Fabric Care Guide
General care instructions for different fabric types
How to best care for fabric and garments can vary based its washing, drying and ironing requirements which can vary depending on the contents of the fabric and the fiber properties. Some fabrics may require ironing, while others demand dry cleaning. We have listed a few general guidelines from Yardblox on how to care for different types of fabrics.
We recommend to always test with a swatch or sample yardage and compare it with the unwashed fabric. Assess any changes in appearance and texture after washing, ensuring you are satisfied with the outcome. Double-check garment measurements after washing to determine the right yardage needed. It is also a good idea to pre-wash the fabric you received before starting your project as some shrinkage can occur.
Keep in mind that fabric variations may exist, and special washing instructions apply to satins, sequinned, beaded, coated, or foiled fabrics, as well as delicate items.
These tips are very general and meant only to be taken as broad suggestions for the care of your fabric and garments. Always test a swatch or sample yardage first. If fabrics have been laundered incorrectly, we won't be able to accept claims but don't worry, we're here to help you out, so feel free to reach out if you need any assistance regarding how to care for your fabrics.
Acetate
Washing: Hand wash in cold water, colors separately. Do not twist or wring.
Drying: Hang to dry.
Ironing: Avoid ironing.
Dry clean for best results.
Acrylic
Washing: Machine wash in warm water or hand wash in cold water.
Drying: Tumble dry on low heat.
Ironing: Iron on low if needed.
Bamboo
Washing: Hand wash in cold water or machine wash on a gentle cycle.
Drying: Air dry. Avoid tumble drying and dry cleaning.
Ironing: Iron on low if required.
Coolmax®
Washing: Machine wash in warm water or hand wash in cold water.
Drying: Opt for air drying to preserve the fabric's quality and elasticity.
Ironing: No ironing needed.
Dry cleaning not recommended.
Cotton
Washing: Machine wash in warm water, wash colors seperately.
Drying: Tumble dry on low or air dry.
Ironing: Iron on hot/warm.
Cupro
Washing: Hand wash in cold water.
Drying: Lay flat to dry.
Ironing: iron at low or medium temperature, always on the reverse side so they don't become shiny.
Dry clean for best results. Cupro fabric hardens slightly after washing with water. This is normal. They recover their softness with ironing.
Linen/Hemp
Washing: Machine wash in cold water.
Drying: Air dry or tumble dry on low.
Ironing: Iron while damp.
Can be dry cleaned
Merino Wool
Washing: Hand wash in cold water.
Drying: Dry flat to avoid stretching.
Ironing: No ironing needed.
Dry clean for best results.
Modal
Washing: Wash in cold water. Pure modal can be washed in any water temperature, though cold water is ideal.
Drying: Tumble dry on low to medium-high heat
Ironing: Use a medium-hot iron, and always iron on the opposite side of the fabric to prevent creating a shiny spot on the surface
Nylon
Washing: Machine wash in cold water or hand wash.
Drying: Tumble dry on low or air dry.
Ironing: Iron on low if needed. Dry cleaning not recommended.
Polyester
Washing: Machine wash in warm water or hand wash.
Drying: Tumble dry on low.
Ironing: Cool iron if required.
Ramie
Washing: Hand wash in cold or warm water.
Drying: Air dry.
Ironing: Iron on low if necessary. Dry clean for best results.
Rayon/Viscose
Washing: Hand wash in cold water or machine wash on a gentle cycle.
Drying: Air dry.
Ironing: Iron on low if needed. Dry clean for delicate pieces.
Silk
Washing: Hand wash in cold water.
Drying: Air dry.
Ironing: Iron on low if necessary or steam.
Dry clean for best results.
Sorona®
Washing: Machine wash in warm water or hand wash.
Drying: Tumble dry on low.
Ironing: No ironing needed.
Tencel/Lyocell
Washing: Machine wash in cold water or hand wash.
Drying: Tumble dry on low.
Ironing: Iron on low if required.
Tie-Dye
Washing: Rinse tie-dye items in cold water until the excess dye has been removed and the water runs clear. Then wash your tie-dye fabric a few times alone in warm water before mixing it with other items.
Drying: Hang to dry to avoid colors fading.
Ironing: Iron as instructed based on the fabric content.
Triacetate
Washing: Hand wash in cold water.
Drying: Lay flat to dry.
Ironing: Cool iron if needed.
Dry clean for best results.
Velvet
Washing: Avoid washing velvet in a machine or by hand due to its delicate nature. Professional dry cleaning is recommended to maintain its texture and sheen.
Drying: Do not tumble dry velvet, lay it flat to dry.
Ironing: Avoid ironing velvet to prevent crushing or flattening the natural pile. Instead, use a hand-held steamer to remove creases gently. Alternatively, hanging your fabric or garment in a steamy bathroom can help relax any creases effectively.
Wool
Washing: Dry cleaning is recommended although some wools can be hand washed.
Drying: Dry flat to avoid stretching.
Ironing: Many wool garments do not require ironing, but very smooth fabrics may look better if pressed. Always use steam when pressing wool. Set your iron on the wool setting and avoid ironing the fabric when it is totally dry.
Yak
Washing: Hand wash in cold water.
Drying: Dry flat.
Ironing: No ironing needed.
Dry clean for best results.
