Clothing Care Instructions

Professional tips to keep your garments looking their best and lasting longer

General Care Principles

Read Care Labels

Always check and follow the care label instructions on your garments. These symbols provide essential information about washing, drying, and ironing requirements.

Sort by Colour & Fabric

Separate darks, lights, and colours. Wash similar fabrics together to prevent damage from different washing requirements.

Turn Garments Inside Out

Protect the outer surface of your clothes by turning them inside out before washing. This prevents fading and pilling.

Use Appropriate Water Temperature

Hot water can shrink and fade clothes. Use cold water for darks and colours, warm for lights, and hot only when necessary.

Fabric-Specific Care

Cotton

  • Machine wash in warm water
  • Tumble dry on medium heat
  • Iron while slightly damp for best results
  • Pre-treat stains before washing

Wool

  • Hand wash in cold water or use wool cycle
  • Use wool-specific detergent
  • Lay flat to dry, never hang
  • Store with cedar or lavender to prevent moths

Silk

  • Hand wash in cold water with gentle detergent
  • Never wring or twist
  • Dry away from direct sunlight
  • Iron on reverse side with low heat

Synthetic Fabrics

  • Machine wash in warm water
  • Use fabric softener to reduce static
  • Low heat drying to prevent melting
  • Iron on low to medium heat

Denim

  • Wash inside out in cold water
  • Air dry to prevent shrinkage
  • Wash infrequently to maintain fit and colour
  • Spot clean when possible

Linen

  • Machine wash in cool to warm water
  • Remove while slightly damp for easier ironing
  • Iron with high heat and steam
  • Hang immediately after wearing to air out

Proper Storage

Hanging vs. Folding

Hang: Suits, dresses, blouses, trousers, and anything prone to wrinkling.

Fold: Knitwear, t-shirts, jeans, and heavy items that may stretch on hangers.

Climate Control

Store clothes in a cool, dry place. Avoid damp basements or hot attics. Use moisture absorbers in humid conditions.

Protective Measures

Use garment bags for special items, cedar blocks for wool, and ensure proper ventilation to prevent mildew.

Seasonal Storage

Clean items before long-term storage. Use breathable garment bags and check periodically for any issues.

Stain Removal Guide

Oil & Grease Stains

Blot immediately, apply washing-up liquid directly to the stain, let sit for 10 minutes, then wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric.

Blood Stains

Rinse with cold water immediately. Soak in cold saltwater, then wash normally. Never use hot water on blood stains.

Sweat Stains

Pre-treat with a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water. Let sit for an hour, then wash with enzyme detergent.

Red Wine

Blot immediately, rinse with cold water, apply white wine or salt to absorb, then wash normally.

Ink Stains

Dab with rubbing alcohol using a cotton bud. Work from outside in to prevent spreading, then wash normally.

Grass Stains

Pre-treat with enzyme detergent or rubbing alcohol. Let sit for 15 minutes, then wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric.

When to Seek Professional Help

Dry Clean Only Items

Suits, formal wear, wool coats, and items specifically labelled "dry clean only" should always go to professionals.

Stubborn Stains

If home remedies fail, professional cleaners have specialised equipment and solutions for tough stains.

Delicate Fabrics

Vintage items, beaded garments, and delicate fabrics benefit from professional cleaning expertise.

Repairs Needed

For tears, loose buttons, or alterations, professional repair services ensure quality results that extend garment life.