man-made fibres

Man-made fibres: The right way to care for them.

Some textiles must only be dry cleaned. Included here are mainly suits and coats, e.g. those made from wool and many wool man-made fibres blends. However many fabrics made wholly or in part from man-made fibres can be washed at home without further ado or difficulty. Looking at the care label will tell you what you need to know.

In what follows we give you useful and important tips for the care of textiles wholly or in part made of man-made fibres, where the care label indicates they can be washed:

Sorting out in advance prevents colours running.
Coloureds or prints should always be washed separately from other articles.

Moderately full drums wash best.
One achieves the best wash results and least creasing when articles "swim" in the drum or hand wash solution.

Gentle or normal wash cycle suffice.
30° to 60°C are absolutely enough for textiles wholly or partly made of man-made fibres (see care label instructions). Never boil! It is best to select the "easy care" programme. In most cases a gentle spin will suffice, as these textiles are quick drying and could develop creasing when they become warm.

Soft rinsing has its advantages.
Using softening agents with articles containing a high proportion of man-made fibres improves feel and smoothness, and neutralises them against static electricity. They receive as well an extra "protective coating" against soiling and stains. Textiles with membranes should not under any circumstances be treated with softeners.

The washing is self-drying.
Articles made of man-made fibres can be hung up to drip-dry and easily pulled into shape. It is not necessary as a rule to press them. Where creasing occurs, however, they may be ironed carefully, using a damp cloth or steam iron.

If mangling is required, do it straightaway.
Large area fabrics, such as bed or table linen, can be mangled directly following the spin/rinsing.