Garment Care

DRYING SYMBOL

The above symbols will help you establish the correct drying method. Essentially, the more dots the higher the permitted temperature. The crossed out drying symbol simply means avoid tumble drying and their damaging effects on certain materials.

Conscious tip: Tumble dryers requires a lot of energy and causes stress on the fibres and can distort the shape of your garment. Air drying is much more sustainable and will prolong your wardrobe.

In cases where tumble drying is not appropriate, there will often be alternative drying methods suggested such as dry flat or drip dry.

• Reshape whilst damp, by gathering the hem in one hand, holding the shoulders in the other and pulling back into shape.
• When line drying shirts or jackets, always hang from the tail.
• When line drying knitted garments, always fold over the line and position pegs at the underarm.
• When line drying trousers or skirts, always hang from the waist.
• Do not leave clothes exposed to the sun after they have dried.
• Avoid drying garments on radiators or in intense heat as this could distort the shape.
• Drying garments by hanging on coat hangers minimizes creasing and speeds up the drying time.

DRY CLEAN SYMBOLS

A circle indicates if your garment is suitable for dry cleaning, while the letters instruct on the required solvent to use.

Conscious tip: Dry cleaning is a highly chemical intense process. A simple alternative is to hand wash delicate fabrics using mild soap and lukewarm water.

Unfortunately, irreparable damage can easily happen if the recommended heat setting is not adhered to, especially for delicate fabrics. The ironing symbol is illustrated as an iron with dots which indicates the temperature setting.  Again the more dots the higher the temperature.

• Do not iron directly onto a printed garment, always iron on the reverse.
• When ironing dark garments avoid ‘iron shine’ by either pressing on the inside of the fabric or through a damp cloth.

Conscious tip:  As ironing can cause stress on your garments, a good alternative to iron is to simply hang your clothes in the bathroom while you’re having a hot shower as the steam should smooth out the wrinkles. Hanging your garments to air dry will also minimise and reduce creases and wrinkle.

Shrinkage: The major contributing factors to shrinkage are heat and excessive agitation. Therefore, do not wash at too high a temperature and always wash on the most appropriate cycle, following the care instructions.

Piling & Bobbling: Abrasion and lack of regular washing cause fibre balls to appear on the surface of the fabric. Remove carefully by brushing or picking off.

Fading in the Sunlight: Sunlight can be very harmful to fabrics and the effects are irreversible. Reduce exposure to direct sunlight wherever possible.

Colour Staining: Always wash similar colours together. Never leave damp garments together for any length of time.

Most stains can be rectified with a combination of fast action, some basic household items and these helpful tips.

White Wine: Rinse the stain in warm water then soak in a warm detergent solution.

Red Wine: First soak the stained area immediately in white wine or soda water to remove the colour, then launder as per the care label.

Beer & Spirits: Firstly, rinse or soak the stain in lukewarm water and then launder in heavy duty detergent as per the care label.

Coffee & Tea: Soak up liquid with an absorbent cloth and sponge with warm water. Rinse with cold water and wash as per the care label.

Food: Soak the stain in cold water and salt or in warm soapy water and then wash immediately as per the care label.

Fat, Grease & Oils: Remove as much of the deposit as possible and work in neat washing up liquid with fingers. Treat with warm water and then wash immediately as per the care label.

Ball Point Pen: Apply methylated spirit or glycerine sparingly and mop up any loose colour. Rub any remaining stain with detergent and wash as per the care label.

Make-up: Do not rub the stain. Pat with talcum powder to soak up any grease and then work in neat washing up liquid with fingers before washing.

Extra tips and advice

• Most stains can be removed by soaking in cold water, but as with all stains prompt action is important.
• Do not use hot water to rinse the stain as this may cause it to set.
• Place the stain over an absorbent cloth or kitchen paper. To avoid the dreaded ring, first target the area around the stain and then work towards the centre.
• Always test the removal method on a hidden part of the garment first to ensure that it does not harm the fabric.