Cloth care
A few consistent habits are all it takes. No complicated routines — just the right approach at each stage.
Part 1
Know the Symbols
Understanding your care label at a glance
Care labels use standardised symbols to tell you exactly how to treat a garment. Here are the most common ones you'll see.
Machine wash cold, gentle or delicate
Do not bleach
Line dry in shade
Warm iron if needed, do not iron embellishment
Iron at low heat inside out, do not iron embellishment
Can be dry cleaned
Do not iron
Do not wring
Do not wash
Do not dry clean
Hand wash cold
Part 2 — Washing
Wash Less. Wash Cold.
Preserve colour, prevent shrinkage, keep the weave intact
Every cycle weakens fibre and fades colour — so the fewer washes, the longer the life. Air garments between wears and spot-clean when you can.
When a full wash is needed, cold or lukewarm water, 30°C or below, is the right choice. It preserves colour, prevents shrinkage, and keeps the weave intact. Hot water causes permanent damage — there is no situation where it helps.
Use a small amount of mild detergent. More detergent leaves residue that dulls fabric over time. Avoid anything with bleach or strong enzymes unless the care label says otherwise.
Washing Method
Hand Wash vs. Machine
When in doubt, use your hands
Delicate, sheer, or embellished pieces should always be hand washed. Swirl gently in cool water — no scrubbing, no wringing. Press water out softly and reshape while damp.
Sturdier fabrics can go in the machine on a gentle cycle. Use a mesh laundry bag, wash similar colours together, and turn garments inside out to protect the surface from abrasion.
Drying
Dry Flat. Dry in Shade.
Shape, colour, and fibre all depend on it
Lightweight and fluid fabrics should be dried flat on a clean towel — hanging them wet stretches the shape permanently. Heavier pieces can hang on a wide, padded hanger.
Keep everything out of direct sunlight; UV fades colour on every fabric, quickly. Avoid the tumble dryer where possible — heat and mechanical tumbling together break down fibre faster than almost anything else.
Ironing
Right Temperature. Always Moving.
An iron set too high scorches instantly — and it cannot be undone
Iron on the reverse side where possible, use a pressing cloth for extra protection on fine pieces, and never let the iron sit still on fabric.
| Setting | Fabric & Guidance |
|---|---|
| Cool | Fine, sheer, and delicate fabrics. Reverse side only. Use a pressing cloth between iron and fabric for extra protection. |
| Medium | Lightweight to medium fabrics. Iron slightly damp for a crisper result with less pressure needed. |
| Hot + Steam | Heavy, coarsely woven fabrics. Steam releases deep creases without excessive pressure. Check the care label first. |
Stains
Blot First. Cold Water Always.
Act fast — and never rub
Act fast and blot — never rub, which spreads the stain and drives it deeper. Start with cold water; warm or hot water sets protein stains permanently.
Work a little mild detergent gently from the outside in, rinse well, then check in good light before drying. Heat from drying permanently fixes anything left behind.
Storage
Store Clean. Store Breathing.
Invisible damage sets in long before you see it
Never store a garment dirty — invisible oils and stains oxidise over time and become permanent. Fold heavy or embellished pieces rather than hanging them; the weight pulls fabric out of shape.
Wrap fine pieces in soft muslin, not plastic bags, which trap moisture and cause yellowing. Store in a cool, dry place away from light.
Quick Reference
What to Avoid
Short list. Big difference.
- Hot water — no benefit, only damage
- Wringing wet fabric — distorts shape permanently
- Direct sunlight while drying — fades all colour
- High-heat tumble drying — degrades fibre fast
- Resting iron on fabric — scorches instantly
- Bleach or harsh detergents — strips colour and fibre
- Storing clothes dirty — stains set permanently
- Plastic storage bags — trap moisture, cause yellowing