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What good is a cashmere sweater after a waiter spills a glass of red wine on it? A leather jacket that's mottled with mildew?
Considering the average load of laundry is valued at about $500 and that an average family sends eight to 10 loads of laundry for a spin in the washing machine each week, the answer is as important for your wallet as it is for your wardrobe.
1. Basic Blends
With any fabric blend, tailor your cleaning to the most delicate component of the garment. If either fiber or the trim or binding requires hand washing, dry cleaning or low temperature washing and drying, this will determine the cleaning care.
When in doubt, wash or dry clean according to the primary fiber in the blend.
2. Fine Fabrics
Cashmere:
Got a red wine spill? Wash on the delicate cycle - or by hand - in cold water. Don't wring cashmere - you'll damage the fibers. Reshape and lay flat to dry away from direct heat or sunlight. To remove excess water after washing, gently roll in a towel.
Pashmina:
Don't be afraid to wash this silk and cashmere blend. It spent 30- to 60 minutes in water just below the boiling point followed by two washes during the dying process that made it so lustrous-looking. Wash in warm water with a gentle, natural shampoo such as Aveda. Lay flat to dry.
Linen:
Linen washes well because it is stronger wet than dry. A 60-degree (140° F) Celsius wash is most effective as that temperature smooths the surface of the flax fibers allowing stains to be released easily. Don't pack the washing machine to capacity when washing linen because the highly absorbent fiber can absorb twice its weight in water. Always iron linen when damp - first on the wrong side to eliminate creases and then on the right side to enhance the fabric's natural sheen.
3. Jeans, Lycra, and Hemp
Blue jeans:
Turn inside out and wash in cool water, hand wash cycle. Dry flat or on a dryer rack - not in the dryer.
Lycra:
If the other fibers in the garment are machine washable, this is the recommended cleaning method for Lycra.
Hemp:
This natural fabric washes well because it is stronger wet than dry. Machine wash these clothes items in warm or cool water, permanent press or casual cycle. Hang to dry. Dry cleaning is not recommended.
Cotton:
Don't get in the habit of taking your cotton garments to the dry cleaner. The chemical process can yellow or otherwise distort the color.
4. General Tips
Dry by weight:
Dry lightweight clothes first separately to help prevent damage and shrinking. Lightweight, delicate fabrics such as lingerie are sensitive to heat and should be dried while the machine is cool.
Average-weight garments like pants and dress shirts should be dried next followed by heavyweights like towels and jeans, which can handle the hot drum.
Dry fuzzy stuff separately:
Separate lint-shedders, such as fuzzy sweatshirts, chenille robes, flannels and towels, from lint-keepers, such as knits, corduroys and permanent press and synthetic fabrics.
Leather:
Gently blot liquid clothes stains with a clean cloth or wipe with a clean damp cloth. Treat mildew stains on leather garments by blotting a small amount of antiseptic mouthwash on the affected area.
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