Fabric Care Guide: How to Properly Care for Different FabricsUpdated 8 months ago

At Untouched Word, we understand the importance of extending the lifespan of your cherished garments. Proper care is the key to ensuring your favorite pieces remain as beautiful and comfortable as the day you first laid eyes on them. To help you navigate the world of garment care, we've prepared this comprehensive breakdown for different fabric types.

Handwash Only Fabrics

(Kapua™, Cassum™, Ecopossum™, Alpaca Silk, Mohair, etc.)

1. Washing: Use cool water and a detergent specifically designed for wool or silk. Avoid regular laundry detergents as they can damage these natural fabrics.
2. Rinsing: After washing, gently squeeze out excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting to maintain the garment's shape.
3. Drying: Lay the garment flat on a towel, ensuring it's free of wrinkles or folds. Allow it to dry completely before moving.

Machine-Washable Fabrics

(Total Easy Care Merino, Cooltree™, Most Apparel Garments)

1. Washing: Use a gentle wool/delicate cycle with cold water and low spin. Opt for wool or silk-specific detergent.
2. Drying: Similar to handwash-only fabrics, lay the garment flat on a towel to dry.
3. Alternative Drying: For woven fabrics, line drying or air drying on a hanger is acceptable. Check care labels for suitability.

Dry-Clean Only Fabrics

(Blazers, Coats, etc.)

• Warning: Always adhere to the "Dry-Clean Only" label to avoid damaging the garment.
• Eco-Friendly Option: Choose an eco-friendly dry cleaner to minimise environmental impact.

Reshaping Your Garment

1. Stretching: Gently pull the fabric to restore its original dimensions.
2. Setting: Allow the garment to dry completely to maintain its reshaped form.
3. Ironing: Use a wool setting to remove wrinkles and help with reshaping.

How to Prevent Shrinkage

• Caution: Wool can shrink if not cared for properly. Always use cold, gentle cycles and wool-specific detergent. Never use a tumble dryer. Only ever put one garment in the wash a time, as the rubbing against other garments can cause a felting process to occur.
• Use a high water level when machine washing or handwashing to allow the garment to move around easily without friction.

Why Wash Knitwear?

• Benefits: Regular washing can refresh the garment and prevent pilling.
• Stretching: Washing helps maintain the garment's shape.

When to Wash

• Frequency: Depends on wear and visible changes to the fabric. Normally after 5 wears.
• Signs: If you notice pilling, stretching, or balding, it's time for a wash.

By following these guidelines, you can extend the life and quality of your garments.

Here are some general guidelines to follow:

1. Read the care instructions: Each garment comes with specific care instructions on the label or tag. Please read carefully and follow these instructions to ensure the best care for your item.
2. Washing: We recommend following the care instructions for each garment, as washing methods may vary. In general, most of our items can be hand washed or machine washed using a gentle cycle and cold water. Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach.
3. Drying: Air drying is the preferred method for most Untouched World garments. Lay them flat on a clean surface or hang to dry. Avoid wringing or twisting the garments, as this may cause stretching or damage. It is recommended to dry chunky or heavy knitwear in a flat position rather than hanging it, as hanging such garments may lead to stretching.
4. Ironing and steaming: If ironing is necessary, follow the care instructions and use a low-temperature setting. Alternatively, you can use a steamer to remove wrinkles gently.
5. Storing: When not in use, store your garments in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid hanging heavy items on delicate garments to prevent stretching or distortion. To prevent moths from damaging the natural fibres of our garments, it is essential to store them in an airtight container. This is particularly important because our garments are made from natural fibres.
6. Pilling: At Untouched World, we source the most superior and quality fibres to protect our garments from pilling with wearing. Pilling in certain areas under heavy rubbing can be unavoidable and some pilling may occur on certain fabrics, especially during initial wear. This is a natural characteristic and can be minimised by following proper care instructions. Use a fabric shaver or a pilling comb to remove any pills.

If you have a specific care question about your Untouched World garment, please contact our Customer Support team. Provide them with the details of the garment and the specific care concern, and they will assist you with the appropriate care advice.