Laundry Do’s and Don’ts for Common Fabrics

Doing laundry might seem simple—sort, wash, dry, fold. But if you’ve ever shrunk a wooly jumper or faded your favourite jeans, you know there’s more to it. Different fabrics require different care. Treating them right not only keeps your clothes looking great but also helps them last longer. Here’s a handy guide to the do’s and don’ts for washing common fabrics.

• Wash in cold or warm water to preserve the fabric’s shape and colour.
• Use a gentle cycle to prevent pilling.
• Dry on low or hang dry to avoid wrinkles.

Don’t:

• Don’t use high heat—it can damage the synthetic fibres.
• Avoid fabric softener—it can reduce polyester’s moisture-wicking abilities.

• Hand wash or use a wool-specific machine cycle.
• Use cold water and a detergent formulated for wool.
• Lay flat to dry to maintain shape.

Don’t:

• Never wring or twist—this stretches the fibres.

• Avoid hot water and agitation, which cause shrinkage and felting.

• Hand wash or use the delicate cycle in cold water.
• Use a mild, pH-neutral detergent.

• Air dry away from direct sunlight.

Don’t:

• Don’t bleach or soak—silk is delicate and can be easily damaged.

• Don’t wring or tumble dry—it ruins the fibres.

• Wash inside-out in cold water to preserve colour
• Use a gentle detergent.

• Air dry or tumble dry on low to avoid stiffness.

Don’t:

• Don’t wash too often—denim wears better with less washing.

• Don’t use bleach or harsh detergents unless you’re going for a faded look.

• Wash in lukewarm or cold water on a gentle cycle.
• Use mild detergent.

• Remove promptly and hang to dry to reduce wrinkles.

Don’t:

• Don’t tumble dry on high heat—it can shrink or damage the fibres.

• Avoid overloading the machine to prevent excessive wrinkling.

Final Tips