Storage
Repair and clean textiles before you store them.
Separate layers of delicate details with acid-free white tissue paper.
Store textiles in breathable containers to prevent bacteria and moisture from building.
Hang items whenever possible.
Consider rolling textiles to avoid wrinkles.
Care
Try to deal with stains immediately by blotting, rinsing, or soaking them. Then spritz with stain remover before washing them.
Follow the instructions on the tag.
In general, the less agitation, the cooler the water, and the less harsh the soap, the better for your textiles.
Textiles around your home
– Linen tablecloths: Hand wash in cold water or on a gentle cycle. Hang to dry, then iron while it’s still damp.
– Adorned table linens: Spot treat or hand-wash since they won’t hold up well in the washing machine.
– Decorative pillows: Look for removable covers, and check the care label before buying — you might want to skip the purchase if it can’t be machine-washed.
– Wool blankets: Wash them on a delicate cycle and low spin mode. Use a gentle detergent made for wool or silk, and dry wool flat on a towel.
– Rugs: Spot treat or steam clean large rugs. For smaller rugs, check the label to see if it can go in the washing machine. Visit the laundromat if your washing drum isn’t big enough.
Specialty clothes and finicky fabrics
– Leather coat: Spray-protect it when you buy it and also seasonally. Let any water dry naturally. Take it to a dry cleaner that specializes in leather if it needs a deep cleaning.
– Down coat: Choose a delicate cycle and don’t use a top-loading machine. Tumble dry it on low heat with dryer balls to fluff up the down.
– Blazer or men’s suit: Dry cleaning frequently will eventually damage the fibres. Steam instead to remove bacteria and kill odors.
– Sequins: Flip the garment inside-out and put it in a mesh laundry bag.
– Silk (including lingerie): Hand wash in lukewarm water with a small bit of detergent that doesn’t have stain-fighting enzymes.