Certain fabrics and items require special attention when washing to ensure they
are cleaned properly and not damaged. Select from the list of fabric types for advice
and suggestions.
Acrylic Knitwear
Acrylic is prone to stretching so it is important to follow the specific care label
instructions on each garment carefully.
Waterproof Items
Coats
Depending on what the label says, either dry clean or wash with soap to maintain
your coat's waterproof qualities. Do not use detergent. But remember that soap flakes
should not be used in a front-loading machine. If you have this type of machine
you should wash the item by hand.
Gore Tex
For Gore-Tex branded clothes any detergent can be used. Remember to wash the clothes
on a gentle cycle. Do not use a fabric conditioner. Gore-Tex garments are treated
with Teflon, which makes them water repellent and a fabric conditioner can remove
the Teflon, affecting the performance of the garment. It would still be waterproof,
so water would not reach your skin, but the garment itself could become heavy and
water-logged. For more information, Freephone Gore-Tex on 1800 226 703 or visit
their website http://www.gore-tex.com/
Sofa & Cushion Covers
If the label indicates that the items are washable, use a specialist detergent to
protect these delicate fabrics and help keep colours bright.
Always wash matching items the same number of times to keep them looking a similar
shade.
Flame Retardant Finishes
Washable flame-resistant fabrics should only be washed in detergent, never soap.
Do not wash above 50°C, and do not soak, as this can remove the flame-resistant
finish. Follow care label instructions very carefully.
Fabric softeners are not for use on children's sleepwear, or other garments labelled
as flame resistant, as they may reduce flame resistance.
Blankets and Rugs
Check the care label to see if the blanket or rug is washable, and make sure that
it will fit into the washing machine easily. Launderette machines usually have a
higher load capacity and are often more suitable. We do not recommend using the
bath for washing blankets or rugs as rinsing can be difficult, and the wet item
will be extremely heavy to lift out. Detergent can also cause damage to enamel baths.
Make sure that you dry the item thoroughly and air well before use.
Duvets and Quilts
Duvets or quilts with synthetic fillings can usually be washed, but some domestic
washing machines do not have a large enough capacity to allow the duvet / quilt
to move around freely in the drum. If your article fits into your machine use a
gentle cycle, with minimum agitation. You can use normal spin.
Check the care label of feather and down filled duvets / quilts as they may not
be washable and may require dry-cleaning. If they are washable, wash on a gentle
cycle using a detergent without enzymes.
After washing, make sure they are completely dried and aired before use.
Stains on duvets should be mopped up as quickly as possible. If the filling is feather
or down, it is important to isolate the stain. Shake the feathers away from the
affected area, and then treat the stain according to what it is.
Sheepskin
Sheepskin should not be totally immersed in water because its backing can easily
dry out and crack. Although it is possible to wash sheepskin successfully in water,
this will have an effect on the condition of the article. We recommend using a specialist
to clean sheepskin.
Check the care label and if it is washable, use the wool cycle with a detergent
which is pH neutral and does not contain enzymes. If the item is not washable, have
it cleaned by a professional.
Pillows
Many foam and feather pillows can be washed, but it is worth noting that drying
can take a long time. Professional dry cleaning may be a better option, but ensure
that the pillows are well aired to get rid of any residual fumes.
If you do wash your pillows, ensure that the machine is large enough. Take care
that the fabric case is robust and will not allow the filling to come loose, causing
potentially serious damage to the machine. To prevent this, we recommend washing
the pillow inside a pillowcase.
Always cover a pillow with a pillow case, and treat stains immediately. If the filling
is feather or down, it is important to isolate the stain. Shake the feathers away
from the affected area, then treat the stain according to what it is.
Modern Fabrics
When washing microfibres such as Tactel, sort according to soiling and colour. Wash
light fabrics separately on a low temperature and a low agitation programme.
For Cupro and Tencel using a fabric conditioner reduces creasing and maintains the
appearance of the fabric.
Exceptions
Trimmings on garments can affect how they are washed or which
product is used. For example, if a garment has a leather collar the care label may
say 'Dry Clean Only' even if the rest of the garment is washable.