| Dry Clean |
Machine Wash |
Hand Wash |
Acetate
Brocade
Silk Brocade
Challis
Crepe (silk & Jersey)
Foulard
Gabardine (silk and wool)
Rayon
Voile (silk)
Washer silk
Sharkskin Pique
Slipper satin
Taffeta Pongee
Velvet Ramie
Velveteen Seersucker,
Viscose Terry cloth
Viyella Velour
Wool Washer Rayon
|
Acrylic
Batiste
Boucle
Cambric
Polyester
Cotton knit Linen
Chambray Dimity
Denim Viyella (cold water)
Jacquard Doeskin Voile(poly cotton)
Knits Faille Woolblends
Leno Lame Novelty knits
Linen Gingham
Noil Jacquard (poly and cotton)
Plisse Madras
Percale
Spandex
|
Antique Fabric
Antique lace
|
Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning is a process which involves solvents and little or no water
for washing. Make sure the solvent is distilled to remove greases, oils,
waxes and dyes. Poor solvent purity sometimes result in an objectionable
odor in the garment and a 'graying' of the white cloths.
Inform the type of stains present on the garment. Pre-spotting helps them
to eliminate stains which would otherwise be heat set after the garment is
cleaned. Be an informed and fair customer for the dry cleaners.
Wet Cleaning
Wet cleaning is a new process to replace dry cleaning. It uses water and
the process make use of computer controlled machines, soap, conditioners and
finishers. However, until this process proves to be effective in replacing
dry cleaning, consumer should be cautious with their "dry clean only"
garments.
Professional Laundering
Most dry cleaners offer professional laundering. The garments which are
washable are professionally washed and then pressed. Shirts for men's and
women's are often bleached and startch is used according to the
manufacturers label.
Home Laundering
Home lanudering the garments is easier to control and even add life to it.
Detergents should be well chosen as it usually contains wetting agents and
emulsifiers. Most manufacturers use fillers to the product which takes more
detergent with each wash. However, now detergent companies have started
reducing fillers.
Bleach should be added to only colorfast garments otherwise it may
gradually remove the dyes or color. Whiteners are either bleach or bluing
agents. Chlorine bleaches are safer on cotton/polyester and some man made
fabrics. Using cold water is often more effective.
Softeners often contains wax, which leaves a coating on the fibers. Thoughf
if make the fabric feel soft but also reduces the absorbency of the fiber.
Some softeners contain perfume which creats an allergy related problem for
many people.
Pressing or Ironing
Pressing after cleaning is also considered important. Pressing linen and
silk items require skilled professional presser. Linen can be pressed with
higher heat but should be pressed when damp. Silk requires lower temperature
and it should be steam ironed, better if a press cloth is used. Wool
requires steam press and a moderate temperature.
