Different fabrics, Different needs

Everybody needs love. So do your clothes.

Keeping our clothes in pristine condition not only helps us feel confident but also extends the life of our garments. However, with the wide variety of fabrics available, it can be overwhelming to keep track of how to properly care for each one. The clothes we wear every day, from cotton shirts to denim jeans, need special care to keep them looking their best. Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry – We’ve got special tips for you! By embracing sustainable garment care practices, we can not only contribute to a more conscious lifestyle but also make the most of our clothing investments.

Different fabrics, different needs

Understanding the unique characteristics of different fabrics is essential when it comes to caring for our clothes sustainably. Here are some common types.

Delicate fabrics

Delicate fabrics such as silk, chiffon, and lace require gentle treatment. Use cool water, mild detergents, and avoid excessive wringing. Our Braun irons with iCare and Eco Mode assist you always choose the right temperature for each fabric.

Natural fabrics

Fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool are natural and biodegradable. To care for them sustainably, opt for eco-friendly laundry detergents and choose lower temperature wash cycles whenever possible.

Synthetic fabrics

Polyester, nylon and spandex are examples of commonly used synthetic fabrics and are extremely versatile. The most important thing to remember with them is not to use too much heat, as they can melt more easily compared to natural textiles.

Not sure? Check the label.

First and foremost, it's important to know what you're working with. Check the label to see what type of fabric it is if you are unsure. For a cheat sheet we have explained all washing and drying symbols here.

How to wash and iron different fabrics.

Cotton

Probably the world's most popular textile and a natural fibre. To care for cotton fabrics, remember the following: when washing, use colder temperatures to prevent shrinkage and save energy at the same time. Separate by colour so you don't get stains. When ironing, use a medium temperature to avoid scorching the fabric. But for tougher creases, our turbo steam can help.

Silk

Caring for silk fabrics requires a delicate touch, just like the fabric itself. The safest way to clean silk is to hand wash it in cold water. To remove excess water, gently roll the garment in a clean towel rather than wringing or twisting. When ironing silk, opt for our smart iCare or eco mode to ensure the perfect temperature.

Linen

Linen is an easy-care fabric. To machine wash linen, use cool water and a delicates cycle. Avoid using bleach or harsh detergents that can weaken the fibres, but if you do get a stain, remove it as soon as possible. To dry linen, hang it and let the natural breeze work its magic. When ironing, linen can withstand heavy-duty ironing, so you can also use our turbo steam.

Polyester

Polyester fabrics are durable and easy to care for. They can be machine washed on a regular cycle and ironed on a low to medium heat setting. Polyester dries quickly, so either air drying or tumble drying on a low heat is sufficient. Avoid high heat to prevent damaging or melting

Denim

Wash denim inside out in cold water to maintain colour and prevent fading. Use a mild detergent specifically designed for dark or indigo-dyed fabrics. Avoid tumble drying to prevent shrinkage and maintain the shape of the garment. When ironing denim, turn the garment inside out and use a medium heat setting.

Wool

To clean wool garments, hand wash in cold water is ideal to prevent shrinkage. Use a mild detergent designed for wool to avoid damage. After washing, gently squeeze out excess water and roll the garment in a towel before reshaping and laying flat to dry. If ironing is necessary, use a the wool setting on your iron with mechanical thermostat or use an iron with iCare mode if you don’t want to worry about the correct settings.

Pro-tip for delicate fabrics: laundry bags.

The main purpose of a laundry bag is to protect delicate fabrics such as nylon, wool, silk, lace and more. These fabrics are prone to pilling and stretching. By using a zip-closure laundry bag, you can effortlessly protect them from these risks, ensuring their longevity and quality.

It's all about the heat.

Just remember: some garments don't mind being hot, others do. Air-drying is best for delicate fabrics such as silk, lace and cashmere, as they are more fragile and can be damaged in a tumble dryer. These fabrics benefit from a gentle airflow to maintain their quality. On the other hand, sturdier fabrics such as cotton, linen and denim can handle the tumble dryer just fine. They are more durable and better suited to the higher heat and agitation of tumble drying. If you're unsure about ironing, try Braun's smart iCare and Eco Mode, which protects all kinds of ironable fabrics with the right temperature.

Explore our steam irons

How to keep your clothes happy.

Storing your clothes correctly is just as important as washing and ironing them. Follow these tips to ensure your clothes stay in great shape.

Clean before storage

Say goodbye to stifling plastic bags or airtight containers that trap moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria. Instead, opt for breathable cotton storage bags or reuse pillowcases and cotton sheets as protective covers. These materials allow air to circulate, keeping your clothes fresh and happy during their hibernation.

A breath of fresh air

Fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool are natural and biodegradable. To care for them sustainably, opt for eco-friendly laundry detergents and choose lower temperature wash cycles whenever possible.

Avoid sunlight and humidity

Just like people, clothes have their own preferences. Direct sunlight can cause fabrics to fade over time, so it's best to store your clothes in a cool, dry place away from windows. Excessive humidity can create a cosy environment for mold and mildew, causing irreparable damage. Consider using moisture-absorbing sachets or silica gel to keep humidity levels optimal and your clothes in pristine condition.

Did you know?

Historical records show that people were using cotton and wool to make natural fabrics as early as 3000 BC. Maybe our clothes will last just as long with the right care.

Perfect Ironing Job

Do you know how to be as fast as possible, with minimum effort and still achieve impeccable results?

Sustainable Energy Use

Did you know that there are many ways to optimize energy consumption when caring for and washing your clothes? We have put together a few tips and tricks for you here.

Braun CareStyle Compact steam generator iron

Save 50% time and space.

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Different fabrics, Different needs

Everybody needs love. So do your clothes.

Different fabrics, different needs

How to wash and iron different fabrics.

Cotton

Silk

Linen

Polyester

Denim

Wool

Pro-tip for delicate fabrics: laundry bags.

It's all about the heat.

How to keep your clothes happy.

Clean before storage

A breath of fresh air

Avoid sunlight and humidity

Did you know?

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Ironing

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Food preparation

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Breakfast

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Get inspired

Support

Different fabrics, Different needs

Everybody needs love. So do your clothes.

Different fabrics, different needs

How to wash and iron different fabrics.

Cotton

Silk

Linen

Polyester

Denim

Wool

Pro-tip for delicate fabrics: laundry bags.

It's all about the heat.

How to keep your clothes happy.

Clean before storage

A breath of fresh air

Avoid sunlight and humidity

Did you know?

Kitchen

Ironing

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