Fabric care

Dye-run test
Cashmere
Chenille
Cotton
Denim
Microfibres
Silk/satin
Velvet
Wool
Stain removal
Books & articles
Hall of fabrics shoppe
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Dye-run test

• Wet the hidden seam of the fabric and wait for a few minutes.

• Dab the wet area with a white cloth or a piece of kitchen towel/tissue to see if the color runs.

Cashmere

• Use cool water to handwash.
  
• Squeeze suds through the fabric.
  
• Do not wring dry. Remove the water by rolling the fabric in a towel.
  
• Lie flat to dry.

Chenille

• Use warm water to handwash.
  
• Wash gently as fibers tend to shed as well as stretch when wet and heavy.
  
• Lie flat to dry.

Cotton

• Turn garment inside out to avoid loosing spangles, glitter and buttons.

Denim

• Soak jeans in salt water before washing to prevent color fading.
  
• Wash faded jeans together with a brand new pair to get the color back.

Microfiber

• Man-made fibers that are finer than silk.
  
• Can be handwashed or machine washed.
  
• Do not use bleach.

Silk/satin

• Do the Dye-run test. If color runs, send for dry cleaning.
  
• Never use bleach on silk.

Pre-washed silk

• Can be handwashed.
  
• Use cool water.
  
• Squeeze out water gently.
  
• Lie flat to dry.

Velvet

• Dry cleaning is most appropriate.
  
• Brush with a soft brush to remove dirt or particles as well as to keep the velvet pile raised.
  
• Velvets made from cotton can be steamed. Use a steam iron or fabric steamer. Hold the steamer close but not touching the fabric.
  
• Velvets made from acetate and rayon must be dry cleaned.

Wool

• Switch to the wool cycle when using machine.
  
• Turn garment inside out when using handwash.
  
• Use cool water.
  
• Do not use bleach on wool.
  
• Lie flat to dry.

Stain removal

• Attend to the stain as soon as possible.
  
• Use a cloth or tissue to stop a liquid stain from spreading.
  
• Wet water-based stain with water.
  
• A solvent based solution tackles oil-based (e.g. paint and lipstick) stains.
  
• If everything possible has been done but the stain remains, go see a pro for advice.

Candle wax

• Scrape off as much as possible.
  
• Freeze the wax in a freezer and scrape again.
  
• Sandwich the affected area between 2 sheets of kitchen towels and iron over it (medium or warm setting).
  
• Wash as usual.

Chewing gum

• Freeze the gum in a freezer and scrape off.

Cosmetics

• Use a makeup remover.

Grease

• Sprinkle talcum powder to absorb the fresh stain.

  Food stain

  
  
  • Saliva can be applied on the stain. The enzymes found in saliva can break down protein-based food stains.

  Mildrew and mold

  
  
  • Sponge with lemon juice and salt. Leave it out to the sun.
    
  • Bleach is also effective.

  Nail polish

  
  
  • Sponge with nail polish remover or banana oil.

  Rust

  
  
  • Soak in lemon juice (or white vinegar) and salt.

  Urine

  
  
  • Blot with cold water and white vinegar.

  Wine

  
  
  • Sponge with cold water and white vinegar or sprinkle salt over the stain to absorb the wine. Wash with detergent and cold water.
    
  • For stubborn stains, wash with detergent and the hottest water that the fabric can withstand.

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  Books & articles
  Hall of fabrics shoppe

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Books & articles

Creating a Healthy Household : The Ultimate Guide for Healthier, Safer, Less-Toxic Living - Lynn Marie Bower.

Use Less Stuff: Environmental Solutions for Who We Really Are - Robert Lilienfeld & William Rathje.

All About Wool : Fabric Dictionary and Swatchbook - Julie Parker.

All About Cotton: A Fabric Dictionary & Swatchbook - Julie Parker.

Cotton Now and Then - Julie Dock.

Fabric Savvy : The Essential Guide for Every Sewer - Sandra Betzina.

Passionate Patchwork: Over 20 Original Quilt Designs - Kaffe Fassett.

Dating Fabrics : A Color Guide 1800-1960 - Eileen Trestain.

The Essential Guide to Upholstery - Dorothy Gates.

Instant Fabric: Quilted Projects from Your Home Computer - Livia McRee.

Fabrications: Over 1000 Ways to Decorate Your Home With Fabric - Katrin Cargill.

Fabulous Fabrics of the 50s (and Other Terrific Textiles of the 20s, 30s, & 40s) - Gideon Bosker, et al.

Claire Shaeffer's Fabric Sewing Guide - Claire Shaeffer.

This Is a Pair of Levi's Jeans : The Official History of the Levi's Brand - Lynn Downey, et al.

Laundry symbols

Removing soot & smoke odor from fire-damaged fabrics

Hall of fabrics shoppe

Chenille
Throws, cushions, slipcovers & rugs.

Cashmere
Throws, cushions, slipcovers, shawls, jackets & more

Denim
Throws, cushions, slipcovers& clothings.

Silk
Sarongs, ties, napkins, lamp shades & more.

Velvet
Cushions, slipcovers, bedclothes, towels & more.

Kimono, cape, wrap & more

The fabric marketplace

Rowenta DG-050 Lightweight Iron with Steam Generator

T-Fal 1824 New Avantis Iron

Fabric steamer

The washing machine marketplace

Sewing machines

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