In a world where the majority of clothes are now made out of synthetic fibres like polyester, viscose and rayon, buying natural fibres like linen, cotton and wool feels luxurious. Not only are natural fibres more likely to last longer, they’re better for the environment and they’re much more breathable. But, compared to synthetic fibres, natural fibres require a lot more upkeep when it comes to laundry. Simply throwing a cotton shirt or a pair of linen pants in the washer and dryer isn’t enough. So, if you’ve ever wondered how to wash your linen, denim, cotton or wool clothes, look no further. Here’s our fool-proof guide.
How to wash linen
Linen is a Summer wardrobe staple thanks to its moisture wicking abilities and anti-sweat properties, but it can be a bit high maintenance when it comes to washing. If you wear a lot of linen, you’ll know firsthand that it tends to wrinkle and shrink if it’s not washed properly. Here’s how to properly wash linen.
When it’s time to give your linen a wash, make sure you’re using cold or lukewarm water – linen doesn’t react well to hot water. If you’re using a washing machine, pick a gentle cycle and stick to using a mild laundry detergent. Bleach, heavy-duty detergents and other harsh chemicals can damage and discolour your linen. Linen should also be washed by itself or with other soft fabrics to keep it looking its best.
As for drying linen, once it’s washed, it should be hung out to air dry. While it might be tempting to throw linen into the dryer, it’s more likely to shrink and damage this way. If you’re in a pinch and need to machine-dry your linen, make sure you stick to low heat. However, if you want to avoid wrinkles, take your linen out while it’s still slightly damp and hang it or lay it flat to dry – et voila, clean, fresh linen every time.
How to wash cotton
Cotton can be found in just about everyone’s wardrobe, it’s a durable and breathable fabric that’s pretty low-maintenance when it comes to upkeep. When you’re washing cotton, you’ll need to start by separating your whites, colours and darks because cotton is more prone to colour bleeding than other synthetic fabrics. Cotton can be washed in cold or warm water but cold water is always your safest bet as it’s gentler on fabrics. If in doubt, always check the labels on your clothes for specific washing instructions.
As for drying cotton, you’re going to want to avoid high heat altogether. Cotton has a tendency to shrink when it gets exposed to heat so air drying or tumble drying on low are the best ways to go about drying cotton. If you machine dry your cotton clothes, try to take them out while they’re still a little damp and let them finish drying on a hanger.
How to wash denim
Denim is known for its durability and because of that, it doesn’t need to be washed as often as you might think. In fact, over-washing your denim can make it quickly lose its shape and colour, so it’s best to clean it sparingly. When it’s time to wash a pair of jeans make sure you turn them inside out – not only does this keep the colour intact fresh, it also reduces visible wear on the outside of the jeans.
Just like linen, when it comes to denim, cold water is your best friend. It doesn’t interfere with the dye and prevents shrinking. You’ll only need a tiny amount of detergent when washing denim, especially for darker jeans, and avoid bleach or fabric softeners at all costs.
There’s nothing worse than accidentally shrinking your favourite pair of jeans so, after they’ve been washed it’s best to let your denim air dry. Hanging them up helps to retain their shape better than if they were tossed in a hot dryer. If you need to use a dryer try to keep it on a low heat setting so you can avoid shrinking them.
How to wash wool
Wool is one of the best fibres to have on hand in those colder months, but it can be a little finicky when it comes to laundry day. Wool is annoyingly prone to shrinking and felting which is where the fibres mesh together to become harsh and dense. Because of this, it requires gentle handling and being armed with the right knowledge.
When washing wool garments, washing them by hand is your safest bet. Fill a sink with cold water and add a wool-safe detergent. Gently swish the garment around, but don’t scrub or agitate it because this will twist the fibres. If you don’t have time to hand wash, use a wool or delicate cycle on your washing machine and make sure your cycle uses cold water.
As for drying, air drying is absolutely essential. Never put wool in the dryer, it’ll shrink beyond repair. The secret with wool is to never wring it out or twist it because this stretches the fibres and can ruin the shape. Instead, after it’s washed, you’ll need to gently press out any water residue and lay it flat on a clean towel to dry. Wool is by far the most demanding fabric, but it’s well worth taking proper care of.
