Always look for the garment care label and follow the washing instructions. Washing machines, powders and fabrics are specially manufactured to ensure that when washed at the right temperature your clothes will come out looking their best time after time.

The wash tub symbol tells you the washing process to be used.

The washing symbol is generally illustrated as a tub filled with water. If the garment is machine washable, it simply tells you the recommended washing temperature and the correct washing cycle. When you see one line drawn underneath the tub, it means that your garment should be washed on a synthetic cycle which offers a medium agitation wash along with a low-speed spin cycle that’s best for your synthetic fibres. It’s essential to wash at the correct temperature as this will protect the fabric and keep your clothes looking newer for longer along with the following tips:

• Close all zips, undo buttons, and flatten out collars and cuffs.
• Check pockets and linings or loose or sharp objects.
• Don’t overload the washing machine.
• Turn your garments inside out to avoid abrasion from other garments.
• Check garments regularly for marks or stains and remove as soon as possible (see stain removal section for some helpful advice).

Conscious tip: Even though the labels illustrate the safe washing temperature for your garment, you can wash at a lower temperature to put less stress on the material of your garment as well as helping the environment. Most modern detergents perform just as well on a lower temperature.

BLEACH SYMBOL

Before attempting to improve your whites, please consult the care label because some garments might not be able to handle bleach agents. The bleach symbol is illustrated by a triangle; if you see an empty triangle then bleach is allowed, when necessary, diagonal lines refer to the use of non-chlorine bleach and the crossed out triangle indicates that you shouldn’t use bleach at all.

Conscious tip: Chlorine based bleach is great at removing stains, but it’s also heavy on the environment. There are friendlier alternatives that can be used to whiten and brighten clothes. Natural solutions such as baking soda, white vinegar, or even lemons can help remove stains. Always test a removal method on a hidden patch of your garment.

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 using 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 minimize and reduce the creases and wrinkle.

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

Pilling & 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 by fast action, 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 was 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 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 attention 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 wad of 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.