Clothes last longer when they are treated with a little care. Always check the garment’s sewn-in care label first; when it differs from this guide, follow the label.
Everyday care basics
- Wash only when needed. Airing out lightly worn clothing reduces fading and fabric wear.
- Turn garments inside out before washing to protect color, prints, embroidery, and surface texture.
- Separate lights, darks, and strong colors. Wash delicate fabrics separately from heavy items such as denim and towels.
- Use cool water and a gentle cycle for most clothing unless the care label says otherwise.
- Use the recommended amount of detergent. Extra detergent can leave residue and trap odors.
- Close zippers, fasten hooks, empty pockets, and place bras or delicate pieces in a mesh laundry bag.
- Air-dry when possible. High dryer heat is a common cause of shrinkage, fading, and damaged elastic.
Fabric-specific tips
Cotton
Wash in cool or warm water with similar colors. Reshape while damp and use low dryer heat or air-dry to reduce shrinkage.
Denim
Wash inside out in cold water and avoid washing after every wear. Air-drying helps preserve the fit and color.
Wool and cashmere
Use a wool-safe detergent and hand-wash or select a true wool cycle only when permitted by the label. Never wring. Press out water gently, reshape, and dry flat.
Silk
Follow the care label closely. Hand-wash washable silk in cool water with a gentle detergent, or dry-clean when directed. Keep away from direct heat and sunlight while drying.
Linen
Wash gently in cool or lukewarm water. Remove promptly, reshape, and air-dry or tumble on low. Steam or iron while slightly damp if desired.
Rayon, viscose, and modal
These fabrics can weaken or change shape when wet. Use a delicate cycle or hand-wash only when allowed, avoid wringing, and reshape before drying.
Polyester and performance fabrics
Wash in cool water and avoid fabric softener, which can coat fibers and reduce moisture-wicking performance. Air-dry or tumble on low.
Bras, shapewear, and elastic garments
Hand-washing is gentlest. If machine washing is allowed, fasten hooks, use a mesh bag, select a delicate cycle, and always air-dry. Dryer heat shortens the life of elastic.
Stain removal
Act quickly, but do not rub. Blot from the outside of the stain toward the center. Test any treatment on a hidden area first, and never put a stained garment in the dryer until the stain is gone—heat can set it permanently.
- Oil or grease: Blot excess oil, apply a small amount of clear dish soap, let it sit briefly, then rinse and wash according to the label.
- Food and sauces: Scrape away solids gently, rinse from the back with cool water, pretreat with detergent, and wash.
- Blood: Rinse with cold water only. Pretreat with an enzyme detergent if the fabric permits. Avoid hot water.
- Makeup: Lift excess product without spreading it. Pretreat with liquid detergent or a fabric-safe stain remover, then wash.
- Ink: Place a clean cloth behind the stain and blot carefully with rubbing alcohol only if safe for the fabric. Rinse thoroughly before washing.
- Deodorant marks: Gently rub the fabric against itself or use a damp microfiber cloth. For buildup, soak with a fabric-safe oxygen cleaner.
- Red wine or coffee: Blot immediately, rinse with cool water, pretreat, and wash. Avoid salt scrubbing, which can damage delicate fibers.
Drying, steaming, and ironing
- Check the care label before applying heat.
- Use the lowest effective temperature and a pressing cloth on delicate, shiny, printed, or unknown fabrics.
- Steam from a slight distance and avoid over-wetting silk, rayon, and water-sensitive materials.
- Lay knits flat to dry so they do not stretch. Hang woven shirts and dresses on supportive hangers.
Storage tips
- Clean clothing before long-term storage; body oils and food residue attract pests and become harder to remove over time.
- Fold heavy sweaters and knits rather than hanging them.
- Use breathable storage containers and keep clothing away from damp areas and direct sunlight.
- Give garments space. Overcrowding causes wrinkles and can trap moisture and odors.
A note about pre-owned clothing
Materials and previous care can affect how a garment responds to washing. When a label is missing or unreadable, choose the gentlest reasonable method: cool water, minimal agitation, and air-drying. For valuable, structured, embellished, or unfamiliar pieces, a professional cleaner is the safest choice.