Fabric Care 101
Before you get down and dirty, it's important to know your fibers
 William Abranowicz | How to Wash Cotton Made from the fluffy fibers of the cotton plant, most cotton fabrics are preshrunk, so “you really can’t mess them up,” says Chris Allsbrooks, a textile analyst at the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute, in Laurel, Maryland. How to Wash: Machine-wash in cold or warm with all-purpose detergent. Tip: Sun yellows it; line-dry in shade. |
 William Abranowicz | How to Wash Synthetics Polyester, nylon, spandex, acrylic, and acetate won’t shrink and will resist water-based stains. Most produce static and may permanently wrinkle in a hot dryer, so dry on low. How to Wash: Machine-wash in warm with all-purpose detergent. Tip: Use fabric softener to curb static. |
 William Abranowicz | How to Wash Wool Woven from the undercoats of sheep, goats, and other hairy mammals, wool is ultra-durable. But it shrinks in warm water, so take precautions. How to Wash: Dry-clean or hand wash in cold with mild detergent. Air-dry. Tip: Use cedar hangers to repel moths. |
 William Abranowicz | How to Wash Silk Made from protein fibers produced by silkworms, this durable, luxurious fabric is treated with sizing and may have dyes that bleed. How to Wash: Dry-clean or hand wash in cold with mild detergent. Air-dry. Tip: Test for colorfastness. |
 William Abranowicz | How to Wash Rayon Created from wood pulp treated with chemicals, cool and comfortable rayon is considered a semisynthetic fabric. When laundered, it may bleed, shrink, or lose its crispness. How to Wash: Dry-clean or hand wash in cold with mild detergent. Air-dry. Tip: Iron it when slightly damp. |
 William Abranowicz | How to Wash Linen Linen, woven from fibers of the flax plant, is sometimes treated with sizing, a finish that makes it crisp. It wrinkles very easily and requires ironing. How to Wash: Dry-clean or hand wash in cold with mild detergent. Air-dry. Tip: Or machine-wash on gentle. |
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