Fabric care Flashcards
Care labelling
Instructions on:
- Washing
- Drying
- Ironing
- Bleaching
- Dry-cleaning
Taking care of clothes
- Remove stains and wash or dry clean.
- Mend clothes before storing.
- Use shapes/padded hangers.
- Fold knitwear and store it flat.
- Polish shoes and leather accesories.
Washing instructions
Include details on:
- Temperature
- Action (movement of clothes during wash)
- Length of spin (full or short spin)
Bar symbol
The bar symbol shows the washing action and the type of spin to be used.
Bar symbol - No bar
Maximum washing action and spin. (Cotton cycle)
Bar symbol - single bar
Medium washing action and short spin. (Synthetic cycle)
Bar symbol - Broken bar
Minimum washing action. This is the cycle used for wool. (Wool cycle.)
Preparing laundry
- Empty wash.
- Mend clothes if necessary,
- Remove stains.
- Close zips and buttons.
- Sort the clothes according to colour and wash care label.
- Follow special instructions (eg. ‘do not use biological detergent’)
Colour fast/Non-colour fast.
Colour in colour-fast fabrics do not run in the wash.
Non-colour fast fabrics are to be washed separately as colour will run in the wash.
Washing delicate fabrics. (Eg. wool, silk)
- Use a low temperature and a mild detergent.
- Squeeze garment instead of rubbing.
- Rinse several times, gently squeezing out water.
- Do not wring.
- Roll in a towel. Dry flat or drip dry.
- Use a cool iron.
Detergent
A detergent is a substance which removes dirt.
Types of detergent.
- Biological detergents
- Non-biological detergents
- Low-foaming detergents
- Hand washing detergents
- Detergents for delicate fabrics
- Eco-friendly detergents
Biological detergents
Biological detergents contain chemicals called enzymes which break down protein stains such as blood and gravy.
Fabric conditioners
A fabric conditioner is a substance that makes fabrics softer.
Stain removal.
- Act quickly before stain dries into fabric.
- Scrape or blot off, but do not rub in stains.
- Start with a mild treatment, such as soaking in cold water.
- If using commercial stain remover, first teat it on a hidden part of the garment. (Eg. the hem)
Removing bubble gum stain
Freeze and scrape off. Use a grease solvent (eg. benzene) to remove grease stain.
Perspiration, tea or coffee stain removal
Soak in warm water with biological detergent. Wash as usual.
Blood, gravy and egg (protein) stain removal
Soak in cold water immediately. If stain has set, soak in warm water with biological detergent.
Grass, ink stain removal.
Soak stained area in methylated spirits. Wash as usual.
Chocolate stain removal
Wash in hot water. If stain remains, dab with glycerine. Wash as usual.
Grease stain removal
Wash in hot water and detergent. If stain remains, dab with a grease solvent. Wash as usual.
Washing machines - guidelines for use
- Wait until you have a full load if possible.
- Use low-foaming detergent.
- Choose the correct washing programme.
- Use the economy programme where possible.
Line drying
Does not cost money and makes clothes smell fresh.
Ways to dry clothes
Line drying
Clothes horse
Tumble drying
Clothes horse
These can be used indoors, but drying causes condensation. Rooms should be well ventilated.
Tumble drying
Tumble drying is convenient but it is not environmentally friendly because it uses a lot of electricity. Some fabrics, such as wool, shrink when tumble dried.
Guidelines for using a steam iron.
- Unplug to fill water tank.
- Set iron to correct temperature.
- Iron fabrics on the wrong side unless a shiny finish is wanted.
