machine wash inside out on a gentle cycle, and use a durable stain remover.
Caution with Heat: Never use hot water or high dryer heat, as this weakens the elastic fibers and can lead to stretching or cracking.
Rayon and Acrylic
Rayon imitates silk and, in addition to flowing beautifully, is also quite soft and easy to work with, like acrylic. Both need gentle care to avoid shrinkage and distortion.
Washing Method: Use cold water and a gentle cycle, or hand-wash.
Detergent: Mild liquid detergent is best; avoid harsh chemicals.
Drying: Never tumble dry rayon; lay flat or hang to dry. Acrylic can be tumble-dried on low, but air drying is safer for long-term fiber health.
Microfiber and Microsuede
These fabrics attract dirt and oils easily, but clean nearly as easily as using the right cleaning techniques.
Stain Removal: Spot-clean as stains occur with mild soap and cold water. Don’t use oil-based cleaners.
Washing: Machine wash separately in cold water on a gentle cycle to prevent lint transfer.
Drying: Air-dry or tumble-dry on low to high heat can harden the fibers.
Caring for Blended Fabrics
Blended fabrics such as cotton-polyester, wool-acrylic, and silk-rayon are known to improve the appearance, durability, softness, or performance of a particular fabric. Such combinations should be given extra care because the fibers behave differently regarding water and heat.
Common Blends:
Cotton-Polyester: Machine wash cold; tumble dry low to prevent shrinkage and fuzzing.
Wool Blends: Use cold water with a detergent suitable for wool; never tumble dry. Lay flat to dry.
Silk Blends: Handwash in cold water with a gentle detergent, then air-dry away from direct sunlight.
Why Extra Care Matters: One fiber might shrink or fade while another remains unchanged, causing distortion, stretching, or fabric warping.
Essential Fabric Care Tips for Everyday Laundry
Properly done laundry ensures that the different colors in clothing fabrics are maintained and that the softness and shape of the wearing apparel are preserved. This helps prolong a garment’s life and keeps it looking like new for years.
Every day care starts from sorting fabrics, using the right detergent, selecting appropriate water temperatures, and ending with proper drying. You can even use a mesh laundry bag during the washing procedure to protect your clothes from residues.
Also Read – Are you confused whether to steam or iron your clothes? Our blog on steam vs ironing will help you.
When to Choose Professional Laundry and Dry Cleaning
Certain fabrics and garments require expert handling to reduce damage. Examples of such items include silk gowns, embroidered fabrics, wool coats and suits, cashmere sweaters, and heavily stained clothes. For the maintenance of such outfits, Love2Laundry would be a suitable solution, as we offer high-quality results at cost-effective prices.
For delicate embellishments, or even care labels reading ‘Dry Clean Only,’ we use solvents and a gentle cleaning procedure. We look after heavily soiled items with deep-set dirt or badly stained. The household machines could safely and entirely remove none of this dirt. So contact us, and get the details of our service before hiring us.
Benefits of Professional Care
Letting professionals take care of your clothes offers multiple benefits, saving you time and extending their lifespan. So, instead of doing laundry at home, contact experts and avail these perks.
- Removes oil, wine, ink, or makeup stains.
- Preserves fabric quality by reducing fading, stretching, and fiber damage.
- Convenient and saves time for busy schedules.
- Finishing touches, such as pressing, steaming, and reshaping garments.
- Safe handling of delicate textures, embellishments, and luxury fabrics.
Book now and get professional treatment for your clothes, along with these benefits from expert cleaners.
FAQ’s – How to Wash Different Fabrics
Can different fabrics be washed together?
Yes, you can wash different fabrics together, provided they have the same care requirements. But if some outfits require durable detergents, while others require solvents, it would be better to wash them separately.
How should you wash 50% cotton and 50% polyester?
A fabric that is 50% cotton and 50% polyester should be washed in cold or warm water. Opt for a gentle or a normal wash cycle and tumble dry the fabric on low heat to prevent damage.
How to wash different types of fabric?
Washing different types of fabric requires you to check the care label instructions. For instance, cotton fabrics should be machine-washed with cold or warm water. For wool fabrics, use lukewarm water and wool-safe detergents to avoid damage.
Keep Your Clothes Looking New With Proper Fabric Care
Now that you know how to wash different fabrics, you can deal with stubborn stains without hurdles. By avoiding the common mistakes and using the right cleaning supplies, there won’t be a risk of damage.
Moreover, when you read the care label instructions when doing laundry at home, you’ll know what washing cycle to use and the correct drying procedure. If you want, you can even contact a professional cleaner for your clothes.
