Washing and ironing tips.

1. Wash moderatly - From an environmental perspective the best thing would be not washing at all. But most garments need to be washed every once in a while. If a garment is not visibly dirty it is sometimes enough to air it. This is especially true of wool that have the ability to clean itself.

2. Fill up the machine - Many modern washing machines weigh the laundry to use the right amount of water. In older machines this faunction is rare and it is therefore advisable to take the habit of always filling the machine.

3. Prewash is rarely needed - A prewash is only necessary if the clothes are very dirty.

4. Avoid softeners - Softener is not nice to the environment and when washing with softener it will follow the waste water. Certain garments and textile fibers are even damaged by softeners. Function clothing loses its ability to breathe and absorb moisture and towels get poorer absorption capacity. A cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative for softer clothes is to use a small amount of vinegar instead of softener.

• Cotton - Iron with a hot iron on a slightly damp garment.
• Linen - Iron with hot iron on reverse and then on the right side to bring a glossyness to the garment. Dark linen fabric is to be ironed only on reverse.
• Silk - Iron on medium heat on slightly damp fabric.
• Wool - Knitted wool. Turn the garment and press it to dry on the outside with a medium hot iron or steam iron. Woven wool. Press dry on the right side with a press cloth to not burn the fabric, with a medium iron or steam iron.
• Acrylic - When necessary press on reverse with a cool iron. Do not use steam or a damp cloth.
• Nylon and polyester - Iron only on reverse with cool iron to prevent glossyness.
• Acetate - Iron on reverse with cool iron.

AVOID GLOSSY MARKS AND IMPRINTS

To avoid glossy marks and imprint it is good to use a well padded ironing board. If possible iron garments on reverse. Delicate and printed fabrics should always be ironed on reverse with a cool iron.