Fabric Care Guide
A little thoughtful care helps your clothes keep their colour, shape and feel for longer.
First, a word from the label
The garment care label always takes priority over this general guide. Fabric blends, dyes, linings, trims and construction can change how an item should be cleaned. Do not wash garments marked “dry clean only” or “do not wash”; follow the label’s professional-cleaning instructions. If the label is missing or unclear, ask us or a professional cleaner before cleaning.
Gentle care basics
- Use the washing method and temperature permitted by the label. For washable garments, cold or cool water and gentle handling are a cautious starting point; never exceed the stated temperature.
- Separate light and dark colours. Turn washable garments inside out and use a mild detergent suitable for the fabric. Use a mesh bag for delicate items only when machine washing is permitted.
- Avoid prolonged soaking, vigorous rubbing, twisting and wringing. Gently press out excess water; support delicate wet garments so they do not stretch.
- Follow the label’s drying method. Where air drying is permitted, dry in a ventilated shaded spot away from direct sunlight to help preserve colour. Reshape gently and dry flat or on a suitable hanger as directed.
- Avoid high-heat tumble drying. Only tumble dry when the label permits it, using the stated setting. Check the label before bleaching, ironing or steaming.
Linen
For washable linen, use a cool gentle wash or gentle hand wash as the label allows. Avoid wringing and hot drying, which can affect shape and encourage shrinkage. If air drying is permitted, reshape and dry in shade. Linen’s natural creases are part of its character; iron while slightly damp only if the label allows, at the recommended setting.
TENCEL™ lyocell
If washable, gently hand wash in cool water or use a delicate machine cycle only when permitted. Use mild detergent and avoid excessive rubbing or twisting. Follow the label for drying; where allowed, reshape and air dry in shade. Do not assume every lyocell garment can be tumble dried.
Viscose / rayon
Check carefully: some viscose or rayon garments require professional cleaning. For washable pieces, use cool water and gentle handling. Wet fabric can be delicate and may stretch or shrink. Do not wring; gently press out water and support the garment. Reshape and dry flat in shade where the label permits. Avoid hot washing and high-heat drying.
Cupro
Do not assume cupro is washable. If the label permits hand washing, use cool water and a mild detergent, handling the fabric gently. Machine wash only if specifically allowed. Avoid soaking, rubbing and wringing. Where permitted, reshape and air dry in shade using the label’s flat- or line-drying instructions. Avoid hot tumble drying; tumble dry only if the label expressly allows it.
Cotton
For washable cotton, a cold or cool wash with similar colours is a gentle everyday option. Use warm water only if the label permits it. Heat can cause shrinkage and fading, so avoid hot washing and high-heat drying. Where allowed, air dry in shade; reshape cotton knits and dry flat if directed. Use a low tumble setting only when permitted.
Polyester
For washable polyester, use cool water and the cycle stated on the label; choose gentle handling for delicate or pleated pieces. Air dry in shade where permitted. Avoid high dryer and iron temperatures, which can damage the fabric or its finish. Tumble dry or iron only if allowed, at the labelled setting.
Silk
Many silk garments need professional cleaning. Hand wash only if the label permits it, using cool water and a detergent specifically suitable for silk. Avoid soaking, rubbing, wringing and bleach. Gently press out water with a clean towel. If permitted, reshape and dry in shade as directed, away from direct heat and sunlight. Do not tumble dry unless the label explicitly allows it; iron only as directed, preferably on the reverse with a pressing cloth.
Blends, linings and special details
Follow the finished garment’s care label, not the care advice for its largest fibre percentage. A cotton–silk blend, linen–lyocell blend, lining, pleat or decorative trim may require gentler treatment or professional cleaning. If instructions conflict or you are unsure, pause and ask before washing.
Need help?
Email hello@salientlabel.com with the product name and a photo of its care label so we can help you check the right care instructions.