1. Sorting the Clothes
- Separate light and dark clothes to prevent staining.
- Avoid washing them with heavy items, such as jeans or towels, which can wear down the fabric.
2. Choosing Laundry Products
- Use mild detergent or detergent specifically formulated for delicate clothes.
- Avoid bleach or products containing chlorine, which can fade the color.
3. Preparing the Water
- Use cold or lukewarm water (maximum temperature of 30°C).
- Hot water is the main cause of shrinkage in linen and cotton.
4. Hand Washing (Recommended to Prevent Shrinkage)
- Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water.
- Dissolve the detergent thoroughly before submerging the garment.
- Submerge the garment and move it gently. Do not scrub hard; simply press it gently to remove dirt.
- Soak for no more than 5 minutes (if it is colored, avoid soaking to prevent fading).
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water until no detergent residue remains.
5. Machine Washing (Alternative with Precautions)
- Use the delicate or "light fabrics" cycle.
- Place the garment in a protective laundry bag to reduce friction.
- Use as little detergent as possible to prevent product buildup that can stiffen the fibers.
- Do not spin-dry, or use a low spin speed to prevent distortion.
6. Proper Drying
- After washing, do not wring out the garment. Press it gently to remove excess water.
- Hang the clothes to dry in the shade in a well-ventilated area.
- Avoid hanging directly by the seam to prevent distortion; lay the garment on a towel or use a wide hanger.
- Do not use a dryer! Heat causes the fabric to shrink.
7. Ironing with Care
- Set the iron to a medium temperature (between 150ºC and 180ºC).
- To prevent marks, iron the garment inside out.
- If the garment is dry, use a spray bottle to lightly dampen the fabric before ironing.
Extra Tips to Prevent Fading:
- Add a tablespoon of white vinegar during the rinse to "set" the color.
- Avoid harsh products and excessive fabric softener, as they can weaken the fabric.
By following these steps, your linen and cotton clothes will last longer without shrinking or fading!
