Fabric Care Guide: How to Properly Care for Different FabricsUpdated 11 days 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. For any Wool/merino or silk fabrics, use detergent designed for wool and silk.
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. Shaping: Gently pull the fabric to restore its original dimensions when wet.
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?

Regular washing can refresh the garment. It prevents pilling, brings the garment back into shape, and in garments with possum, it can refresh the fibres to prevent them from looking flat.

When to Wash

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

Avoiding Moths

If you’ve discovered small holes in your wool garments, moths are often to blame. Moth larvae hatch and feed on natural fibres like wool, creating irregular holes in the fabric. These pests can enter your home through open windows or come into contact with your clothing while you’re outdoors.

To help prevent moth damage:

• Clean before storing: Always wash or dry-clean woollen garments before putting them away, as moths are drawn to fabrics with traces of body oils, food or perspiration.
• Store airtight: Use sealed containers or vacuum bags to keep garments protected, especially over the summer months.
• Add natural repellents: Cedarwood blocks, lavender sachets or cloves in your wardrobe or storage containers can help deter moths naturally. Please note, natural methods can help repel moths, but it is not always reliable.
• Keep storage areas dry: Moths prefer humid environments, so store garments in cool, dry spaces.
• Air garments regularly: Shake out and air stored items every few months to disturb any larvae or eggs.
• Vacuum often: Clean wardrobes, drawers and surrounding areas regularly to remove any potential eggs or larvae.

If you're storing your woollens for the season, it’s a good idea to inspect them periodically to avoid any unpleasant surprises when the weather cools down again. Moth holes usually appear as small, irregular patches where the fibres have been eaten away.

Here are some general guidelines to follow to extend the life of your garments:

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. First, wash the garment according to it's care instructions. If this doesn't work, very carefully 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.