How to Wash Clothes by Material: The Complete Guide
There's nothing worse than finding your favorite sweater shrunk or your t-shirt misshapen after a wash. We know: every fabric has its own unique requirements. And yet, due to a lack of time or knowledge, we often end up mixing everything up. The result? Damaged clothes, faded colors, and a wardrobe that wears out too quickly.
So to extend the life of your favorite pieces, here is a simple and practical guide to know how to wash each type of material without missteps. 👌
👕 1. Cotton: Easy, but not invincible
What you need to know: Cotton is a very durable natural fiber. It can be machine washed, but be careful with the temperature!
Washing instructions:
Temperature: 30 to 40°C (60°C for white household linen only)
Spin: moderate (800-1000 rpm)
Tip: Wash colored cotton clothes inside out to prevent the colors from fading.
🧶 2. Wool: Soft… but capricious
Things to know: Wool can felt and shrink if washed too hot or too quickly.
Washing instructions:
Temperature: 20 to 30°C maximum (wool or hand cycle)
Spin: low (400-600 rpm), or spin gently by hand
Tip: Use a special wool detergent and avoid fabric softener.
You will find wool items such as Vintage Wool Sweatshirt XL-Men - Terkay and many more.
👗 3. Silk: Luxurious and fragile
What you need to know: Silk is delicate and sensitive to heat, hard water and friction.
Washing instructions:
Temperature: cold or lukewarm water (30°C max)
Preferably by hand, or delicate cycle
Drying: never in direct sunlight or in a tumble dryer
Tip: Use a mild or special silk detergent, without enzymes.
👖 4. Denim: Stronger than you think
What you need to know: Denim often bleeds at first and can wear out prematurely if washed too often.
Washing instructions:
Temperature: 30°C or 60°C but choose 30°C, it's more ecological :)
Inside out to preserve the color
Avoid spinning too hard
Tip: Wash your jeans as infrequently as possible. A tip? Air them out or freeze them to eliminate odors between washes.
So more confident about buying jeans?
🧥 5. Synthetic Materials (polyester, elastane, nylon, etc.)
What you need to know: Easy to live with, but they retain odors and can become statically charged.
Washing instructions:
Temperature: 30 to 40°C
Normal or synthetic cycle
Avoid high heat tumble drying
Tip: Use an anti-static cloth in the machine if your clothes stick together.
👚 6. Linen: Natural and breathable
What you need to know: Linen wrinkles, but it washes well. It even gets softer with each wash.
Washing instructions:
Temperature: 30 to 40°C
Gentle spin
Iron while still slightly damp for best results
Tip: No tumble drying if you want to avoid warping it.