The Fabric Laboratory | Material Care Guide

Material Encyclopedia

Click on any material below to discover its life extension rules, including washing instructions, storage recommendations, and maintenance techniques.

Silk

Luxurious natural fiber known for its smooth texture and elegant drape. Requires gentle handling and specialized care.

Life Extension Rules

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent
Never wring or twist silk garments
Dry flat on a clean towel away from direct sunlight
Store in breathable fabric bags, never plastic
Iron on low heat while slightly damp, use a pressing cloth
Avoid contact with perfumes and deodorants

Wool

Natural protein fiber with excellent insulation properties. Durable when properly maintained.

Life Extension Rules

Wash in cold water with wool-specific detergent
Lay flat to dry to maintain shape
Store folded, not hung, to prevent stretching
Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths
Steam to remove wrinkles instead of ironing
Allow garments to air out between wears

Cotton

Versatile natural fiber that's breathable and comfortable. Easy to care for with proper techniques.

Life Extension Rules

Wash in warm or cold water to prevent shrinkage
Turn garments inside out to preserve color
Hang dry or tumble dry on low heat
Iron while slightly damp for best results
Store in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew
Avoid over-washing to maintain fabric integrity

Linen

Strong natural fiber made from flax. Known for its breathability and crisp texture.

Life Extension Rules

Wash in lukewarm water with gentle cycle
Remove from dryer while slightly damp
Iron while damp on high heat for smooth finish
Store folded to prevent creasing
Embrace natural wrinkles as part of linen's character
Wash similar colors together to prevent fading

Cashmere

Premium natural fiber from cashmere goats. Extremely soft and requires delicate care.

Life Extension Rules

Hand wash in cold water with cashmere shampoo
Gently squeeze out water, never wring
Lay flat on a towel to dry, reshaping as needed
Store folded in breathable containers
Use a fabric shaver to remove pills gently
Rest between wears to allow fibers to recover

Lyocell

Eco-friendly semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp. Combines natural feel with durability.

Life Extension Rules

Machine wash in cold water on gentle cycle
Tumble dry on low heat or hang dry
Iron on medium heat while slightly damp
Store hanging or folded depending on garment type
Avoid high heat to prevent shrinkage
Use mild detergent to maintain softness

Universal Care Principles

Storage Best Practices

Proper storage is essential for maintaining garment quality. Use breathable containers, maintain consistent temperature and humidity, and protect from light exposure.

Washing Guidelines

Follow care labels, use appropriate water temperature, select suitable detergents, and avoid over-washing to preserve fabric integrity.

Regular Maintenance

Establish routines for inspection, spot cleaning, de-pilling, and minor repairs to address issues before they become significant problems.

Need Expert Care?

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