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A Beginner's Instruction to the Different Kinds of Fabrics and How To Clean Them

We wear different types of fabrics every day, but the chances are that we don't know what they are, or even how-to sewing and take care of them. Suitable materials are worth nothing if not cleaned or maintained correctly, and improper care could be a waste of money. The basic sewing machine, such as Singer 4411, may proper all kinds of fabric.

Clothing, after all, is and should be managed as an investment. Proper care for the many clothes in your wardrobe can help keep them looking their best and prolong their use. Here are the different varieties of fabrics and how to take care of them:

Cotton

Cotton garments can be machine-washed with any detergent. As with any material, reserve bleach for whites. If bleach is needed for colored clothes, use color-safe bleach as much as possible. Machine-wash in cold or warm water with all-purpose cleanser and line dry in the shade is to avoid yellowing. For white cotton, wash with bleach on hot water background.

Synthetics (Polyester, Nylon, Spandex, etc.)

Synthetic materials don't have the risk of shrinkage, unlike more sensitive fabrics, and are resistant to water-based stains. However, friction makes them helpful to static power. Polyester, considered the “wonder fiber” of the 20th century, makes for permanent, easy-to-wash garments that appear in a wide variety of colors. It usually is designed with the support of the best heavy duty sewing machine. Most polyester materials can be machine-washed in warm water, but be sure to iron on low heat to keep the fibers from vanishing. And be sure to avoid bleach and hot water when washing spandex materials.

Rayon

Rayon is a textile made from wood pulp and is treated with chemicals, which makes it a semi-synthetic fabric. While fresh and comfortable, rayon has the drawback of losing its crispness, as well as bleed and shrink, when laundered. Consider hand-washing in cold water with mild detergent if dry-cleaning is not a choice. Air dry and iron when slightly moist.

Silk

Silk feels delicate but is quite sensitive to handle and difficult to clean. When cleaning silk, be sure to follow the garment labels. Dry-clean as much as possible. If hand-washing is a feasible option, use products formulated especially for delicate fabrics. To dry silk garments, roll them in a towel to press out the mist and hang to dry — touch with a warm iron.

Wool

Natural wool is woven from animal fur, which is an excellent natural insulator and easy to dye into many different colors. The best heavy duty sewing machine also is right for designs of it. Wool fabrics can be a cross between rugged tweeds and wool challis, and sometimes both weaves are incorporated in specific clothing. Wool knits need to be dry-cleaned but may be hand-washable in cool water depending on the label. Garments constructed of lined wool look best when dry-cleaned once a month. Be sure to remove the surface soil a damp cloth and refresh it by hanging from a padded hanger.