Read the care label first
The care label tells you what the maker tested. It usually shows symbols for washing, bleaching, drying, ironing and professional cleaning:
- A tub means washing. Dots or a number show the highest temperature. A hand in the tub means hand wash.
- A triangle is about bleach. A crossed-out triangle means no bleach.
- A square is about drying. A circle inside means tumble drying is allowed.
- An iron shows ironing, with dots for heat: one dot is low, three is high.
- A circle on its own is for professional dry cleaning.
A cross through any symbol means don't. If a label is missing or faded, treat the piece gently: cool water, a gentle cycle, and air drying.
Care by fiber
The fiber content, printed on the label, tells you more than the garment's name. Here is how common fibers usually behave.
Cotton
Breathable and easy to wash. Can shrink a little in hot water or a hot dryer, and wrinkles unless it is a knit.
- Warm or cool wash
- Medium dryer or line
- Iron hot if needed
Linen
Cool in summer and gets softer with every wash. Creases easily, which most people accept as part of the look.
- Cool to warm wash
- Line dry, damp
- Iron while damp
Wool
Warm, springy and slow to smell. Heat plus rubbing makes it felt and shrink, so treat it gently.
- Air between wears
- Cold hand wash or wool cycle
- Dry flat
Silk
Light with a natural sheen. Water spots and strong detergents can mark it, so many labels ask for hand washing or dry cleaning.
- Follow the label
- Mild detergent, cool
- Low iron, inside out
Polyester
Holds its shape, dries fast and rarely creases. Can hold onto body odor and may pill where it rubs.
- Cool wash
- Low dryer heat
- Low iron or none
Viscose and rayon
Drapes softly and feels cool. Often weaker when wet, so it can shrink or stretch out of shape in a rough wash.
- Gentle or hand wash
- No wringing
- Dry flat or hang
Wash less, and wash gently
Much of the wear on clothes happens in the washer and dryer. A few habits help:
- Air out sweaters, jackets and trousers after wearing and skip the wash unless they are dirty or smell.
- Turn clothes inside out, close zips and fasten hooks before washing.
- Use cool water for most loads. It is gentler on color and fibers and saves energy.
- Use the amount of detergent the bottle suggests. Extra detergent can leave residue.
- Put delicates and anything with hooks or straps in a mesh laundry bag.
Drying and ironing
Heat is the main cause of shrinking and fading. Line drying or drying flat is gentlest, and drying out of direct sun helps colors last. Hang shirts and dresses on hangers to dry with fewer creases. Lay knits flat on a towel, gently shaped, so they don't stretch.
When ironing, start at the lowest heat and go up only if needed. Iron dark fabrics and anything with a sheen inside out, or use a press cloth. A steamer is gentler for many fabrics and handles creases in viscose and silk well.
Some items need special care, such as down coats, leather, beading and anything labeled dry clean only. Follow the label, or ask a professional cleaner.
For stains and storing clothes between seasons, see stains and storage.