COTTON
Cotton can be easily laundered. It can withstand high temperatures (boiling water does not hurt the fiber).
Any good detergent can be used to wash cotton.
Chlorine bleach can be used safely on cotton whites. Use color safe bleach on dyed cottons.
Since cotton fibers are fairly inelastic cotton fabrics may wrinkle easily. And, fabric may need frequent
pressing. However, cotton fabric can be treated with a wrinkle resistant finish to create a more resilient
fabric/garment. The label will tell you if this finish has been applied.
A higher heat setting is needed in the dryer to dry cotton. Cotton will take much longer to dry than less
absorbent fibers.
Cotton can be ironed with a hot iron, and does not scorch easily
LINEN
Some linens are washable, while others are dry clean only. Be sure to check the label.
Washable household linen, handkerchiefs, and linen apparel can be washed easily and become softer with use.
White linens should be dried in the sun, if possible, to help them to keep their whiteness.
Generally speaking, dry cleaning is recommended for drapery linens, upholstery linens and decorative linens.
Linen fabrics may need frequent pressing, unless treated for crease resistance.
If you want your linen shirts and shorts to have that same crispness, then have them dry cleaned.
However, if you prefer a more relaxed look and feel to your linen, wash them at home.
POLYESTER
Most items made from polyester can be machine washed and dried.
Use warm water and add a fabric softener to the final rinse cycle.
Machine dry at low temperature setting and remove articles as soon as the tumbling cycle is complete.
If ironing is needed, use a moderately warm iron.
Most items made from polyester can be dry-cleaned.
RAYON
Most rayon garments should be dry-cleaned, but some types of fabric and garment construction are such that
they can be hand or machine washed. For washable items, use the following as a guide:
Use mild lukewarm or cool suds. Gently squeeze suds through the fabric and rinse in lukewarm water.
Do not wring or twist the article.
Smooth or shake out the article and place on a non-rust hanger to dry. Rayon sweaters should be laid flat to dry.
Press the article while damp on the wrong side with the iron at a moderate setting. If finishing on the
right side is required, a press cloth should be used.
Between wearings, rayon articles may be pressed with a cool iron.
For best results, hand wash in cold water and hang dry. A light ironing to smooth out any small wrinkles is all
that's required to restore a fresh look to the garment. Of course, garments can also be dry-cleaned or
(except for fringed articles) machine washed and dried.
SILK
Only pre-washed silk is washable. Read the label!
Dry cleaning is generally preferred, since laundering detergent and dyes in other clothes may adversely affect silk
fabric.
For washable silk, follow the care instructions carefully.
For items without linings and without embellishments attached, careful handwashing is permissable, with mild soap
and lukewarm water.
Chlorine bleach should never be used on silk.
For long-time storage, silk should be sealed against light, air and insects.
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