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Cleaning fabrics the right way     

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Are you ever confused over whether you can dry-clean lace or handwash your satin? Well, Simon Rademan, South African fashion designer and stylist has decided to share some “grandma-tips”, proven procedures and google-search answers with you.  Although the suggestions on this page works, he still suggests that you always check manufacturer's instructions first and/or always try a test patch first.  If you are unsure as to whether the item you are cleaning is suitable for our instructions, take additional professional cleaning advice first.   Or read.. The stains  -  How to remove unwanted stains

The fabrics:  How to clean different fabrics:

How to clean this fabric...Antique Lace:  Hand wash in mild detergent and dry flat.

How to clean this fabric...Canvas:   Scrub with a bar of soap and rinse.

How to clean this fabric...Cashmere:   Hand wash in warm water using a gentle laundry detergent and do not rub, twist, wring or speak roughly. Lay flat on a towel to dry, covering with a second towel.

How to clean this fabric...Chenille:   Can be made from cotton, viscose, wool or silk.  If no care instructions are given, wash as for the fabric type.

How to clean this fabric...Chintz:   Dry clean only.

How to clean this fabric...Corduroy:  Wash garments inside-out in the washing machine on a slow-spin synthetics programme.  Iron on reverse while still damp, using steam.

How to clean this fabric...Damask:  Can be made from cotton, viscose, silk or a blend.  If no care instructions are given, wash as for the fabric type.

How to clean this fabric...Draylon:  Curtains:  Dry clean only.

How to clean this fabric...Felt:  Dry clean only.

How to clean this fabric...Faux Fur:  Cotton and viscose type:  Dry clean only.  Polyamide, acrylic or polyester:  Wash at 40degrees on delicates setting in washing machine. Shake well and allow to dry naturally.

How to clean this fabric...Lace:  Can be made from cotton, polyester, polyamide or a blend. If no care instructions are given, wash as for the fabric type, using non-bio laundry detergent. Put in a pillowcase before machine washing for extra protection.

How to clean this fabric...Leather:  Clothing: Leather clothing described as ‘washable’ can be sponged. Stains and marks can be tackled with soap or soap flakes, lathered up and dabbed on with a sponge. Wipe clean and hang up to dry. Have the item professionally cleaned occasionally to maintain the condition of the leather.
Gloves: Put them on then rub hands gently in a solution of warm water and soap flakes. Hang the gloves up then put them on again when almost dry to get them into shape.

How to clean this fabric...Linen:  Machine wash on a hot setting, spin and hang out to dry. Iron on reverse while still damp. Check if the item has a special anti-crease finish – if it does it must be dry-cleaned.

How to clean this fabric...Nubuck:  Use a specialist nubuck and calf-leather cleaner.

How to clean this fabric...Nylon:  Wash at 40degrees on a delicates setting in washing machine. Spin and allow to dry naturally. Absorbs colours easily so wash deep colours separately.

How to clean this fabric...Satin:  Can be made from cotton, polyester, polyamide, silk or acetate. If no care instructions are given, wash as for the fabric type. Iron on reverse while still damp.

How to clean this fabric...Sheepskin:  Coats:  Professional dry-clean only.  Apply a proprietary protective spray to prevent marks. Small spots can be treated with a suede cleaner, but test on an inconspicuous area first.  Spots on the wool side can be treated with a dry shampoo.

How to clean this fabric...Silk:  Hand wash using a mild liquid detergent unless marked dry-clean only.  Do not use biological detergents or soap flakes and do not rub or wring. Use fabric conditioner and roll in a towel to gently squeeze out excess water.  Iron while still damp.

How to clean this fabric...Suede:  Treat with a proprietary waterproof spray to prevent colour rubbing off.  Brush frequently with a suede brush.  Spots and stains can be wiped with a clean damp cloth, although heavy soiling will need to be professionally cleaned.

How to clean this fabric...Taffeta:  Dry-clean only.

How to clean this fabric...Tweed:  Dry-clean only

How to clean this fabric...Velour:  Can be made from acrylic, cotton, silk or other man-made fibres. If no care instructions are given, wash as for the fabric type or dry clean. Iron on reverse.

How to clean this fabric...Velvet:  Can be made from cotton, silk or man-made fibres.  If no care instructions are given, wash as for the fabric type or dry clean Shake from time to time while drying and smooth pile with a soft cloth.  Iron on reverse.

How to clean this fabric...Viscose (Rayon):  Cool machine wash on delicate setting.  Use short spin and do not wring.  Iron while still damp.

How to clean this fabric...Wool:  Hand wash in warm water using a gentle laundry detergent and do not rub, twist or wring.  Lay flat on a towel to dry, covering with a second towel. Do not tumble dry.  If the label permits, machine wash on a woollens programme.

A related page:  The stains  -  How to remove unwanted stains

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