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Care Guide

Clothing longevity isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about fibre science, garment construction and how everyday habits affect wear and tear. Proper care can extend a garment’s usable life by up to 50%, according to multiple textile‑care studies, and significantly reduce environmental impact by lowering water, energy, and detergent use.

This guide explains why certain care methods work and how to apply them across different fabrics and garment types.

*disclaimer: this guide is repetitive as we have found through experience that a cold gentle machine wash (using a front loading washing machine) is adequate for most fibres and constructions types.

Use the following links to jump to each fibre; COTTON | LINEN | RAYON | SILK | WOOL



Cotton

Cotton is a cellulose fibre, meaning it’s plant‑based. This gives it several defining characteristics

Key Properties

  • Absorbent: Holds up to 27× its weight in water, which is why it feels cool and breathable.
  • Swells when wet: Fibres expand, making cotton stronger when wet but also more prone to shrinkage and wrinkling.
  • Low elasticity: Once stretched, it doesn’t bounce back easily.
  • Heat‑sensitive dyes: Many cotton dyes bleed or fade under high heat.

What this means for care

  • Cold water is your friend.
  • Heat (washing or drying) is the enemy of shape and color.
  • Mechanical agitation accelerates wear.

Washing

Temperature

  • Cold (20–30°C): Best for most cotton garments. Minimises shrinkage and fading.
  • Warm (40°C): Useful for towels, underwear, and heavily soiled items.
  • Hot (60°C+): Only for white cottons that need sanitising (sheets, kitchen towels).

Detergent

  • Use a liquid detergent as powders can leave residue and can be abrasive.
  • For whites, an oxygen‑based bleach (not chlorine) keeps brightness without damaging fibres.

Cycle

  • Regular/Normal cycle: Fine for sturdy cottons like T‑shirts, jeans, and bedding.
  • Delicate cycle: Best for lightweight cotton voile, lawn, poplin, or embroidered cotton.

Sorting

Cotton is notorious for dye transfer.

  • Wash dark cottons separately for the first 5–10 washes.
  • Keep lint‑producers (towels) away from lint‑catchers (jersey knits).

Drying

Air Drying (Best Method)

  • Prevents shrinkage
  • Reduces fading
  • Minimises fibre fatigue

Tumble Drying (Avoid)

  • Use low heat or air‑only.
  • Remove while slightly damp to prevent over‑drying (which causes stiffness).
  • Shake garments out immediately to reduce wrinkles.

Ironing & Steaming

Cotton can withstand high heat, but dyes may not.

Ironing

  • Use medium to high heat with steam.
  • Iron garments inside out to protect colour.
  • For crisp shirts, iron while slightly damp.

Steaming

  • Great for removing wrinkles without flattening texture.
  • Safe for printed cottons that shouldn’t be ironed directly.

Stain Removal

Cotton absorbs stains quickly, so timing matters.

General rules

  • Treat stains as soon as possible.
  • Blot, don’t rub.
  • Use enzyme‑based stain removers for protein stains (sweat, food, blood).
  • Use oxygen bleach for whites.

Common stain strategies

  • Sweat stains: Pre‑treat with an enzyme detergent + warm water soak.
  • Oil stains: Dish soap works well because it breaks down grease.
  • Dye transfer: Soak in oxygen bleach; avoid heat until stain is gone.

Preventing Shrinkage

Cotton shrinks due to fiber swelling + heat.

To avoid it:

  • Wash in cold water.
  • Avoid high‑heat drying.
  • Choose pre‑shrunk cotton when possible.
  • Reshape garments while damp.

Long‑Term Storage

Best practices

  • Store cotton in a cool, dry place.
  • Avoid plastic bags—they trap moisture.
  • Fold all knits and heavy items; hang shirts and dresses.

Moth protection

Cotton isn’t a moth target, but body oils attract pests.

  • Always wash before storing long‑term.

Extending the Life of Cotton Garments

Simple tips that make a big difference

  • Wash less often — most garments don't need daily laundering.
  • Spot clean instead of full washes.
  • Rotate wear to reduce stress on seams.
  • Repair small holes early (cotton frays quickly once damaged).

Linen

Linen is made from the flax plant, its structure gives it unique performance characteristics.

Key Properties

  • Extremely strong: Up to 2–3× stronger than cotton.
  • Low elasticity: Fibres don’t stretch, so creasing is natural.
  • Highly absorbent: Can absorb 20% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp.
  • Thermoregulating: Hollow fibres help keep you cool.

What this means for care

  • Linen loves water — washing softens it over time.
  • Heat is generally safe for pure linen, but dyes and blends may not be.

Washing

Temperature

  • Cold (20–30°C): Best for coloured linen and lightweight weaves.
  • Warm (30–40°C): Safe for most mid‑weight linens.
  • Hot (50–60°C): Only for white, heavy linens (tablecloths, bedding).

Linen may shrink slightly on the first wash, then it stabilises.

Detergent

  • Use mild liquid detergent.
    Avoid:
  • Enzyme-heavy detergents (can weaken fibres over time)
  • Fabric softeners (they coat fibres and reduce breathability)
  • Bleach (damages cellulose fibres)

Cycle

  • Gentle or normal cycle depending on weight.
  • Avoid heavy agitation—linen fibres can break when twisted aggressively.

Sorting

  • Wash linen separately from lint‑producers (towels, fleece).
  • Separate light and dark linens—dyes can bleed, especially indigo and saturated earth tones.

Drying

Air Drying (Best Method)

  • Preserves fibre strength
  • Reduces deep creasing
  • Prevents over-drying (which makes linen feel stiff)

How to air dry linen:

  • Shake out garments to release wrinkles.
  • Hang on a padded hanger or lay flat.
  • Avoid direct sun for dark colors (fading risk).

Tumble Drying (Avoid)

  • Use low heat.
  • Remove while slightly damp—linen irons beautifully at this stage.
  • Over‑drying causes brittleness and set‑in wrinkles.

Ironing & Steaming

Linen responds extremely well to heat and steam.

Ironing

  • Iron on high heat with plenty of steam.
  • Iron garments inside out to protect dyes.
  • For crisp finishes (shirts, dresses), iron while damp.
  • For a relaxed, natural look, skip ironing entirely.

Steaming

  • Great for removing wrinkles without flattening the natural texture.
  • Ideal for linen blends that can scorch under a hot iron.

Stain Removal

Linen absorbs quickly, so fast action matters.

General rules

  • Treat stains immediately.
  • Blot, don’t rub — rubbing can break fibres.
  • Use oxygen-based stain removers for whites.
  • Avoid chlorine bleach — it weakens cellulose.

Common stain strategies

  • Oil stains: Dish soap + warm water works well.
  • Wine/berry stains: Rinse with cold water, then apply oxygen bleach.
  • Sweat stains: Pre‑treat with mild detergent; avoid hot water initially.

Preventing Shrinkage

Linen shrinks mainly due to:

  • Heat
  • Mechanical agitation
  • Initial fibre relaxation

To minimise shrinkage:

  • Wash in cold or warm water.
  • Avoid high‑heat drying.
  • Stretch and reshape garments while damp.
  • Choose pre‑washed or stonewashed linen for minimal shrinkage.

Long‑Term Storage

Best practices

  • Store in a cool, dry place.
  • Avoid plastic bags—linen needs airflow.
  • Fold loosely to avoid sharp creases.
  • For long-term storage, wrap in acid‑free tissue.

Moth protection

Like cotton, linen itself isn’t a moth target, but food and body oils attract pests.

  • Always wash before storing.

Extending the Life of Linen Garments

Simple tips that make a big difference

  • Rotate wear to avoid repeated stress on seams.
  • Avoid hanging heavy wet linen—it can stretch.
  • Don’t over‑iron the same crease repeatedly.
  • Repair small snags early—linen can unravel if left untreated.

Rayon, viscose, modal, lyocell & cupro

Rayon (used as an umbrella term for this section) is a regenerated cellulose fibre—made from plant pulp that is chemically dissolved and extruded into new fibres. Despite being plant‑based like cotton and linen, the rayon family behaves very differently.

Key Properties

  • Weak when wet: Rayon loses up to 50% of its strength when saturated.
  • Prone to stretching and distortion: Fibres elongate easily when wet and may not recover.
  • Highly absorbent: Feels breathable and drapey.
  • Excellent dye uptake: Colours are rich but can bleed.
  • Varied performance: Viscose is the most delicate; lyocell is the strongest.

What this means for care

  • Handle rayons very gently when wet.
  • Avoid twisting, wringing, or heavy agitation.
  • Support the garment fully during washing and drying.
  • Expect some shrinkage unless the fabric is pre‑treated.

Washing

Temperature

  • Cold water only (20–25°C) for all rayon types.

    Warm or hot water causes:
  • Shrinkage
  • Fibre swelling
  • Loss of shape
  • Surface roughness

Detergent

  • Use a mild liquid detergent.
    Avoid:
  • Enzyme-heavy detergents (can weaken fiberes)
  • Bleach (damages cellulose)
  • Fabric softeners (coats fibres and reduces drape)

Cycle

  • Hand wash is safest for viscose, modal, and cupro. (Though, we personally use a cold, delicate cycle on the machine).
  • Machine wash (delicate cycle) lyocell/TENCEL™ and some modal blends.
  • Consider placing rayon garments in a mesh laundry bag to reduce agitation.

Sorting

  • Wash rayon with similar colours—dyes bleed easily.
  • Avoid washing with heavy items (jeans, towels) that cause abrasion.

Drying

Rayon is most vulnerable when wet, so drying technique matters.

Air Drying (Best Method)

  • Gently squeeze out water—never wring.
  • Roll in a towel to remove excess moisture.
  • Lay flat on a drying rack or hang from the bottom hem to avoid shoulder distortion.
  • Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Tumble Drying (Avoid)

  • Not recommended for viscose, modal, or cupro.
  • Lyocell can sometimes tolerate low heat, but air drying is still best.

Over‑drying causes stiffness and permanent shrinkage.

Ironing & Steaming

Rayon wrinkles easily but responds well to heat.

Ironing

  • Iron on low to medium heat.
  • Always iron inside out.
  • Use a pressing cloth to avoid shine marks.
  • Iron while slightly damp for best results.

Steaming

  • Safe for all rayon types.
  • Helps restore drape without flattening the fabric.
  • Ideal for delicate viscose that scorches easily under an iron.

Stain Removal

Rayon absorbs stains quickly, so act fast.

General rules

  • Treat stains immediately.
  • Blot gently—wet rayon tears easily.
  • Use mild detergent or diluted stain remover.
  • Avoid scrubbing or twisting.

Common stain strategies

  • Oil stains: Apply dish soap, let sit, rinse gently.
  • Dye transfer: Soak in cold water + oxygen bleach (for whites only).
  • Sweat stains: Use a mild detergent paste; avoid hot water.

Preventing Shrinkage

Rayon shrinks due to:

  • Heat
  • Agitation
  • Fibre swelling
  • Improper drying

To minimise shrinkage:

  • Wash in cold water.
  • Avoid dryers entirely.
  • Reshape garments while damp.
  • Choose pre‑washed or TENCEL™ lyocell for better stability.

Long‑Term Storage

Best practices

  • Store rayon in a cool, dry place.
  • Avoid hanging heavy rayon garments—they may stretch.
  • Fold gently to avoid sharp creases.
  • Keep away from moisture—rayon mildews easily.

Moth protection

Rayon is not a moth target, but stains attract pests.

  • Wash before storing long‑term.

Extending the Life of rayon Garments

Simple tips that make a big difference

  • Wash less often—rayon weakens with repeated laundering.
  • Spot clean instead of full washes.
  • Use mesh bags for all machine washing.
  • Avoid overloading the washer—rayon needs space to move gently.
  • Repair small snags early—rayon can ladder like silk.

silk

Silk is a protein fibre produced by silkworms. Its structure gives it a unique combination of strength, softness, and shine.

Key Properties

  • High tensile strength: Stronger than cotton when dry.
  • Weak when wet: Loses up to 20% of its strength when saturated.
  • Protein-based: Sensitive to alkaline detergents and harsh chemicals.
  • Smooth surface: Gives silk its natural sheen and drape.
  • Thermal sensitivity: Can scorch or yellow under high heat.
  • Prone to water spotting: Minerals in water can leave marks.

What this means for care

  • Use gentle, pH‑neutral detergents.
  • Avoid twisting, wringing, or scrubbing.
  • Keep silk away from heat and sunlight.
  • Handle wet silk with extreme care.

Washing

  • Cold water only (20–25°C)
    Heat damages silk proteins, causing:
  • Dulling of sheen
  • Shrinkage
  • Texture changes (“scroop” loss)

Detergent

  • Use a pH‑neutral silk detergent (baby shampoo in a pinch)
    Avoid:
  • Enzyme detergents (digest protein fibres)
  • Bleach (destroys silk)
  • Fabric softeners (coats fibres and reduces sheen)

Cycle

  • Hand wash is safest for all silk garments.

If machine washing:

  • Use delicate cycle
  • Place garment in a mesh bag
  • Wash with similar lightweight items only

Sorting

  • Wash silk separately from heavy fabrics.
  • Separate light and dark silks—dyes can bleed, especially on charmeuse and crepe.

Drying

Silk should never go in the dryer.

Air Drying (Best Method)

  • Gently press water out using a towel—never wring.
  • Lay flat on a drying rack or hang on a padded hanger.
  • Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent yellowing and fading.
  • Avoid metal hangers (can rust and stain).

Tumble Drying (Avoid)

  • Never recommended

Heat + tumbling = irreversible fiber damage.

Ironing & Steaming

Silk can be ironed or steamed carefully.

Ironing

  • Use low heat (silk setting).
  • Iron inside out.
  • Use a pressing cloth to prevent shine marks.
  • Iron while slightly damp for best results.
  • Avoid spraying water directly—can cause spotting.

Steaming

  • Safer than ironing.
  • Helps restore drape and remove wrinkles.
  • Keep steamer head slightly away from fabric to avoid water droplets.

Stain Removal

Silk stains easily and must be treated gently.

General rules

  • Treat stains immediately.
  • Blot, don’t rub.
  • Test stain removers on an inconspicuous area.
  • Avoid enzyme cleaners — they break down silk proteins.

Common stain strategies

  • Oil stains: Sprinkle cornstarch or talc, let sit, brush off, repeat as needed.
  • Sweat stains: Use a mild vinegar solution (1:4 vinegar to water), dab gently.
  • Wine/berry stains: Rinse with cold water from the back of the stain; avoid hot water.
  • Water spots: Steam lightly to even out the texture.

Preventing Shrinkage

Silk shrinks due to:

  • Heat
  • Agitation
  • Harsh detergents
  • Improper drying

To minimise shrinkage:

  • Wash in cold water only.
  • Avoid dryers and radiators.
  • Handle gently when wet.
  • Choose pre‑washed or sand‑washed silk for better stability.

Long‑Term Storage

Best practices

  • Store silk in a cool, dry place.
  • Use padded hangers for dresses and blouses.
  • Fold heavy silk garments to avoid stretching.
  • Keep away from sunlight—silk yellows over time.
  • Use breathable garment bags (cotton, not plastic).

Moth protection

Silk is a moth target because it’s a protein fibre.

  • Store clean—body oils attract pests.
  • Use cedar or lavender sachets.

Extending the Life of silk Garments

Simple tips that make a big difference

  • Wash less often—silk doesn’t need frequent laundering.
  • Spot clean instead of full washes.
  • Avoid deodorant contact—can discolour silk.
  • Rotate wear to reduce stress on seams.
  • Keep silk away from rough surfaces (bags, jewelry).

wool

Wool is a protein fibre (keratin), just like hair. Its structure gives it warmth, elasticity, and resilience—but also makes it sensitive to heat, agitation, and harsh detergents.

Key Properties

  • Scaly surface: Fibres interlock under heat + moisture + friction → felting.
  • Elastic and springy: Recovers shape well when dry.
  • Thermoregulating: Insulates even when damp.
  • Odour‑resistant: Naturally antimicrobial.
  • Weak when wet: Loses up to 30% of its strength when saturated.

What this means for care

  • Avoid agitation and temperature shock.
  • Use detergents formulated for wool (pH‑neutral, no enzymes).
  • Support garments when wet to prevent stretching.
  • Wash infrequently—wool self‑cleans.

Washing

  • Cold water only (20–25°C)
    Heat causes:
  • Felting
  • Shrinkage
  • Loss of elasticity

Detergent

  • Use wool‑safe detergent (pH‑neutral, no enzymes)
  • Lanolin‑enriched formulas to replenish natural oils

Avoid:

  • Enzyme detergents (digest keratin)
  • Bleach (destroys protein fibres)
  • Fabric softeners (coats fibres and reduces breathability)

Cycle

  • Hand wash is safest for all wool types.

If machine washing: (our preferred method)

  • Use wool cycle (low agitation, controlled temperature)
  • Wash with other lightweight wool items

Sorting

Wash wool separately from:

  • Denim
  • Towels
  • Zippers or Velcro
    These cause abrasion and pilling.

Drying

Wool should never go in the dryer.

Air Drying (Best Method)

  • Gently press water out using a towel—never wring.
  • Lay flat on a drying rack.
  • Reshape while damp (wool “remembers” shapes).
  • Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Tumble Drying (Avoid)

  • Never recommended

Heat + agitation = irreversible felting.

Ironing & Steaming

Wool rarely needs heat if dried flat.

Ironing

  • Use low to medium heat with steam.
  • Iron inside out.
  • Use a pressing cloth to avoid shine.
  • Lightly press, don’t drag—dragging stretches fibres.

Steaming

  • Ideal for removing wrinkles and refreshing wool.
  • Helps restore loft in knits. (Amount of air between fibres)
  • Keep steamer head slightly away from fabric.

Stain Removal

Wool absorbs slowly but holds stains if untreated.

General rules

  • Treat stains promptly.
  • Blot gently—wet wool is fragile.
  • Use wool‑safe stain removers.
  • Avoid hot water and scrubbing.

Common stain strategies

  • Oil stains: Dab with diluted dish soap; rinse gently.
  • Sweat stains: Use a wool‑safe detergent paste.
  • Wine/berry stains: Rinse with cold water from the back; avoid rubbing.
  • Mud: Let dry completely, then brush off.

Preventing Shrinkage

Wool shrinks due to:

  • Heat
  • Agitation
  • Sudden temperature changes
  • Harsh detergents

To minimise shrinkage:

  • Wash in cold water only.
  • Avoid wringing or twisting.
  • Use wool‑safe detergents.
  • Dry flat and reshape.

Long‑Term Storage

Best practices

  • Store wool in a cool, dry place.
  • Fold knits; avoid hanging all knits.
  • Use breathable cotton storage bags.
  • Keep away from sunlight (fades and weakens fibres).

Moth protection

Wool is a moth magnet because it’s a protein fibre.

Use:

  • Cedar blocks
  • Lavender sachets
  • Airtight containers for long‑term storage

Extending the Life of wool Garments

Simple tips that make a big difference

  • Wash infrequently—wool self‑cleans.
  • Air out between wears.
  • Remove pills regularly.
  • Rotate wear to reduce stress on elbows and cuffs.
  • Avoid wearing wool under heavy backpacks or crossbody bags (causes pilling).