Every fabric is different. Cotton behaves differently to silk. Wool reacts differently to synthetics. Yet most people throw everything in the machine on the same setting and wonder why their clothes shrink, fade, or lose shape within a few months.
This guide breaks down how to correctly wash the most common fabric types — so your clothes last longer, look better, and stay in the condition they deserve.
Cotton
Cotton is the most forgiving fabric. It can handle machine washing and reasonably high temperatures. However, it does shrink in hot water — especially the first few washes.
- Use cold or warm water (30°C) for dark or bright colours
- Warm water (40°C) is fine for whites and light colours
- Turn dark clothing inside out before washing to reduce fading
- Tumble dry on low heat or air dry for best results
Wash cotton T-shirts inside out on a cold cycle — this alone can double how long the colour stays vivid.
Silk
Silk is one of the most delicate fabrics and deserves the most care. Heat, agitation, and harsh detergents are all enemies of silk.
- Always hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent
- Never wring or twist — gently press water out
- Dry flat in the shade, never in direct sunlight
- When in doubt, always dry clean
"Silk is not just a fabric — it's an investment. Treat it like one."
Wool
Wool felts and shrinks when exposed to heat and agitation. The fibres lock together permanently — and there's no going back once it happens.
- Hand wash in cold water or use a wool/delicate machine cycle
- Use a wool-specific or very mild detergent
- Never put wool in the dryer — always dry flat
- Store folded, never on hangers (hanging stretches wool permanently)
Synthetic Fabrics (Polyester, Nylon, Lycra)
Synthetics are generally easy to care for, but they absorb odours more than natural fibres — so they need proper rinsing.
- Machine wash on a cool cycle (30°C)
- Avoid high heat in the dryer — synthetics can warp permanently
- Air dry when possible for sportswear and activewear
- Wash inside out to reduce pilling
For garments labelled "dry clean only", or anything made from silk, heavy wool, or premium blends — our professional team handles them with the right solvents and processes every time. Book a pickup here.
The Golden Rule
Always check the care label before washing anything. The symbols on the label tell you exactly what the garment can and can't handle. When the label says dry clean only — it means it. When it says cold wash only — it means it.
And when you're not sure, or when a garment is too precious to risk — that's what Clenzit is for.